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MEK Launches New PowerSpector JSAz 550: Larger 3D Desktop AOI System with New Chassis
September 11, 2024 | MEKEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Mek (Marantz Electronics), a leader in Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) technology, proudly announces the launch of its latest product, the PowerSpector JSAz 550. This new selective 3D desktop AOI system is a larger L-size model, capable of accommodating Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) up to 550x550mm (21.7”x21.7”).
The PowerSpector JSAz 550 features a completely redesigned chassis, which includes upgraded motors, drives, and spindles. While the optics and software remain consistent with MEK’s other desktop models, the new chassis design ensures that the JSAz 550 meets the demands of inspecting larger PCBs with efficiency and precision.
The Mek PowerSpector JSAz desktop AOI system is designed for maximum defect coverage while maintaining short programming times. It is the only desktop AOI machine on the market that can be equipped with nine cameras: one top and eight side cameras, offering ultimate flexibility and future upgrade possibilities. The revolutionary selective 3D laser measurement technology ensures accurate and reliable height measurements.
The PowerSpector JSAz series is optimized for Surface Mount Technology (SMT) with a top clearance of 30mm, side cameras with 10µ resolution, and four-angle lighting. The JSAz+ series accommodates taller Through-Hole Technology (THT) components with a top clearance of 60mm, larger field of view side cameras, and 15µm resolution, ensuring optimal meniscus profiling without sacrificing the maximum inspection area.
MEK’s Catch System networks multiple AOI machines into a closed-loop process monitoring and quality control system, optimized for each user’s workflow and internal organization.
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Punching Out: How Are the Big Boys in Electronics Doing?
05/12/2026 | Tom Kastner -- Column: Punching Out!Let’s see what the public companies are up to in the PCB and EMS industries. In North America, there are only a couple of publicly traded PCB companies: TTM Technologies and Firan Technology Group. On the EMS side, there are a few more: Flex, Jabil, Celestica, Sanmina,, Benchmark, Fabrinet, Kimball Electronics, Plexus Corp, Nortech Systems, and Key Tronic Corp. From an M&A standpoint, these public companies have been fairly quiet in the past five years. FTG completed two deals in 2022 (IMI and Holaday), Flex had three deals, Jabil had five deals, and Sanmina had one deal.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/08/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007This week, I’ve selected some outstanding interviews that you’ll want to take note of. First, is a roundtable discussion featuring three dynamic industry cybersecurity experts. Please watch this important discussion that affects us all. Following that, I spotlight the IPC-2581 Consortium, which explains why IPC-2581 is the standard to replace Gerber data for manufacturing. Next, I am including my interview with PCBAA and AAM, who collaborated to release a short documentary on U.S. PCB manufacturing.
A Necessary Shift From Gerber to IPC-2581
05/07/2026 | Tracy Riggan, Global Electronics AssociationIPC-2581 is an open, vendor-neutral data exchange standard developed by the Global Electronics Association to streamline the exchange of PCB design information across fabrication, assembly, and test. It replaces multiple legacy formats—including industry standards, Gerber, and ODB++—with a single, comprehensive, XML-based dataset that captures all manufacturing details.
ViaSat-3 F3 Satellite Successfully Launches from Kennedy Space Center
05/04/2026 | BoeingBoeing mission controllers confirmed that the ViaSat-3 F3 (VS-3 F3) satellite is healthy in orbit following its successful launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket at 10:13 a.m. ET from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida.
Microchip Expands Post-Quantum Root of Trust Controllers
04/29/2026 | MicrochipAs the industry embarks on the transition to post‑quantum cryptography (PQC), Microchip Technology is expanding its portfolio of Trust Shield, PQC‑ready devices with the TS1800 Platform Root of Trust controller and the TS50x secure boot controller.