The SMT Solutions Segment of ASM Pacific Technology continues to expand market share, and today announced its most recent partnership with Marietta, GA-based CantoUSA. The theatrical, entertainment and commercial lighting leader selected ASM’s E by DEK stencil printer and E by SIPLACE pick and place system for its inaugural in-house SMT assembly line. Previously, CantoUSA outsourced PCB assembly, but the requirement for more control of its production schedules and new product development initiatives compelled the lighting innovator to invest in a vertically integrated solution.

“The contract manufacturing model simply did not align with our business agility requirements,” shares John Luhrs, CantoUSA Founding Partner. “We need to be able to build superior quality product on demand, quickly develop and test new lighting technology and have seamless production schedule oversight. Ease-of-use, scalability for future growth and error-reducing safeguards were essential elements for our platform selection.”

Tapping the expertise of Canadian-based SMT Operations Management Consultant Shawn Vike of SSFE, Incorporated to spearhead the equipment analysis and integration project, the CantoUSA team identified manufacturing requirements and began system evaluations in February 2020. Currently a low-volume, low-mix operation, CantoUSA’s product line dictated a placement solution with a wide component range, easy-to-use programming software, scalability for future growth, accuracy and reliability, as well as proven remote system access and digital training tools. Robust performance with limited operator supervision, precision, flexibility and intuitive software control were also prerequisites for the printer platform.

“The E by SIPLACE machine ticked all the boxes and delivers broad capability at an affordable price-point,” says SSFE’s Vike. “The CP12/PP placement head’s wide component range – from 01005 up to 45.0 mm x 87.5 mm -- gives us unlimited growth potential, SIPLACE Pro software is incredibly easy to use and ASM Setup Center’s barcode scanner prevents incorrect parts loading. E by DEK’s paste roll height monitor and GridLok automatic reconfigurable board support reduce both operator interaction and manual errors. Honestly, though, it was ASM Remote Smart Factory that was the difference-maker, as we were conducting our equipment analysis in the midst of the COVID pandemic and with the understanding that I would be assisting operations from Canada. Remote connectivity and hotline support were game-changers and have been integral to our production success since machine installation last September. I can securely program jobs offline, watch production happening from my desktop and receive responsive support for any issues.”

Quality is a hallmark of CantoUSA lighting products, which are well-known for their ability to provide true LED lighting that emulates the dimming quality of a traditional incandescent fixture. Maintaining high product standards and expanding its reach into new markets like commercial lighting could not have been achieved without the manufacturing control the company now enjoys, according to Luhrs.

“This decision has secured our company’s successful future,” says Luhrs in conclusion. “The ASM E systems are impressive, very easy to use and have performed exactly as promised. Our product lead times have been cut in half, quality is excellent, cost savings are significant and, with remote capability, any required assistance happens very quickly. The entire team – CantoUSA, SSFE, ASM and ASM’s local representative Process Automation & Tool – delivered, and we are very satisfied.”

To learn more about ASM’s E-Solutions line or Remote Smart Factory visit www.asm-smt.com. Details about CantoUSA can be found at www.cantousa.com.

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