SCHRAMBERG, GERMANY – To achieve a CO2-neutral world and an All-Electric Society, where electricity is the primary energy source, innovations like high power densities, reduced losses and system cost advantages are essential. However, the All-Electric Society also requires innovation and collaboration among companies working in these very technology areas to achieve a sustainable transition to energy efficiency. Two traditional companies in the microelectronics ecosystem are now forming a strategic partnership in the field of power embedding. The common goal – a proven increase in efficiency – will be achieved with the p² Pack® embedding technology and its possible applications. This will create added value for the industrial and automotive markets and thus for climate protection and our society.

The power embedding partnership for Schweizer Electronic AG’s p² Pack® technology is a design-in collaboration that operates at multiple levels, from design support to system provider. The cooperation will enable a wider range of customers to gain access to power embedding technology. Zollner will provide customers with the support they need to move from traditional designs to embedding design in their products to maximize the technology’s benefits. The partnership will also enable Zollner to integrate the technology directly into its own applications. This partnership is a significant growth opportunity for both companies, fostering the development of new applications and expanding their customer base.

Schweizer Electronic AG’s p² Pack® is a power embedding technology that integrates SiC chips directly into printed circuit boards. All applications requiring high power switching can benefit from the advantages of this technology. The most important applications are in the conversion between DC and AC systems. These systems are increasingly confronted with higher power requirements and with expectations for high energy efficiency, maximum reliability and long service life. Schweizer Electronic AG has already been able to demonstrate the superior performance, advantages, and savings that this technology brings to the market in recent years: the patented cutting-edge technology contains both extensive development experience and technological depth, which is already being used in series production by major Tier-1 companies in Europe.

Nicolas-Fabian Schweizer, CEO of Schweizer Electronic AG, is looking forward to the future partnership and collaboration: “Zollner will benefit from our expertise in complex PCB and chip embedding while we will gain from their extensive application knowledge as a leading European EMS service provider. This synergy is a powerful multiplier for both companies and creates the best conditions for innovation! Both family owned, based in Southern Germany and highly specialized, this partnership is a natural fit!” Nicolas Schweizer is the 6th generation to lead the family business of the same name, which is headquartered in Schramberg and has five locations worldwide. SCHWEIZER is one of Europe’s largest suppliers of printed circuit boards and embedding technologies, with a portfolio that includes RF & sensor technology, logic circuits and various technologies for power electronics technologies, including p² Pack.

Ludwig Zollner, CEO of Zollner Elektronik AG, is optimistic about the future collaboration: “We see SCHWEIZER as a partner with whom we can offer our European customers a first-class service. Power embedding is an important topic for the future and we are convinced that we will be able to use the synergy effects resulting from the cooperation to offer our customers added value. We look forward to working together and using the innovative power embedding technology to implement challenging projects!”

FLORHAM PARK, NJ – Heller Industries, the global leader in thermal technology solutions announced that Don DeAngelo, Vice President of Sales, and a stalwart in the SMT industry, has retired on his 70th birthday.

Don joined Heller Industries in July 1984. DeAngelo guided Heller’s Eastern US sales efforts through the transition from lead forming equipment to reflow ovens in the 1980s. DeAngelo expanded his responsibilities from the New York Metro region through the Midwest and inevitably Southeast Asia, helping extend Heller’s position as the leading manufacturer of thermal solutions.

“Don is the most appreciated, respected, and loved sales manager in our industry,” commented Dave Heller, CEO of Heller Industries. “We are both sad for our loss at Heller Industries, and excited for Don and his wife Kathy as they enjoy Don’s retirement.”

Don DeAngelo was recently honored amidst widespread fanfare at Heller Industries’ Global Leadership Development Conference in Florham Park, New Jersey.

TILBURG, NETHERLANDS – Mek (Marantz Electronics), a leading provider of Automatic Optical Inspection solutions, proudly marks two years of participation in the ExplAIn project, an innovative initiative organized by ITEA and supported by EUREKA and the European Union.

This collaborative venture which began in 2022 involving 17 partners across 3 countries, aims to transform the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in industrial environments. It will conclude in May 2025.

One of the key challenges addressed by ExplAIn is the low adoption rate of AI/ML in industrial settings due to a lack of trust in models without clear or transparent reasoning. By enriching the conventional ML lifecycle with human-centered explanations, the project aims to increase trust, transparency, and collaboration between stakeholders.

