REDDITCH, UK – In today's rapidly advancing electronics manufacturing landscape, achieving zero defects and maintaining stringent quality control standards throughout production processes are paramount. The precision alignment and attachment of components, particularly with flex circuits, can pose significant challenges that demand innovative solutions.

Recognising the need for precision and repeatability in electronics production, May & Scofield, designer and manufacturer of electronic controls and systems, turned to Altus Group, a leading capital equipment distributor in the UK and Ireland. Faced with challenges in their existing manual soldering methods, they sought a solution capable of meeting the stringent requirements for accuracy and consistency integral to their operations.

For May & Scofield's customer, zero hand soldering was mandatory. "We had an extremely challenging application of precisely attaching flexi circuits to rigid PCBs, where manual soldering was not permitted by our prestige automotive customer," said Nuno Goncalves, May & Scofield Production Manager.

After reviewing the challenge, Altus recommended Promation's Quick 9434 robotic soldering platform as the ideal solution. The Quick 9434 features a 4-axis configuration with a teach pendant for intuitive programming. It utilises Promation’s advanced hot iron system, rapidly achieving temperatures up to 500°C. A closed-loop sensor enables exceptional thermal stability and accuracy with the solder wire feeder, utilising fine-toothed gears to feed and perforate solder. This maximizes flux core outgassing to minimize solder splashing for optimum quality.

Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group said: "We're pleased to have assisted May & Scofield with advanced technology to enhance their manufacturing processes. The Promation Quick 9434 has made a difference in their production, providing precision and reliability in their soldering process.

“With minimal operator involvement, it streamlines operations while optimising resources. May & Scofield's successful adoption of the Quick 9434 demonstrates its effectiveness in overcoming manual limitations, ensuring consistent, high-quality results."

By successfully implementing Promation's Quick 9434 system, May & Scofield has automated the delicate process of flex circuit soldering, effectively addressing their complex manufacturing challenge. The system's advanced technology and precision control capabilities have overcome the limitations of manual soldering, efficiently handling fragile components. Its advanced programming and process monitoring also ensure reliable and repeatable solder joint quality.

HARRISBURG, PA – Cumberland Electronics Strategic Supply Solutions (CE3S), a leading provider of quality goods and services, proudly announces the establishment of its newest distribution center in Orlando, Florida. This strategic expansion reflects the company’s dedication to serving the Florida market and enhancing its service offerings to valued customers in the region.

With a strong presence and clientele in Florida for many years, CE3S recognized the need to bolster its support infrastructure with a physical distribution and warehouse location. This decision aligns with CE3S's commitment to delivering exceptional service and convenience to its customers, particularly those under Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) arrangements.

"This expansion represents a significant milestone for CE3S as we continue to prioritize the needs of our customers in the Florida market," said Jeremy Wagner - President/CEO at CE3S. "Establishing a distribution center in Orlando emphasizes our dedication to providing efficient and personalized service to our clients.”

Leading the operations at the new Orlando distribution center is Dave Fields, who joined CE3S last year. Fields brings extensive industry experience and a deep understanding of the Florida market, making him well- suited to oversee sales, support efforts, and operational management in the region.

"This facility marks our first warehouse location in Florida, complementing our existing offices in Harrisburg, PA, and Maryland," added Wagner. "The central location of our Orlando distribution center enables us to better serve our customers across the state, offering locally-stocked inventory and personalized service tailored to their specific needs."

CE3S's commitment to delivering a superior customer experience extends beyond its product offerings. The new distribution center in Orlando signifies the company's dedication to providing convenient access to high-quality electronics manufacturing solutions and fostering long-term partnerships with its customers.

For more information about CE3S, please visit www.ce3s.com 

WASHINGTON – The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today released the following statement from SIA President and CEO John Neuffer regarding President Biden’s State of the Union address.

“During tonight’s State of the Union address, President Biden highlighted the initial progress made in implementing the landmark CHIPS and Science Act, which is on track to greatly strengthen America’s economy, national security, and semiconductor supply chains. The Commerce Department has taken important early steps to advance CHIPS manufacturing incentives and research investments, and we look forward to seeing continued headway in the weeks and months ahead.

“Companies in the semiconductor ecosystem have announced 80 new manufacturing projects in the U.S. since CHIPS was first introduced in Congress, totaling more than $250 billion in private investments across 22 states. These projects are projected to create 45,000 direct jobs and support hundreds of thousands of additional jobs throughout the U.S. economy.

“We commend President Biden and bipartisan leaders in Congress for their longstanding efforts in support of the CHIPS Act and urge the administration to continue implementing CHIPS in an effective and expeditious manner. We also call on leaders in Washington to enact policies that will grow the STEM talent pipeline, promote U.S. technology leadership, and maintain access to global markets.

“These policies will help ensure the CHIPS Act delivers maximum benefits for U.S. semiconductor production and innovation while also promoting America’s long-term economic and national security.”

WALTHAM, MA – Essemtec is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming SMTA Monterrey Expo, scheduled to take place Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Cintermex Convention Center in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. The event will serve as an excellent platform for industry professionals to explore the latest advancements in electronics manufacturing.

Essemtec will discuss a range of cutting-edge solutions at the expo, including:

High-Speed Solder Paste Jetting: Essemtec continues to enhance its solder paste jetting capabilities with on-the-fly jetting capabilities. With a jet frequency of up to 720,000 dots per hour (dph) and a system throughput average of >= 180,000 dph depending of the design, Essemtec's solutions ensure high efficiency and precision in the soldering process.

Video: https://vimeo.com/878483377 

Integrated Inspection System (I2S): The I2S offers 2D inspection and major defect detection for dispensing and pick-and-place processes. With jetting, inspection, automatic repair, placement, and final inspection integrated into a single run, manufacturers can streamline their production processes and improve overall efficiency.

Video: https://vimeo.com/878646303 

Smart Material Management 4.0: Essemtec provides fully integrated end-to-end storage solutions with traceability down to individual components. From simple barcode labeled racks to fully automated storage cabinets, Essemtec's solutions are scalable and tailored to meet the diverse needs of manufacturers.

Video: https://vimeo.com/878951505 

4 mm EVO Feeder - 008004 Pick-and-Place: This recent development has improved the accuracy of the placement process to ± 40 µm (3σ), enabling the placement of 008004 (improved) 0.25 x 0.125 mm components. This miniaturization of electronics facilitates precision and efficiency in manufacturing processes.

Video: https://vimeo.com/823756474 

Barcode Label Feeder: Essemtec's barcode label feeder enables the marking of PCBs with unique identification labels directly during the pick-and-place process. This facilitates traceability through the placement of barcodes, data matrix codes, date stamps, and more.

Visit Essemtec at the SMTA Monterrey Expo at booth 65 to learn more about these innovative solutions and find out how Essemtec is shaping the future of electronics manufacturing. The company's team of local engineers in Mexico will provide expert insights on the latest SMT topics, offering valuable tips to enhance time-to-market, bolster production line flexibility, and optimize manufacturing costs.

For more information, visit www.essemtec.com