PORTO, PORTUGAL – Critical Manufacturing, a global leader in next-level automation and manufacturing execution systems (MES), is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming 2024 IPC APEX EXPO, taking place April 9-11, 2024 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Critical Manufacturing invites attendees to experience the future of MES in ASMPT SMT booth 1436 under the theme "Expect More from Your MES." Critical Manufacturing will once again join forces with ASMPT SMT, leveraging this platform to showcase its modern manufacturing execution systems (MES) and its crucial role for the Intelligent Factory to unleash SMT and plant-wide optimization.

“By providing seamless integration, real-time data insights, and operational optimization, MES technology empowers manufacturers to navigate the complexities of modern SMT production environments with ease,” said Dante Dominguez, Director of Sales for SMT, Noth America, at Critical Manufacturing. “We are excited to showcase our cutting-edge MES solution at APEX, demonstrating how it can revolutionize manufacturing processes and drive sustainable growth for businesses worldwide."

MES excellence takes center stage

The electronics industry continues to bring forth unique challenges, including dynamic supply chains, fluctuating demands, slimming margins, and rapid changes in product lifecycles. In response to these challenges, Critical Manufacturing has designed a top-tier MES tailored to meet the demands of the electronics and SMT industry. It surpasses mere automation, providing comprehensive control and real-time adaptability to navigate production challenges in any circumstance.

Why MES for SMT

Critical Manufacturing MES addresses the specific SMT operation needs with out-of-the-box features for each part of the process. It optimizes SMT production by streamlining the flow of information, allowing for precise control and traceability over material serialization, solder paste application, component placement, soldering, test and inspection processes. This level of control helps in reducing defects, minimizing downtime, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. Being an IPC-CFX ready MES with a rich library of drivers, equipment integration is seamless with SMT lines, ensuring machine and other software connectivity all over the plant. 

Going beyond SMT lines

Critical Manufacturing MES is an integral component of the SMT and electronics manufacturing operation management (MOM) system, to boost efficiency throughout the factory. It manages the entire production process sand material traceability through adaptable workflows. The MES customizes quality checks for each product, reducing costs, enhancing quality, and provides advanced analytics for issue detection and prevention, minimizing unplanned downtime to allow higher levels of overall equipment efficiency (OEE).

Moreover, the Critical Manufacturing MES serves as a robust data platform for seamless collection of machine data and essential information from other systems. Context is added automatically, enabling advanced Industry 4.0 use cases such as predictive maintenance, and the native integration makes these capabilities easy and fast to implement. The Critical Manufacturing IoT Data Platform delivers contextual intelligence from MES, empowers manufacturers to derive transformative insights, and enhances performance, efficiency, and innovation across operations.

Modular for flexibility

The core strength of Critical Manufacturing MES lies in its adaptability. The modular architecture ensures a smooth integration into existing workflows. The MES offers diverse deployment options, including on-premises, cloud, or hybrid, empowering manufacturers to customize the MES to align with their unique requirements.

As the industry eagerly anticipates the 2024 IPC APEX EXPO, Critical Manufacturing extends an invitation to attendees to explore the next level of electronics/SMT manufacturing. Join the future of the Intelligent Factory at ASMPT booth 1436.

Book your demo/meeting

To see Critical Manufacturing MES in action, schedule your demonstration at the 2024 IPC APEX Expo in advance and meet with the MES experts. Book here!

CLINTON, NY – Indium Corporation® will feature an array of its innovative thermal management solutions at SEMI-THERM, March 25‒28, in San Jose, CA.

Indium Corporation’s Heat-Spring® solutions, ideal for TIM2 applications, is a compressible, non-reflow metal TIM. These indium-containing TIMs offer superior thermal conductivity over non-metals—with pure indium metal delivering 86W/mK in all planes. Because of its solid metal state, Heat-Spring avoids pump-out and bake-out problems. It also offers a sustainable solution due to Indium Corporation’s reclaim and recycle program.

