Press Releases
UNTERGSCHWANDT, GERMANY – Pricer aims to continuously improve customer satisfaction, which is in line with the company's vision of becoming retail's first choice in shelf edge automation and communication. Moving production closer to the company's customers is a strategic goal that strengthens the competitiveness in the market through reduced lead times and enhanced flexibility for customers, lower carbon footprint, and increased production capacity.
To maintain the highest product quality, Pricer has engaged with Zollner, a global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider based in Germany. The new production line in Zollner's facility in Untergschwandt, in Rattenberg, Bavaria, is now up and running, ready for finetuning and ramp-up period. The first deliveries are planned to be shipped end of April.
"For us, it has been very motivating to work with Zollner to realize this strategically important project. Together we have managed to overcome the difficulties due to the macroeconomic situation, and we have worked in true partnership to reach our common goals - we are happy with our choice of this solid partner," said Jörgen Jost auf der Stroth, Vice President Operations at Pricer.
The fully automated assembly line for the production of electronic shelf labels will produce Pricer's SmartTAG Power labels and account for a substantial increase of Pricer's total production. Due to the scalability of the production capacity, the facility will be able to handle any growth during the coming years. The assembly line is delivered by Zollner's automation department in cooperation with an external factory automation specialist.
"Pricer and Zollner founded their strategic partnership with the goal of making efficient realization of the innovative digital price tag possible in Europe. The systematic coordination between product development and industrial engineering made a fully automated product solution possible, from the electronics all the way to the end product. This milestone cleared the way for production in the target region of Europe at a competitive cost, short lead times and the best possible supply chain flexibility. We are happy to be able to accompany our customer, Pricer, into the future as a global manufacturing partner," said Martin Eisenhart, Senior Vice President Business Division Electronics E3 at Zollner.
"We are thrilled to be opening this much-needed facility and make sure our customers get the highest quality products. We see a huge interest from leading retailers in shelf edge automation and communication solutions based on electronic shelf labels. Several of the strategically important growth markets we have identified are European, and it is extremely satisfying to be able to offer these customers increased flexibility in supply with very short lead times and lower carbon footprint," said Magnus Larsson, President and CEO at Pricer.
The final assembly capacity in Europe will complement Pricer's existing production facilities in Asia with a perfect balance between markets and production closer to customers. According to the plan, the facility will reach full production capacity by the end of the second quarter 2023.
NASHVILLE – KYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally friendly cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Atlanta Expo & Tech Forum, scheduled to take place Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at the Atlanta Tech Park. The KYZEN team will discuss the KYZEN ANALYST real-time, automatic concentration analytics system designed for all chemistries, as well as their award-winning aqueous solution, AQUANOX A4626.
The KYZEN ANALYST is a powerful software platform that provides real-time analysis and monitoring of cleaning processes. It offers advanced analytics and reporting features that enable manufacturers to optimize their cleaning processes, reduce costs, and improve yields. With its intuitive user interface and powerful capabilities, the KYZEN ANALYST is an essential tool for any manufacturer looking to improve their cleaning processes.
The AQUANOX A4626 is a high- performance cleaning agent that is designed to remove the toughest soils from electronic assemblies. It is a water-based formula that is free from halogens, heavy metals, and other harmful substances, making it safe for workers and the environment. The AQUANOX A4626 is also highly effective, offering superior cleaning performance compared to traditional solvents and cleaning agents.
For over 30 years, KYZEN has been developing innovative chemistries that go hand in hand with your cleaning process. The KYZEN ANALYST and solutions such as AQUANOX A4626 combine to create a worry-free process that just makes sense.
For more information, visit www.kyzen.com
ROLLING MEADOWS, IL – With trusted technicians, organizations that employ high-end devices in their operations can be sure to access repairs for their devices on time whenever they break down. BEST Inc. is a leading electronics and solder training company providing clients with reliable electronic services, including PCB reworks, BGA repairs, and solder training. The electronics company offers its clients effective solutions for their electronic problems. They also provide technicians of other companies with affordable and impactful training courses and materials. additionally, they offer products such as pad repair kits, board repair kits, metal rework stencils, laser machine parts, learning how-to solder training kits, and BEST wires & terminals training kits.
