-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueWhat's Your Sweet Spot?
Are you in a niche that’s growing or shrinking? Is it time to reassess and refocus? We spotlight companies thriving by redefining or reinforcing their niche. What are their insights?
Moving Forward With Confidence
In this issue, we focus on sales and quoting, workforce training, new IPC leadership in the U.S. and Canada, the effects of tariffs, CFX standards, and much more—all designed to provide perspective as you move through the cloud bank of today's shifting economic market.
Intelligent Test and Inspection
Are you ready to explore the cutting-edge advancements shaping the electronics manufacturing industry? The May 2025 issue of SMT007 Magazine is packed with insights, innovations, and expert perspectives that you won’t want to miss.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
Mek (Marantz Electronics) Launches New Entry-Level Inline AOI System
April 12, 2023 | Mek (Marantz Electronics)Estimated reading time: 1 minute

Marantz Electronics is proud to announce the launch of their latest generation Mek iSpector inline Automatic Optical Inspection system. This entry-level system is specifically designed to cater to customers with low volume, high mix production, who require high-quality AOI solutions without breaking the bank.
The iSpector system utilizes DOAL, main and side LED light sources from three different angles, creating a meniscus profiling light pattern that allows for the inspection of component bodies and solder joints. The system is equipped with Mek Colour Histogram analysis, which provides accurate and reliable inspection results with low false calls.
Offering a rapid and repeatable inspection process at an affordable cost, the iSpector is a lead screw and servo drive AOI system that combines high performance with the lowest cost of ownership. The system is easy to install, and the Mek iMentor online training program makes it exceptionally easy to program.
The iSpector utilizes software that has been continuously developed by Mek and proven in the market for almost 30 years. It has a clean and simple interface with powerful features, including full programming capabilities for solder inspection, component presence/absence, polarity, and value. The system's Z-axis allows for the inspection of taller components and hybrid PCBs, and users can import NC Data from their pick and place system or most popular CAD/CAM software.
To provide fast programming times and reliable results with low false fails, iSpector users can also take advantage of Mek's extensive custom libraries. Furthermore, the iSpector series is fully compatible with Mek's Catch System, which offers full traceability and industry 4.0 readiness. Catch comprises modules such as Database CS Center, CS Repair, CS Analyser, and CS Watch, and it is fully scalable from single AOI stations to multiple machines.
"We are excited to introduce the iSpector system to our customers," said Henk Biemans, Managing Director for Mek. "We understand the importance of providing high-quality AOI solutions that are affordable and easy to use, and the iSpector is the perfect solution for customers with low volume, high mix production. With its powerful features and compatibility with Mek's Catch System, we are confident that our customers will be able to take their production processes to the next level."
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
Weller Tools Supports Future Talent with Exclusive Donation to SMTA Michigan Student Soldering Competition
07/23/2025 | Weller ToolsWeller Tools, the industry leader in hand soldering solutions, is proud to announce its support of the upcoming SMTA Michigan Expo & Tech Forum by donating a limited-edition 80th Anniversary Black Soldering Set to the event’s student soldering competition.
Koh Young Appoints Tom Hattori as President of Koh Young Japan
07/21/2025 | Koh YoungKoh Young Technology, the global leader in True 3D measurement-based inspection solutions, announced the appointment of Tom Hattori as President of Koh Young Japan (JKY).
Silicon Mountain Contract Services Enhances SMT Capabilities with New HELLER Reflow Oven
07/17/2025 | Silicon Mountain Contract ServicesSilicon Mountain Contract Services, a leading provider of custom electronics manufacturing solutions, is proud to announce a significant upgrade to its SMT production capability with the addition of a HELLER 2043 MK5 10‑zone reflow oven to its Nampa facility.
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Addressing End-of-life Component Solderability Issues, Part 4
07/16/2025 | Nash Bell -- Column: Knocking Down the Bone PileIn 1983, the Department of Defense identified that over 40% of military electronic system failures in the field were electrical, with approximately 50% attributed to poor solder connections. Investigations revealed that plated finishes, typically nickel or tin, were porous and non-intermetallic.
SHENMAO Strengthens Semiconductor Capabilities with Acquisition of PMTC
07/10/2025 | SHENMAOSHENMAO America, Inc. has announced the acquisition of Profound Material Technology Co., Ltd. (PMTC), a premier Taiwan-based manufacturer of high-performance solder balls for semiconductor packaging.