Newbury Electronics Invests in Latest X-Ray Machine Technology

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Newbury Electronics has made a financial investment of £100K  and purchased a new, highly accurate  X-ray reference hole drilling machine, the Antares 700 X. The machine has already been installed in the company's manufacturing centre in Newbury and enhances the performance of drilling equipments that enables the precision required in modern day electronic component manufacture.

“As electronics become more miniaturised, we need ever more accurate machinery, and the installation of this world class machine will keep us ahead of the game. I saw it at a trade show in Munich last November, and was so impressed I ordered it there and then;” said Philip King, managing director at Newbury Electronics.

The machine can measure multiple fiducial markers by x-ray, and calculate the optimised position and drill registration holes within 12 seconds to an accuracy of  +/- 0.003mm, far exceeding the accuracy levels of previous equipment. Manufactured by Mach3 Lab SRL from Italy, this is the first of its type to be installed in the UK although there are many installations operating across Europe. 

“This is world class machinery giving us the tools to make the most difficult PCBs.  I doubt whether there is another machine in the UK in its class. We will also use it on every day PCBs improving the quality of our entire circuit board production.  It is not a machine we had to buy now, but one I know will come into its own over the next  five years. The first impressions of it in action have been excellent” added Philip.

Philip believes that not only will many of his existing customer benefit from the improved accuracy and capabilities of this new machine but that it will also open up new opportunities in markets such as medical, mobile comms and research where miniature PCBs provide greater functionality and are making a considerable contribution.

About Newbury Electronics Ltd

Newbury Electronics Ltd has been trading for nearly 60 years, during which time it has kept in step with changes in both electronics and manufacturing. It now offers its customers some of the most advanced contract electronic manufacturing (CEM) solutions available in the UK. Philip King became MD in 2011, and has overseen over £2m of capital investment in the last 5 years. The company provides a full electronic design, and PCB CAD layout service alongside PCB manufacture and assembly in Newbury, West Berkshire. It employs 73 staff and is dedicated to the rapid manufacturing of small and medium batch PCB assemblies.  Production includes SMD, SMT, surface mount, BGA, through hole, box build, soldering, test, & rework. Customers can select from any of the company’s services and the company is happy to undertake single, bespoke projects through to the design and supply of manufactured lots exceeding 10,000 pcs on its nine automated SMD assembly lines. It has recently introduced an economical express same day PCB manufacturing service for orders placed before 9am.