In response to a query about their services, the spokesperson of BEST Inc. commented, “We have well-trained technicians on our team. You can trust them to provide the solutions you need for your BGAs and PCBs. With our top-level facility and cutting-edge tools, we have become the number one choice of many clients. Our primary concern is the satisfaction of our clients, and we provide them with responsive, trusted, and exceptional services. Additionally, contact us if you are looking for a place to train your technicians or provide them with the tools and materials they need to improve their skills.”
BEST Inc. also provides wide-ranging tools and materials for technicians from other companies. They have talented and competent IPC certified experts in their workforce who can handle simple to complex repair and rework projects. BEST Inc also provides clients with training videos that can be used to rework printed circuit boards effectively. Their training programs are affordable and focus on equipping student and experienced technicians with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need to stay ahead and efficient. They provide technicians with materials such as IPC J-STD 001 Revision G Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies, globally recognized material for soldering processes and materials. Those who want to get the J-STD 001 standard revision material can visit BEST Inc.’s website.
The spokesperson added, “The J-STD 001 standard material is a must-have for technicians specializing or interested in the electronics industry interested in the process and acceptance criteria for electrical and electronic assemblies. It is the industry-consensus document concerning the assembly of PCBs and electronic assemblies. We also have the IPC-A-610H material, another important document for inspectors, operators, and others interested in the acceptance criteria for electronic assemblies. This standard includes a general update to the document, introduces several new surface mount component types, and removes target conditions.”
BEST Inc. offers different training documents on its website. These include SRT 1800 component printing stencil and used IPC/WHMA-A620C standard (revision C). Technicians also interested in IPC-A-610 standard digital electronic assemblies can visit their website.
CORONA, CA – Mike Konrad, Founder and CEO of Aqueous Technologies has been selected to present a Keynote address at the SMTA Electronics in Harsh Environments Conference to be held in Amsterdam May 23-25 at the Park Plaza Amsterdam Airport, Netherlands.
Mike will be presenting “The Remarkable Return of Post-Reflow Cleaning as a Mainstream Process to Improve Reliability”. Presentation topics include:
- The Age of No-Clean Fluxes and the Effect on Circuit Assemblies.
- Factors influencing the decision to clean circuit assemblies.
- Modern Residue-Related Failure Mechanisms.
- Beyond ECM - Additional reasons for cleaning post-reflow circuit assemblies beyond ECM mitigation.
- Harsh Environments and Other Factors Influencing Reliability
- Cleaning Best Practices.
- New IPC Cleanliness Testing and Process Monitoring Requirements.
- Reflow Profiles and the Effect on Surface Insulation Resistance (SIR) Test.
- New Cleanliness Quantification Standards (IPC J-STD001-H).
More information is available at https://smta.org/mpage/harsh
TOKYO – Saki Corporation, an innovator in the field of automated optical and X-ray inspection equipment, will be exhibiting in Hall 4A, Booth #135 at SMTconnect in Nuremberg, Germany from 9th to 11th May 2023. Saki’s range of world-class inspection machines will be on show to demonstrate their premier accuracy and speed, as well as the comprehensive software and hardware interconnectivity moving the industry to efficient cost-effective Smart Factories. Visitors will be invited to view the new 3Di-LS3 15µm and 3Xi-M110 v3, debuting in Europe for the first time.
With their partner, Selecs, Saki will be demonstrating their Total Inspection Line Solution, a range of quality assurance machines with superior M2M communication for streamlined product inspection. With optimized software and hardware, Saki’s machinery is designed for low maintenance, operator efficiency and easy on-site upgrades for futureproofing.
Inspection Machines
The Saki team will be available to offer hands-on demonstrations of the machine range, including:
- 3Xi-M110 v3 – Available to experience in Europe for the first time, the 3Xi-M110 v3 features Saki’s optimized Planar CT software, developed in-house for the industry’s fastest cycle times. This 3D-AXI machine delivers impressive quality assurance with highly accurate void measurement and detection for both PCBs and components.
