Driving Innovation: Depth Routing Processes—Achieving Unparalleled Precision in Complex PCBs
It's Only Common Sense: The Evolution of Prospecting
Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company'
Matrix USA Inc. Begins Installations of AE Automation Equipment in North America
November 18, 2019 | Matrix USA Inc.Estimated reading time: 1 minute
After several months of equipment introduction and technical training, Matrix USA is well positioned to support the sales and service of AE (Advanced Engineering, Austria) robotic panel handling equipment.
Matrix has recently installed the global leading AE Mylar Peeler and this fall will be introducing the Servant 650R Panel Loader/Unloader, plus installation of the AE CDTA Direct Image automation system compatible with the latest Orbotech Nuvogo DI Imager.
Actual in-plant factory demonstrations in the Toronto, area will begin in 2020. AE’s modern and simplified design approach to PCB panel automation is highlighted by its use of the same basic components on all their devices (loaders, unloaders, mylar peelers, and DI/AOI automation units). The systems approach also focuses on small unit footprints, very low unit power consumption, and its collaborative and safe robot technology.
There are currently over 800 AE systems installed world-wide. Most notably, there are several automation installations in Europe compatible with Orbotech and other DI/AOI system manufacturers.
Fred Long, Matrix equipment business development, comments generally on PCB automation in North America, “After the industry recessions in the 2000 era, the PCB fabrication business in NA decided to essentially maintain manual operations using traditional equipment. The choice to introduce premium automated equipment solutions at that time was considered a high-risk commitment. With the recent technology leaps to premium high-speed/low-loss laminates and the demand for sub 4 mil features, companies now have little choice but to consider the “hands off” panel automation approach to reach their manufacturing quality, productivity, and yield goals."
Long continued, “Recent trips to both Europe and Asia were enlightening after seeing the extent to which PCB fabricators in those regions have advanced and are now using modern automation extensively. It was also clear that some of the key OEMs, like Apple and Intel, are looking to these regions to produce their products. Currently, panel automation in NA simply does not exist in many of the required processes.”
Matrix will be the NA source for AE sales, installation, training, warranty service, after warranty service, and spare parts.
Visit Matrix USA at IPC APEX 2020, February 4-6.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
Building Electronics Excellence in India
09/08/2025 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineOver two decades, Dave Bergman has helped steer the Global Electronics Association’s work in India, from a single training course to a thriving regional operation with deep government and industry ties. In this interview, Dave explains how the group went from partnering with IPCA to opening its own office in 2010, creating India’s first domestic electronics manufacturing standard, and securing funding for dozens of Indian companies to attend U.S. trade shows.
New Podcast Episode Drop: MKS’ Atotech’s Role in Optimize the Interconnect
09/08/2025 | I-Connect007In this episode of On the Line With…, host Nolan Johnson sits down with Patrick Brooks, MKS' Atotech's Global Product Director, EL Systems, to discuss the critical role that wet processes play alongside laser systems in advancing the Optimize the InterconnectSM initiative. Brooks points to Bondfilm as a key example—a specialized coating that enables CO₂ lasers to ablate more effectively than ever before.
The Global Electronics Association Hosts Successful WorksAsia-AI and Factory of the Future Technical Seminar
09/03/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationOn August 22, 2025, the Global Electronics Association hosted the successful WorksAsia-AI and Factory of the Future Technical Seminar during the exhibition Automation Taipei 2025. The seminar brought together 81 representatives from 58 companies, focusing on the latest applications of AI in smart factories and unveiling four key directions that will drive the electronics industry’s transition toward intelligence and sustainability.
TRI's AI-Powered Inspection Solutions at SMTAI 2025
09/02/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading provider of test and inspection systems, will be joining the SMTA International Exposition & Conference. The event will be held from October 21 – 23, 2025, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, USA.
More Than a Competition: Instilling a Champion's Skill in IPC Masters China 2025
09/01/2025 | Evelyn Cui, Global Electronics Association—East AsiaNearly 500 elite professionals from the electronics industry, representing 18 provinces and municipalities across China, competed in the 2025 IPC Masters Competition China, March 26–28, in Pudong, Shanghai. A total of 114 contestants advanced to the practical competition after passing the IPC Standards Knowledge Competition. Sixty people competed in the Hand Soldering and Rework Competition (HSRC), 30 in the Cable and Wire Harness Assembly Competition (CWAC), and 24 in the Ball Grid Array/Bottom Termination Components (BGA/BTC) Rework Competition.