-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueDo You Have X-ray Vision?
Has X-ray’s time finally come in electronics manufacturing? Join us in this issue of SMT007 Magazine, where we answer this question and others to bring more efficiency to your bottom line.
IPC APEX EXPO 2025: A Preview
It’s that time again. If you’re going to Anaheim for IPC APEX EXPO 2025, we’ll see you there. In the meantime, consider this issue of SMT007 Magazine to be your golden ticket to planning the show.
Technical Resources
Key industry organizations–all with knowledge sharing as a part of their mission–share their technical repositories in this issue of SMT007 Magazine. Where can you find information critical to your work? Odds are, right here.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
GEN3 Installs HATS²™ System with RAS Inc.’s Bob Neves, Launches Expanded Test Services at New Technical Centre
April 7, 2025 | Gen3 SystemsEstimated reading time: 2 minutes

In a significant step toward advancing our testing capabilities, we are excited to announce the successful installation of the state-of-the-art HATS²™ (Highly Accelerated Thermal Shock) system at our brand-new Technical Centre in Hampshire, England. The installation was led by industry veteran Bob Neves of RAS Inc, who spent the week on-site overseeing the process and delivering comprehensive training to the GEN3 team.
As part of his visit, Bob provided in-depth hands-on technical and sales training, ensuring the team are fully equipped to operate and support the HATS²™ system. During his stay with us Bob hosted a global webinar, which was attended by key partners in our international distribution network. Attendees included representatives from leading industry organisations such as PB Technik, Sinerji Group, Horizon Sales, Stannol, and others—marking a high-impact week of technical collaboration and knowledge sharing.
With the successful completion of the training, GEN3 is now fully prepared to offer a range of advanced Test Services utilising the HATS²™ platform. This includes D Coupon testing, real-time resistance monitoring during reflow, and other critical evaluations that support both reliability assurance and design validation. This marks a significant milestone in GEN3's evolution. After eight months of transforming our headquarters, we're excited to welcome customers on-site and provide our comprehensive range of test services in collaboration with Zestron. As our business continues to grow and we forge strong partnerships with industry leaders like Zestron and Bob Neves, GEN3 is uniquely positioned to guide our customers through the complexities of electronics reliability, while ensuring full compliance with IPC standards, and the HAT²™ is an opportunity like no other for both GEN3 and the global electronics industry.
The HATS²™ system offers a faster, higher-throughput approach to via reliability testing, allowing manufacturers to dramatically improve both operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Perfectly suited for established production designs and R&D environments alike, HATS²™ enables quicker feedback loops and greater confidence in material and process performance.
“This isn’t just an equipment install—it’s a launchpad for a whole new level of capability,” said Andrew Naisbitt CEO at GEN3 “The team at is now ready to deliver real value through testing services that meet the growing demands of today’s electronics manufacturing industry”
With the addition of HATS²™ and the deep expertise gained from the week’s training, GEN3 is positioned as a premier provider of both test systems and on-demand testing services.
Suggested Items
Insulectro Technology Village to Feature 35 Powerchats at IPC APEX EXPO 2025
03/11/2025 | InsulectroInsulectro, the largest distributor of materials for use in the manufacture of PCBs and printed electronics, will present its popular and successful 13.5-minute PowerChats™ during this year’s IPC APEX EXPO at the Anaheim Convention Center, March 18-20, 2025.
Recruiting the Next Generation of PCB Designers at Garmin
03/06/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007Laura Beth (LB) Yates, PCB design engineering manager at Garmin, discusses the company's innovative approach to recruiting the next generation of PCB designers. As she points out, the best part of her job is “going to work every day with my friends and making cool stuff.”
Don’t Rush: Get ‘Acclimated’ With Each Level of SI
02/27/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007During DesignCon, I met with Al Neves, the founder of Wild River Technology, and a serious fly fisherman as well. As Al explains, some engineers are getting ahead of themselves by rushing to take on complex SI challenges before they’ve mastered their foundational knowledge. Like climbers on Mount Everest, these engineers need to spend more time getting “acclimated” at base camp before heading for the summit.
It’s Only Common Sense: Success—The Devil's in the Details
02/24/2025 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseTo achieve business success, we often focus on the big picture—market share, revenue growth, and innovation. However, success is not simply about grand strategies or groundbreaking ideas. It’s the small, often overlooked touches that set the best businesses apart. As the saying goes, "The devil is in the details." I’d argue the angel is there, too. Here’s why details matter and how they can lead to success.
Marcy's Musings: It's Show Time!
02/20/2025 | Marcy LaRont -- Column: Marcy's MusingsIt’s hard to believe another year has gone by and it is time, once again, for IPC APEX EXPO. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this iconic show for the electronics industry and, in addition to all the usual suspects, there are some special things in store to celebrate this milestone. Last year, IPC themed the event, “What’s Next is Now.” This year’s theme, “Reimagine the Possibilities,” feels like a wholly appropriate follow-on.