Global Sourcing Spotlight: How to Evaluate Supplier Capabilities Worldwide
The Knowledge Base: Cultivating Your Brand in the Age of Connection
SMT Perspectives and Prospects: Warren Buffett’s Perpetual Wisdom, Part 2
Spectrum Assembly Reconfigures Its SMT Production Area
July 20, 2016 | Spectrum Assembly Inc.Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Spectrum Assembly Inc. (SAI) has added equipment and is reconfiguring its SMT area utilizing Lean manufacturing principles to increase flexibility and throughput. The company added a third Heller 1707 XLM Mark III 7-zone reflow oven with a built-in KIC system for profiling. The new oven is identical to SAI's existing reflow soldering capability. As with the unit purchased last year, it does not include nitrogen capability.
The SMT area is being reconfigured to improve flexibility and throughput. One line will be a Mydata Synergy line with two MY100 placement machines while the other lines will have a MY100 and a MY200DX, respectively. The placement capability of the machines is identical, however, the MY200 has two hydraheads which gives it twice the speed. The line with two placement machines side-by-side can either run a top and bottom side placement sequence or run independently of each other, essentially "adding a line" on demand.
The lines utilize Mydata's Manufacturing Process Management (MPM) software suite which features a web interface and Autoteach system. The AutoTeach system can measure all geometrical data from an unknown package. The operator performing setup simply needs to show the package to the machine's vision system. MYSpeed optimization and line-balancing software will help ensure the lines are correctly balanced for optimum throughput.
Additional feeders have been ordered to enable offline setup and teardown. This reduces changeover time to about 10-15 minutes, since the reels and magazines can be pre-loaded offline and then de-kitted while the next job is running. Additionally, it enables the stock-room team to handle feeder and magazine loading, freeing up SMT technicians for production-related activities.
"The new configuration supports the growth we are seeing in our board-level production. At the same time, it gives us the flexibility to efficiently support a wide range of product configurations from short runs to more complex, high volume production. Our standardization on Mydata equipment from component towers through deposition systems and placement equipment ensures that we can capitalize on the synergy of their software suite of tools, as well," said Adrian Nishimoto, Director of Operations.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Advertising in PCB007 Magazine has been a great way to showcase our bare board testers to the right audience. The I-Connect007 team makes the process smooth and professional. We’re proud to be featured in such a trusted publication."
Klaus Koziol - atgSuggested Items
Haylo Labs Acquires Plessey Semiconductors
08/20/2025 | Haylo LabsHaylo Labs has acquired Plessey Semiconductors, the UK’s leading innovator in microLED display technology.
50% Copper Tariffs, 100% Chip Uncertainty, and a Truce
08/19/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007If you’re like me, tariffs were not on your radar screen until a few months ago, but now political rhetoric has turned to presidential action. Tariffs are front-page news with major developments coming directly from the Oval Office. These are not typical times. President Donald Trump campaigned on tariff reform, and he’s now busy revamping America’s tariff policy.
U.S. Uses Secret Trackers to Trace AI Chips Diverted to China, Sources Say
08/18/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamTwo sources told Reuters that U.S. authorities have secretly placed location trackers in some advanced chip shipments they see as at high risk of illegal diversion to China. They said the trackers are intended to locate AI chips that are sent to locations restricted by U.S. export laws, but authorities only examine some shipments.
SMT Perspectives and Prospects: Warren Buffett’s Perpetual Wisdom, Part 1
07/29/2025 | Dr. Jennie Hwang -- Column: SMT Perspectives and ProspectsOver the years, I have cherished the lessons by Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger at the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. This year, I was among the more than 40,000 who attended the May 3 meeting. Millions more from around the world, including from the UK, Germany, Japan, China, Panama, and Guatemala, tuned in remotely and via CNBC’s livestream.
Flex CEO Sees US Manufacturing Resurgence
06/18/2025 | I-Connect007In a June 16 interview on Bloomberg Open Interest, Flex CEO Revathi Advaithi said the supply chain is already shifting, with more goods now being manufactured in the U.S.