REDDITCH, UK — Five years ago, Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, embarked on a new partnership with batch Xray inspection solution provider Scienscope. Since then, the systems have gained momentum as electronics’ companies look for ways to increase traceability and improve quality of manufacturing as parts increase in cost, both to improve manufacturing processes and reduce any risk of error.

Scienscope’s presence in Europe has grown exponentially, with the American company working closely with Altus to take advantage of their industry knowledge. Together with Scienscope’s dedicated team in the region who support sales and aftercare, it has resulted in unified support offering to ensure customers’ needs are met.

Joe Booth Altus CEO said: “Scienscope has gone from strength to strength over the last years with the support of Adrian Radu, European Sales Manager. They have focused their attention on the real pain points experienced by our customers across X-ray and component management. They have developed tools that solve those problems better than most of the providers in the market and with a more palatable price point.”

Scienscope comes into their own when price to performance is critical. This is particularly important to Contract Electronics Manufacturers (CEMs) who require top quality results, alongside efficient and cost-effective processes.

PCBA X-ray solutions are often seen as too expensive to implement, but Scienscope is working to change that by offering affordable solutions with closed tube technology without compromising on performance. The X-Scope 3000 is one of the most popular X-ray inspection systems in the portfolio. It offers many advantages to help inspect highly complex PCBAs including a larger working area, automatic volumetric checking and measuring features.

“Scienscope’s X-ray systems pack a lot of functionality and a lot of performance for their price point and that is why we are winning projects. When it comes to component management, it’s also a no brainier as Scienscope has become a one stop shop to create gold standard component management and traceability. There are new generation systems coming soon from Scienscope that will really take the competitive advantage to a new level, so watch this space!”

To find out more about Scienscope’s products visit www.altusgroup.co.uk

NEWMAN LAKE, WA – Hentec Industries/RPS Automation, a leading manufacturer of selective soldering, lead tinning and solderability test equipment, is pleased to announce that Starlight Refined Technology Limited has purchased a Pulsar solderability system.

The Pulsar utilizes the highly proven dip- and-look test method that is a qualitative type test performed by comparative analysis after specimens are dipped in a bath of flux and molten solder. An advantage of the dip-and-look method is since it is based on comparative analysis it can be performed rapidly by shop floor personnel with minimal training as well as requiring significantly lower capital investment then a wetting balance test system. The Pulsar solderability test system complies with all applicable solderability test standards including MIL-STD-883 Method 2003, IPC J-STD-002 and MIL-STD-202 Method 208.

About Starlight Refined Technology Ltd.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Starlight Refined Technology Limited serves the semiconductor, telecommunications, and electronics manufacturing industry segments. Their core business is providing design, manufacturing tooling and precision machining services to companies throughout the Asian market. For more information, please visit: www.srt.com.hk.

About Hentec Industries

Hentec Industries/RPS Automation is a manufacturer of automated selective soldering, component lead tinning, and solderability test equipment for electronics and electronic component manufacturing, assembly, and distribution. Hentec/RPS has been advancing automated soldering and lead finishing technology for defense, aerospace, automotive, contract manufacturers and micro-electronics component manufacturers since the early 90’s. All Hentec/RPS products are designed and manufactured in Newman Lake, Washington. For more information, please visit us at www.rpsautomation.com.

BANNOCKBURN, IL — New data from IPC show that most electronics manufacturing industry executives see a recession as inevitable. IPC’s October Monthly Economic Outlook and Global Sentiment Survey found that 27 percent of industry executives believe the economy is already in a recession, 45 percent believe the economy will enter a recession in 2023, and 13 percent believe the economy will enter a recession in the fourth quarter of 2023. Industry executives expecting a recession are bracing for a longer one.

“Tight financial conditions and an uncertain economic outlook are making both businesses and consumers more cautious,” stated Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist. “We have reached the end of the post-lockdown rebound.”

Among other conclusions, the IPC survey results show:
• After declining for two consecutive months, the Materials Cost Index rose three points.
• Three-fourths (73 percent) of electronics manufacturers indicate labor costs are on the rise.
• Ease of recruitment, profit margins, and inventory available from suppliers are presently declining.
• Positively, manufacturers expect to see a decline in backlogs over the next six months.

Inflation continues to dominate the narrative, with the U.S. likely past peak inflation, while the situation worsens in Europe. Europe is expected soon to reach peak inflation, and prices continue to rise. Projections for economic growth in Europe in 2023 have been lowered, and now show a decline for the first time for the entire year. China’s economy remains below the targeted 5.5 percent growth expected for the year, with growth likely to be closer to 3 percent in 2022. The yuan has fallen to its lowest level in 14 years.

IPC surveyed hundreds of companies from around the world, including a wide range of company sizes representing the full electronics manufacturing value chain.

View the full reports: 

Monthly Economic Outlook

Current Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain

WESTFORD, MA — Mack Technologies, a leading supplier of contract electronic manufacturing services, announced the addition of four surface mount lines to existing operations. The investment will drastically expand the company’s manufacturing capacity and enable it to meet increased demand from customers.

“By adding four surface mount lines this year to our operations, we will enhance our ability to scale alongside our customers,” said Will Kendall, President of Mack Technologies. “Mack’s financial flexibility has allowed us to rapidly invest in new technology and equipment while also investing heavily in working capital needed to fuel growth. Having the capacity and financial resources to support our customers in times of growth is critical to our business and our mission to deliver exceptional quality and service.” Kendall added, “I would like to thank all of our stakeholders for their support and trust in Mack as we continue to expand our operations this year.”

The added capacity will be distributed across Mack’s manufacturing sites and will enable the company to support the ongoing surge in demand from its existing and new customers in the defense, industrial, energy, and medical device industries.