Powering the Future: Why Thermal Management Defines the Future of Electronics
Standard of Excellence: Engineering Is the New Sales—How Technical Collaboration Wins Business
SMT Perspectives & Prospects: Artificial Intelligence, Part 7—Data Module 2
Universal Commemorates 100th Anniversary at IPC APEX EXPO 2019
January 18, 2019 | Universal InstrumentsEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Universal Instruments will commemorate its 100th anniversary at the IPC APEX EXPO 2019 held at the San Diego Convention Center on January 29–31. The company will exhibit on booth 2308, highlighting a flexible solutions portfolio for complex server and automotive assembly. Also on the booth, Universal will feature its new IQ360 Factory Software Suite – a suite of a la carte smart factory modules designed to control, monitor and improve all aspects of factory operations for maximum productivity.
The Universal Instruments and Metal Company was formed in 1919, manufacturing wire and metal products and producing its first commercial product, "Nu-Hed" safety pins. Eager to grow its business opportunities, the company transformed into a precision machine, tool and die operation, delivering to companies such as IBM.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the quickly expanding Universal Instruments achieved breakthroughs in the fields of electronic component preparation and sequencing, leading to the development of the industry’s first automated assembly systems for printed circuit board production. Universal again partnered with IBM, providing comprehensive solutions for axial lead component circuit board assembly.
Today, with a lineage of more than 50 years, Universal is the longest-standing company in the electronics assembly space. Universal is also the only US-based electronics assembly solutions provider.
On the booth at APEX, Universal will demonstrate its FuzionOF high-speed automation platform, extra-capacity FuzionXC2-37 Platform, and Uflex modular automation platform, which combine to form powerful solutions to challenging server and automotive applications. Also on the booth, the company will unveil its IQ360 Factory Software Suite. Comprised of Design & NPI, Material Management, Production Control, and Monitoring & Analytics modules, IQ360 offers individual capability bundles that can be purchased as needed to meet specific factory requirements, providing a true “connected factory” production environment.
“We’re honored to be celebrating our 100th anniversary here at APEX,” said Universal Instruments Vice President of Marketing, Glenn Farris. “As the pioneers of electronics assembly, it’s rewarding to see how the industry has grown, and how technology innovation from Universal has delivered leading-edge products to meet its ever-changing needs.” Farris continued, “We’re eager to share our server and automotive solutions on the booth and are confident that manufacturers will recognize the differentiation and value we offer. We’ve also strengthened our solutions offering with the introduction of IQ360, and I know our existing and prospective customers will appreciate the comprehensive capabilities and modularity of this product in their quest to build the smart factory of the future.”
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Carbice Awarded Multi-Million Dollar U.S. Navy Contract for Thermal Assembly Joint Technology
04/14/2026 | PRNewswireCarbice, a U.S.-based manufacturer and supplier of novel multifunctional assembly joint technologies, has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract by the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research.
Solder Paste Innovations for Enhanced Reliability from MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions
04/10/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPOJason Fullerton of MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions discusses innovative alloys like Innolot MXE, low-temperature solder options, and polymer reinforcement strategies. Learn how these solutions address the growing demands of high-performance computing and larger component assemblies, ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.
Frank Sommer Discusses Selective Soldering Innovations for EVs
04/10/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPODan Beaulieu sits down with Frank Sommer, a selective soldering expert from Nordson Electronics Solutions, to discuss the resurgence of selective soldering driven by electric vehicle manufacturing, and the need for robust through-hole component integration. He also introduces Nordson's innovative SELECT Synchro selective soldering machine, designed for enhanced throughput and flexibility.
Future-proof Laser Depaneling for PCBs with Photonics
04/10/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPOBill Solari of Photonics Systems USA outlines the advantages of laser depaneling for circuit board manufacturing. We learn that this advanced technology addresses rising material costs by increasing panel yield and improving edge quality. This process provides precision, suitability for medical applications, and cost-saving benefits, including the elimination of cleaning steps. There have been significant advancements in laser depaneling, offering a competitive and efficient solution for modern electronics production.
Smarter AOI: Delvitech Brings Native AI to APEX EXPO
04/10/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPOMarcy LaRont speaks with Delvitech founder and CEO Roberto Gatti about the company’s AI-native inspection technology and its growing global presence. Gatti explains how Delvitech’s integrated hardware and neural-network–driven platform is unique in the market with unmatched flexibility for implementation across multiple lines and multiple facilities.