Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Abundance: How We Build a Better Future’
Trouble in Your Tank: In Complex Systems, Design Rules Aren’t Optional
It’s Only Common Sense: The Phone Is Still Your Competitive Advantage
Altus Adds Innovative Inspection Technology to Electronics Assembly Portfolio
December 18, 2023 | Altus GroupEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Altus Group, a leading distributor of electronics assembly equipment in the UK and Ireland, is happy to announce the launch of Essemtec’s latest innovation, the Integrated Inspection System (I2S) designed to maximize quality and throughput for electronics manufacturers utilising an all-in-one platform.
I2S is designed for precise inspection of dispensed and jetted material and placed SMD components pre-reflow. It efficiently addresses key challenges: improving production quality through integrated inspection and minimising capital costs by eliminating separate inspection systems. This helps to ensure that only high-quality products enter reflow ovens, and the automated repair function contributes to maintaining optimal production standards.
“Inspection and quality verification for solder paste and pre-reflow placement is very important for manufacturers looking to ensure quality and improve first pass yield,” said Joe Booth, CEO at Altus Group.
“The market is already used to screen printers with performance verification built in, but Essemtec is bringing that to dispensing and pick-and-place in their ‘all-in-one’ SMT Assembly system. Utilising hardware already within the unit to offer that verification is vitally important, and the I2S function paired with an ‘all-in-one’ configured system allows customers to use one process to jet solder, inspect, place components, and inspect in a single 1x1m square system. This is a completely unique offering, and I’m sure this will be a warmly received functionality in the market for the small scale, high mix OEMs and CEMs that are our sweet spot.”
The I2S is aimed at detecting defects and process issues, ensuring the precision and accuracy of boards. Whilst I2S is not as capable as a dedicated standalone 3D inspection unit, this capability enhances quality assurance and keeps capital expenditure low by saving investments in separate dedicated SPI/AOI systems for companies starting their manufacturing journey. Its seamless integration into combined processes on the machine, complete with traceability features, provides manufacturers with a cost-effective and efficient solution for quality assurance. The automated repair function further enhances the overall efficiency of the assembly line, keeping operating expenses low by preventing production stops and maintaining high process accuracy.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Your magazines are a great platform for people to exchange knowledge. Thank you for the work that you do."
Simon Khesin - Schmoll MaschinenSuggested Items
When Quality Is Personal: The Human Stakes Behind Electronics Reliability
05/06/2026 | Kelly DackIn electronics manufacturing, quality is often discussed in terms of specifications, standards, and process controls, but as industry veteran Doug Pauls reminds us, the stakes are far more human. In this conversation, Doug, a recipient of the Global Electronics Association’s Hall of Fame Award, draws on more than four decades of experience to illuminate the real-world consequences of reliability, where even a single defect can carry profound implications. He brings into sharp focus why quality isn’t just a metric, but a responsibility shared by everyone on the manufacturing floor.
Learning with Leo: Drones—Meeting Demand Without Compromise
05/06/2026 | Leo Lambert -- Column: Learning With LeoWith drones used in a wide range of applications today, particularly in modern military conflicts, domestic manufacturers are feeling pressure to produce at high volume and low cost, particularly within an NDAA supply chain ecosystem with differing needs and expectations. Two issues must be considered. First is the manufacturers’ and customers’ need for quality, reliability, and functionality of the product. Second is the manufacturing volume needed to support demand, whether for military, industrial, or commercial applications. Each segment requires verification that the product meets the customer's requirements.
Tomachie Launches AI-Powered PCB Analysis with Smart Test Point Insertion
04/28/2026 | TomachieTomachie announced its AI-Assisted PCB schematic design analysis platform, enabling engineering teams to evaluate and improve schematic quality before layout begins. Schematic errors caught after layout — or in production — cost 10 to 100 times more to fix than those caught during schematic capture.
Creative Materials Reinforces Quality with ITAR and ISO Recertifications
04/23/2026 | Creative Materials, Inc.Creative Materials, Inc. announces it has recently achieved International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) certification and successfully completed ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 recertification audits, strengthening the company’s ability to support customers operating in highly regulated, mission-critical aerospace, defense, and medical device industries.
BEST Inc. Publishes Optimizing BGA Rework Techniques to Ensure Quality Tech Paper
04/15/2026 | BEST Inc.BEST Inc., a leader in electronic component and PCB services, is pleased to announce they have published a tech paper describing techniques for reworking BGA components to ensure quality during the printed circuit board rework process.