To unlock the potential benefits of AI in industrial settings, it's crucial for experts and end-users to understand how ML models make decisions. This is the focus of Explainable AI (XAI) research. Close collaboration is essential between AI providers, researchers in machine learning and XAI, software engineers, user experience specialists, and human factors experts to develop AI solutions that fit the specific requirements of industrial settings. The EXPLAIN project aims to achieve this by creating an interactive and understandable ML lifecycle tailored for industrial domain experts.

Mek contributes its expertise to the research element focused on Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA). Alongside fellow Dutch companies Prodrive and Signify (formerly Philips Lighting), as well as the Technical University of Delft, Mek plays an integral role in advancing AI-driven solutions for Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) in electronics manufacturing.

In addition to the Dutch contingent focusing on AI in electronics manufacturing, the ExplAIn project brings together leading companies from other industries in Germany and Sweden. In Germany the participants are ABB Corporate Research Center, Ginkgo Analytics, Lausitz Energie Kraftwerke, Technical University of Darmstadt, and University of Hildesheim. Partners from Sweden are ABB AB Corporate Research, Boliden Mineral AB, Linköping University, Sodra Skogsagarna Ekonomisk Forening, Umeå University, and Viking Analytics AB.

"This project represents a significant step forward in the integration of AI into industrial environments," said Mr. Pablo Rodríguez Carrión formerly the project leader at ABB. "By fostering collaboration and transparency, ExplAIn will empower domain experts and end-users to leverage AI effectively, driving innovation and competitiveness in the global market."

Henk Biemans, CEO of Mek added "The ExplAIn project represents a significant opportunity for Mek to collaborate with leading organizations and drive innovation in AI for electronics manufacturing. We are committed to leveraging our expertise with AI to contribute meaningfully to this transformative initiative, ultimately benefiting our industry and society as a whole."

For more information about the ExplAIn project, please visit the official website at https://itea4.org/project/explain.html 

Yamaha Robotics SMT Section has appointed Johannes Vorwerk as Sales Manager for Germany, responsible for the complete 1 STOP SMART SOLUTION for high-speed surface-mount assembly.

Mr Vorwerk has 15 years experience in electronic manufacturing in the automotive sector, including setting up complete surface-mount lines and managing production. Committed to continuously evolve and improve, he has become a qualified Master Electrician and has achieved certification as a Technical Business Administrator. “I know from experience that Yamaha Robotics SMT equipment is highly regarded by electronic manufacturers,” he commented. “I am looking forward to building on this reputation as I join the company, and to further consolidating our collective success.”

“Johannes has excellent skills and experience to strengthen our sales presence in Germany,” said Ulf Neyka, Yamaha Sales Manager responsible for key direct accounts and distribution in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. “He has extensive, practical understanding of surface-mount processes and equipment, and the challenges our customers must overcome to deliver advanced, high-quality electronic assemblies, gained through working in an extremely demanding industry.”

Mr Daisuke Yoshihara, Sales General Manager for Europe, Yamaha Robotics, welcomed him to the team, adding, “I am sure Johannes will enjoy his new role, working with Mr Neyka to support sales in the region.”

The 1 STOP SMART SOLUTION includes the Yamaha range of screen printers, mounters, and inspection systems, with model variants and options covering a competitive price-performance spectrum. The portfolio also includes software tools that support advanced intelligent factory functionality with AI enhancements, as well as intelligent component storage and productivity boosting accessories and innovations.

About Yamaha Robotics SMT Section

Yamaha Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Section, a subdivision of Yamaha Motor Robotics Business Unit in Yamaha Motor Corporation, produces a complete selection of equipment for high-speed inline electronic assembly. This 1 STOP SMART SOLUTION includes solder paste printers, component mounters, 3D solder paste inspection machines, 3D PCB inspection machines, flip-chip hybrid placers, dispensers, intelligent component storage, and management software.

Bringing the Yamaha way to electronics manufacturing, these systems prioritize intuitive operator interaction, efficient coordination between all inline processes, and modularity enabling users to meet the latest manufacturing demands. Group competencies in servo-motor control and image recognition for vision (camera) systems ensure extreme accuracy with high speed.

The current product line includes the latest YR equipment generation, with advanced automated features for programming, setup, and changeovers, and new YSUP management software with state-of-the-art graphics and built-in data analytics.

Combining design and engineering, manufacture, sales, and service competencies, Yamaha SMT Section ensures operational efficiency and easy access to support for customers and partners. With regional offices in Japan, China, Southeast Asia, Europe and North America, the company provides truly global presence.

www.yamaha-motor-robotics.eu