The Right Approach: Get Ready for ISO 9001 Version 6
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Still Broke: Walmart’s Remarkable Transformation'
Driving Innovation: Depth Routing Processes—Achieving Unparalleled Precision in Complex PCBs
The Economics of Equipment Selection
January 8, 2024 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Financing capital equipment is certainly a large part of a fabricator’s economic equation. However, the selection of your equipment has a long-term economic impact, especially if you overlook a few critical points.
As IPS President and CEO Mike Brask recently explained, the first step in this process is to really understand your technological needs and the flexibility that’s required for your equipment to carry you into the future. For example, in a recent ENEPIG line that IPS delivered, the customer wanted the capability to add new chemistry tanks in the next few years, so IPS designed flexibility into a line that allowed for that upgrade down the road. By thinking beyond current needs, the customer will save a lot of money and valuable runtime.
If you are selecting equipment for a brownfield site bound by space constraints, working with your equipment supplier up front can really pay off. Equipment specialists will help you optimize the features you need and eliminate the ones you don’t, all while working within the space constraints.
To that end, in the equipment selection process be sure to work with all your stakeholders as a team. Look at the entire plan so that you are not a one-move chess player. Think about your needs beyond today’s purchase and build a technology roadmap for future purchases as well. This will help you plan your utilities, venting, DI, water, and waste treatment, thus saving you resources and maximizing your runtime.
To continue reading, click here.
This article first appeared in the December 2023 issue of PCB007 Magazine.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Secure Semiconductor Manufacturing Acquires Full SMT Line from Manncorp
09/11/2025 | ManncorpSecure Semiconductor Manufacturing, LLC (SSM), an American-owned company dedicated to producing secure printed wiring boards and advanced assembly solutions in the MidWest USA, today announced the acquisition of a complete surface mount technology (SMT) line from Manncorp.
Smart Automation: Odd-form Assembly—Dedicated Insertion Equipment Matters
09/09/2025 | Josh Casper -- Column: Smart AutomationLarge, irregular, or mechanically unique parts, often referred to as odd-form components, have never truly disappeared from electronics manufacturing. While many in the industry have been pursuing miniaturization, faster placement speeds, and higher-density PCBs, certain market sectors are moving in the opposite direction.
Boston Semi Equipment Adds New Handler Product Lines to Expand Test and Back-end Manufacturing Product Portfolio
09/09/2025 | Boston Semi EquipmentBoston Semi Equipment (BSE), a global leader in semiconductor test automation solutions, introduced several new product lines under a partnership with a leading semiconductor original equipment manufacturer (OEM) based in Asia.
SEMI Reports Global Semiconductor Equipment Billings Increased 24% Year-Over-Year in Q2 2025
09/05/2025 | SEMISEMI, the industry association serving the global semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, announced in its Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS) Report that global semiconductor equipment billings increased 24% year-over-year to US$33.07 billion in the second quarter of 2025.
The Chemical Connection: Experience and Wisdom Gained by Doing Business
09/03/2025 | Don Ball -- Column: The Chemical ConnectionA well-managed company learns to adjust its strategies and processes based on what it learns during challenging times. The experience gained from making (or losing) a difficult sale is invaluable in adapting new sales and manufacturing processes necessary to make that sale the next time, no matter how painful those new processes might be.