- 3Di-LS3 15µm – Also premiering at SMTconnect, the 3Di-LS3 enables high-speed and high-performance inspection while achieving both high resolution and expanded height measurement with an upgraded high-resolution camera system. It offers a wide variety of features that can be selected according to the customer's production environment and product requirements. These optional functions enhance scalability and contribute to greater quality assurance and improved productivity. Equipped with a 15μm high-resolution camera system, the 3Di-LS3 supports assembly inspection of SMT-mounted parts, including extremely small and tall parts, with the industry's fastest cycle time.
- 3Si-LS2 and 3Di-LS2 – Experience Saki’s 3D SPI and AOI range with the 3Si-LS2 and 3Di-LS2 designed to support large PCB sizes up to 500 mm x 510 mm. Featuring unified hardware and software, operators trained in Saki’s machines enjoy seamless transition between platforms, for an improved experience that minimizes costs and improves overall satisfaction.
- 2Di-LU1 – Saki’s 2D AOI range is represented at SMTconnect with the 2Di-LU1. Featuring bottom-side inspection for enhanced line productivity and Saki’s unique line scan technology, the 2Di-LU1 is available for hands-on demonstration at the Saki booth.
Smart Factory
Smart automation with Saki’s products improves quality assurance accuracy, lowers maintenance time, and improves operator performance. Visitors to Saki at SMTconnect will be able to experience:
- QD Analyzer v4 – The latest version of Saki’s software is key to a smart factory solution. Operators can monitor machine status, store inspection results, and statistically analyze data from every connected machine in the line. With comprehensive reporting and real-time data, QD Analyzer is a key component in the Saki inspection range.
- Upgradable Components – Flexibility is key for the future of inspection. Saki’s latest range allows for rapid on-site equipment upgrade of components, such as the camera, ensuring inspection machines have improved uptime and state-of-the-art performance with minimal maintenance for superior customer value.
- M2M Communication – With integrated M2M technology, Saki machines work smoothly with both sister products on the line and third-party machinery. Saki booth visitors will gain a detailed understanding of Saki’s dedication to smart factory M2M connectivity.
“The future of electronics manufacturing lies with smart factories providing accurate inspection with minimal maintenance,” said Jaroslav Neuhauser, General Manager Saki Europe. “Saki’s total inspection line solution has a unified software and hardware platform that delivers superior quality assurance with rapid cycle times and unparalleled accuracy. We are looking forward to bringing the latest inspection machines for demonstration to Germany at SMTconnect.”
For more information about Saki visit www.sakicorp.com/en/
SUN PRAIRIE, WI – Pro‐Active Engineering, the leading provider of electronic design and engineering services, has made a significant investment in cutting‐edge technology to better serve its customers. The company is proud to announce the installation of the NIKON XT V 160 X‐ray machine at its state‐of‐the‐art facility in Sun Prairie, WI. This advanced system allows for non‐destructive inspection of electronic components, providing a new level of quality assurance in the production of Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs). The NIKON XT V 160 features a superior Xi Nanotech X‐ray microfocus source, collision‐free 5‐axis programmable stage, and easy to create automated inspection programs. With this investment, Pro‐Active Engineering continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering the highest quality products to customers in a range of industries. Vice President at Pro‐Active Engineering Paul Schwanbeck, stated: “As part of our continuous improvement process, we purchased the NIKON XT V 160 X‐ray Machine providing our customers with another layer of robust quality assurance.”
The NIKON XT V 160 X‐ray Machine features seamless transition between 2D and 3D inspection plus produces industry‐leading high‐resolution videos and images. Lead Manufacturing Engineer Justin Helgeson, stated: “The Inspect‐X software provides us with intuitive displays, advanced imaging and a suite of analysis tools such as void analysis, wire bond inspection, thru‐hole barrel fill analysis, automated pass/fall analysis and inspection reporting.”
