Standard of Excellence: Anticipating Customer Needs Early and Often
The Knowledge Base: At the Forefront of Electronics Manufacturing
Global Citizenship: Training the Next Generation of Talent
Z-AXIS Launches NPI Line for SMT Assemblies at its Contract Manufacturing Center in USA
June 18, 2020 | Z-AXISEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Z-AXIS, Inc. has launched a new product introduction (NPI) line for surface mount technology (SMT) printed circuit board (PCB) assembly at its contract design and electronics manufacturing center near Rochester, NY.
The separate NPI line allows the company to run prototype jobs without impacting the schedule on its two SMT production lines. It can also be used for quick-turn production builds to accommodate last-minute requests from existing customers.
“The separate NPI line lets us bring new boards to market faster for our customers, whether they use our engineering design services or bring us their completed designs to manufacture,” said Michael Allen, President of Z-AXIS, Inc. “We can take the time to optimize the SMT assembly process by doing prototype and pre-production runs on the NPI line, while keeping our higher-volume production jobs running without interruption.”
The NPI line features two recently-updated Mycronic (MYDATA) MY9E pick-and-place machines and a Speedline MPM/SPM semi-automated stencil printer. These are the same equipment brands found on Z-AXIS’ production lines, which facilitates fast ramp-up to higher-volume production. All solder paste stencils, pick-and-place tools (vacuum heads), and software programs that are developed and optimized on the NPI line are easily transferred to the production lines as soon as the customer is ready for higher volumes.
In addition to using reels of standard parts from Z-AXIS’ stock, the MY9E pick-and-place machines on the NPI line can easily accommodate cut tape and loose parts. This supports the use of sample or specialty parts that customers may want to provide for use in their prototypes, or have Z-AXIS procure for them.
The NPI line is used by Z-AXIS’ in-house design engineering team as well as the manufacturing team. The engineering team provides feasibility studies, circuit design and board layout services in addition to prototype development. The manufacturing team launches new products that have been designed by Z-AXIS customers.
Line Supports PCB Assembly Services in the USA
The NPI line supports demand for contract electronics manufacturing services in the USA. Z-AXIS provides electronic product design and contract electronic manufacturing services (EMS) at its 32,000 square foot design and manufacturing center, located near Rochester and Syracuse in western New York.
Share on:
Suggested Items
KYZEN to Highlight Stencil and Cleaning Solutions at SMTA Monterrey
03/27/2025 | KYZEN'KYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally friendly cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Monterrey Expo & Tech Forum scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 10 at the Cintermex Convention Center in Monterrey, Nuevo León. KYZEN cleaning experts will be on-site highlighting stencil cleaning chemistries KYZEN E5631J and CYBERSOLV C8882.
Indium to Showcase Proven EV Products and High-Reliability Alloys at Productronica China
03/26/2025 | Indium CorporationAs a global materials supplier and trusted partner in electric vehicle (EV) and e-Mobility manufacturing, Indium Corporation® is proud to showcase its high-reliability alloys and soldering solutions at Productronica China, March 26-28, in Shanghai, China.
SolderKing Enhances Brainboxes' Electronics Manufacturing with Expert Support and Advanced Materials
03/26/2025 | SolderKingIn modern electronics manufacturing, success relies on more than high-quality soldering materials. Technical knowledge and process expertise are just as crucial for achieving consistent results. SolderKing, a leading UK manufacturer, provides both, combining advanced consumables with specialist support to help manufacturers optimise their soldering processes.
AIM to Highlight Type 5 Solder and Other Leading Products at SMTA Monterrey Expo & Tech Forum
03/20/2025 | AIM SolderAIM Solder, a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials for the electronics industry, is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming SMTA Monterrey Expo & Tech Forum taking place on April 10 at Cintermex in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Hentec Industries/RPS Automation to Showcase Valence 2508 at IPC Expo 2025
03/17/2025 | Hentec Industries/RPS AutomationThe Valence 2508 Selective Soldering System is engineered for high-mix, high-volume, advanced PCB production. It supports boards ranging from 25 x 25 mm to 559 x 559 mm (1 x 1 in. to 22 x 22 in.), with a maximum processing area of 508 x 508 mm (20 x 20 in.).