SILICON VALLEY – Zero Defects International [ZDI] has announced the acquisition by Altest Corporation of ten state of the art Tagarno digital microscopes for utilization in their printed circuit board assembly [PCBA] manufacturing facility located in San Jose, California. These microscopes enable many inspection scenarios and they substantially enhance operator performance as well.

Brian Seng, CEO, mentioned several selection factors including technical capabilities, equipment reliability and operator ergonomics, but also the importance of ZDI's well known reputation for technical service and support. ZDI President, Michaela Brody, expressed appreciation for Altest's selection in the context of a highly competitive environment for this type of equipment.

IWATA, JAPAN – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has established a new company in Singapore aimed at expanding its business in Southeast Asia and India, where demand for robots is growing.

By conducting manufacturer-driven cross-selling in the surface mounter and industrial robot fields, Yamaha Motor intends to secure new clients in Southeast Asia and India, as well as provide high-quality after-sales services in line with international standards. The Company will also strengthen its distributor support system while working to expand its distributor network.

The new company will be named Yamaha Robotics Solutions Asia Pte. Ltd. and registration was completed on January 13, 2023. Going forward, the Company will prepare the new company’s office, equipment, and more toward a scheduled start of operations in July this year. Yamaha Motor aims to acquire major global accounts as well as clients that are shifting their production bases to Southeast Asia and India by establishing this company in Singapore, where clients, distributors, and the reach of our competitors’ headquarters intersect.

The robotics business is designated as a Strategic Business Field in the Company’s Medium-Term Management Plan. Based on the business’ Yamaha One-Stop Smart Solution concept, the Company will build frameworks enabling the prompt provision of sophisticated, all-inclusive solutions as it aims for further business expansion.

SUWANEE, GA – ASMPT today announced that last month’s IPC APEX EXPO event in San Diego was among its most successful, as a record number of attendees visited the automation leader’s exhibit. With attendance back to pre-pandemic levels, ASMPT credits its new data analytics offer, award-winning TQ L print platform, and software innovations as major draws for current and potential customers.

“Our customers are tasked with improving throughput and quality, but are also challenged to find and retain qualified personnel,” explains ASMPT Americas Marketing Manager, Mark Ogden. “This strains traditional working models and highlights the necessity for reliable, open automation, simplified interfaces, and at-your-fingertips data. ASMPT has all aspects covered, which is why our APEX exhibit was standing room only and the event an overwhelming success for our company.”

Software ingenuity steals the show

While intrigued by market-leading placement and printing hardware solutions, ASMPT show delegates also unanimously expressed their requirement for open communication protocols, intelligent production line oversight, actionable data analytics, and on-the-fly assistance. Visitors were treated to several new offers in these areas. The company’s WORKS shop floor/line level management suite allows customizable and scalable integration, enabling manufacturers to add features as needed. Among the newest additions is WORKS Material Demand Calculation (MDC), which dynamically assesses materials required on the line, and adapts to changing conditions in real-time instead of supplying to static, pre-production expectations.

Other sought-after software solutions at APEX were newly-launched Virtual Assist and SMT Analytics. SMT Analytics provides deep data collection and analysis for actionable manufacturing improvements, leveraging ASMPT equipment data and correlating it using a Critical Manufacturing MES module.

When operational troubleshooting or maintenance instruction is required, Virtual Assist uses voice recognition to deliver relevant video and documentation assistance for ASMPT equipment. This new technology integrates with the company’s online Academy training platform.

Award-winning, uninterrupted operation

Before the show’s opening, ASMPT’s DEK TQ L stencil printer was already logging wins. The brand-new platform secured a first-place finish in Circuits Assembly magazine’s NPI Award contest, edging out competitors in the stencil printing category. With a smaller footprint, faster cycle time, robust construction, and exceptional accuracy, TQ L demonstrations were in high demand throughout the three-day APEX event. The printer has a dual-cover design for hot-swappable solder paste replenishment, and expanded consumables capacity to allow full shift production without assistance. When paired with Process Expert AI capabilities, TQ L can self-correct and optimize print parameters for even greater efficiency.

Finally, at the center of the ASMPT exhibit were the company’s flexible and scalable SIPLACE SX and SIPLACE TX placement platforms, which continue to lead the electronics sector with performance and reliability. The company has seen significant Americas market share growth in recent years, with placement equipment and corresponding software ingenuity fueling these positive results.

“Electronics content is growing across almost every product category,” concludes Ogden. “This reality, combined with ever-changing market geographics, highlights the need for reliable, intelligent, fast, cost-effective factory solutions. Customers now see these capabilities as non-negotiable competitive differentiators. ASMPT did not disappoint, and our record-setting attendance further confirms that we have invested in all the right places.”

OULU, FINLAND – Today, Scanfil has signed an agreement with Christophe Sut, who will start as the new CEO of Scanfil at the latest on the 1st of September 2023. Until he assumes his new role, the current CEO Petteri Jokitalo will continue as the CEO. After that, Petteri Jokitalo will act as an advisor to the Board of Directors by the end of 2023.

Christophe Sut is currently the President of the Manufacturing Solutions at Sandvik Group. He has an extensive experience in business development, sales and marketing in B2B environment, with over 12 years in leading positions.

“I am honored to be appointed as the new CEO of Scanfil. It is one of the top players in the European EMS industry,” says Christophe Sut. “The company is financially strong and fast growing. It is a highly appreciated business partner among its customers and suppliers, and a respected employer among its employees. We have all the elements to build future success.”

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome Christophe to the company,” says Harri Takanen, Chair of the Board of Directors. ”We are delighted to get him on board and lead Scanfil to the next phase of international growth and margin improvement.”