It’s Only Common Sense: Invest in Yourself—You’re Your Most Important Resource
Dan's Biz Bookshelf: 'Revenge of the Tipping Point'
Marcy's Musings: Engineering Economics
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:
Suggested Items
IPC Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Patty Goldman
11/22/2024 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007In my first article of this special series, I wrote a synopsis of the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame (HOF) Award, along with a commentary on its first few members, particularly Pritchard. Over the years, IPC members who have contributed significantly to IPC and our industry have been awarded this high honor and recognition. Though many early HOF members have passed away and are unknown to today’s IPC membership, their contributions still resonate. Over the coming months, I look forward to researching and reporting on IPC Hall of Fame members and their contributions. This month, I highlight Patty Goldman.
Winners of IPC Hand Soldering World Championship at electronica 2024 Announced
11/21/2024 | IPCIPC hosted its Hand Soldering World Championship in Munich, Germany, at electronica on 14-15 November 2024, welcoming 14 competitors from 13 companies and 12 countries worldwide. Skilled contestants competed to build an electronics assembly in accordance with IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria, and were judged on the functionality of the assembly, compliance with the assembly process and overall product quality. The contestants were allowed a maximum of 60 minutes to complete the assembly.
IPC Issues Clarion Call for EU to Reclaim Leadership in Electronics Manufacturing
11/21/2024 | IPCIPC released a synopsis of its recent white paper, Securing the European Union’s Electronics Ecosystem. This condensed document presents a comprehensive overview of the current challenges in Europe’s electronics manufacturing industry and shares actionable steps to help the EU achieve a stronger, more autonomous ecosystem.
Enjoy the Journey: PCB Design Instructor Kris Moyer on His Sustainable Lifestyle
11/19/2024 | Michelle Te, IPC CommunityWhen I contacted IPC design instructor Kris Moyer to discuss his sustainable lifestyle, he responded to my text with a call. "I'm calling you from about 8,000 feet, sitting at the foot of Mammoth Lakes," he told me. “My friends and I are about to get in the pool for the afternoon." Kris can do this because he actually lives full-time in his travel-trailer at this campground. He's now a permanent camper, taking him anywhere the winds blow—and where there's strong internet service—so he can teach his PCB design classes, offer expert interviews, and live off the land.
IPC Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with a Focus on Electronics Manufacturing Excellence
11/19/2024 | IPCIPC, a leading global electronics industry association and source for industry standards, training and advocacy, is proud to announce its participation in National Apprenticeship Week, scheduled for November 17-23, 2024.