The GalliTHERM® portfolio of gallium-based liquid metal solutions draws on Indium Corporation’s more than 60 years of experience in manufacturing gallium-based liquid metals. These liquid metal TIMs are designed for both TIM1 and TIM2 applications. Liquid metal TIMs offer:

• High thermal conductivity for end-product longevity and reliability
• Low interfacial resistance against most surfaces, ensuring rapid heat dissipation
• Extraordinary wetting ability to both metallic and non-metallic surfaces

Based on the company’s proprietary manufacturing process, Indium Corporation will also be featuring solder thermal interface material (sTIM) for ball grid array (BGA) packages, specifically its indium-silver (InAg) alloys which offer lower voiding compared to pure indium for BGA packages that undergo multiple SAC reflows after the initial TIM-assembly.

To learn more about Indium Corporation’s thermal management solutions, visit our experts at SEMI-THERM.

BOCA RATON, FL – Inovaxe, a leader in delivering ultra-lean SMART production and inventory management solutions to the electronics industry, is excited to announce its partnership with VisiConsult for the third installment of its insightful monthly webinar series. This month, the spotlight shines on the groundbreaking XRHCount Smart Component Counter from VisiConsult's subdivision, VCCount.

Scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, “Optimizing Efficiency with X-Ray Counting,” aims to cater to global participants. Nico Federsel of VisiConsult will lead the session, offering an in-depth look at the capabilities and advantages of the XRHCount Smart Component Counter.

Webinar Highlights:

• Introduction of VisiConsult and the XRHCount Smart Component Counter: Learn about the technology and team behind this revolutionary product.
• Exploring the Benefits of X-ray Counting: The seminar will cover critical aspects such as accurate inventory management, quality assurance, process optimization, and compliance with industry standards.
• Innovations in Automation and Process Improvement: Discover how the new smart barcode reader and software enhancements contribute to faster cycle times, process quality, and increased system efficiency.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to understand how the XRHCount Smart Component Counter integrates with Inovaxe’s ultra-lean SMART solutions, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in electronic component management.

Special Features and Options:

• Speed and Convenience: Introduction of the Quad Count Live for immediate detection and automatic tracking.
• Process Quality: Enhanced barcode reading quality and automatic label printing post-reel removal.
• Customization: Choice between a 2.3 MP or an upgraded 5 MP camera for superior convenience and speed.

This seminar is essential for professionals in the electronics industry looking to enhance their inventory and production processes with cutting-edge technology.

To join this pivotal webinar and embark on a journey toward optimizing efficiency in electronics manufacturing, please register HERE.

REDDITCH, UK – Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment for the electronics industry will be exhibiting at the iMPAS-UK MicroTech 2024 conference on April 10th at the Aerospace Bristol Museum. The event, titled "Is Advanced Packaging Ready for Take Off?” will provide a platform for Altus to highlight its cutting-edge solutions for advanced packaging processes and technology within the region's electronics sector.

As both Altus Group and its suppliers closely follow developments in microelectronics and semiconductor packaging, the company is well-positioned to support the growing demand for these technologies in the UK and Ireland. Through its diverse portfolio of equipment and consumables, Altus enables manufacturers to streamline processes such as dispensing, reflow, and inspection – key aspects of the packaging process. This enhances efficiency and ensures quality standards are maintained.

Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group said: "We are excited to participate in MicroTech 2024 for the first time. This event aligns perfectly with our goal of supporting the advancement of semiconductor capabilities in the region. We look forward to showcasing the latest products from our suppliers and engaging with industry leaders shaping the future of this vital sector."

At the event, Altus Group will exhibit solutions from its prominent global partners, including advanced 3D and x-ray inspection systems, efficient component management, soldering solutions, and consumables for streamlined production. Visitors can explore the company's comprehensive equipment portfolio, tailored to meet the diverse requirements of electronic manufacturing processes.

"The whole world is paying attention to the word 'semiconductor' these days, and the advancements in the semiconductor space regionally have been very interesting to watch," said Joe. "The making of semiconductors has a vast array of processes, but specifically semiconductor packaging processes are a real sweet spot for Altus and our suppliers.

"Our suppliers are actively developing solutions to address manufacturers' needs, while many of our current customers transitioning into Microelectronics are expanding their capabilities to leverage the growing trend of increasing local capacity. I am delighted to contribute to this event, engage with industry stakeholders, and network with key players to gain insights into their challenges. It's essential for us to explore how we can support bringing more opportunities to our shores."

To find out more about Altus’ portfolio of products designed to support advanced packaging processes and technology visit the team at iMPAS-UK MicroTech 2024 conference on April 10th at the Aerospace Bristol Museum.