Duluth, January 15th, 2026 – Viscom Inc. will showcase its latest AI-based inspection solution vAI ProVision at APEX Expo 2026, taking place from March 17–19, in Anaheim, California. Visitors can experience live demonstrations at Booth 2836.
A highlight of the show is Viscom’s new software solution vAI ProVision. Programming AOI and AXI systems manually requires significant time and specialized expertise. This often delays commissioning, increases costs, and limits flexibility due to dependency on experienced specialists. These challenges can quickly become bottlenecks, slowing down production and reducing overall efficiency.
vAI ProVision, the AI-assisted feature in Viscom’s vVision Software, creates fully functional inspection programs for AOI and AXI fast, without compromising on inspection depth. This innovation reduces setup time and operator workload while simultaneously increasing quality, process reliability, and throughput. The software feature is designed for electronics manufacturers of all sizes: from high-volume production lines to EMS providers handling high product variety and short life cycles.
“AI is a core element of our product strategy, driving greater efficiency, performance, and differentiation in the marketplace.”, explains Jesper Lykke, CEO of Viscom Inc.
Viscom will also present its latest inspection systems live at the APEX Expo, including the iX7059 PCB Inspection XL for advanced 3D X-ray inspection of larger, heavier and more complex assemblies. This innovation is part of the broader iX7059 Series, Viscom’s powerful portfolio of AXI systems, from inspecting components weighing up to 200 kg and measuring 2 meters in length, to achieving resolutions down to 1 micron, this one series gives customers endless possibilities.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about the cost-efficient iS6052 Series, designed for AOI, SPI, and CCI applications. These solutions deliver an optimal balance of throughput, accuracy, and investment efficiency, making them ideal for manufacturers seeking reliable quality control without compromising speed.
The X8011-III brings high-end 2D and 3D X-ray capability to both automated and manual workflows. Equipped with an open microfocus X-ray tube and a modular design, it is particularly well suited for high-mix, low-volume productions as well as R&D environments. The X8011-III can now be equipped with a 210 kV X-ray tube, significantly expanding its capabilities. With this expansion, the X8011-III opens up new opportunities across a broader range of market applications. Its key differentiator remains the unique combination of an exceptionally compact footprint and outstanding versatility.
By combining intelligent software with industry-leading inspection systems, Viscom once again demonstrates its role as a technology innovator and leader.
“The business outlook for 2026 is optimistic.”, explains Jesper Lykke, CEO of Viscom Inc. “Early indicators point to positive momentum, with the first three months of the year expected to be particularly important in validating this trend. Viscom enters the year with a robust list of projects already included in the forecast, reflecting healthy customer demand and strong market engagement. We look forward to presenting new software and hardware innovations at APEX 2026.”
At the event, the company will show how AI-based solutions can simplify manufacturing processes, enhance reliability, and support sustainability and long-term success: true to its guiding principle: “We make technology safe, reliable and sustainable”. Viscom looks forward to welcoming visitors at Booth 2836!
About Viscom
Founded in 1984, Viscom SE is one of the leading suppliers worldwide in the field of assembly inspection within electronics production. With its headquarters and production site in Hanover, Germany, the company develops, produces and sells high-quality inspection systems from the areas of AOI, SPI, AXI, MXI, wire bond inspection as well as conformal coating inspection. The systems developed and manufactured in Hanover set high standards in terms of accuracy and speed. The product range covers the complete spectrum of optical inspection and X-ray inspection for small and medium-sized companies as well as for large series production. Viscom systems are used for 100% automatic inspection of electronic assemblies such as those used in the production of automotive electronics, aerospace technology or in the manufacture of telecommunications electronics.
Product development also focuses on customer-specific system developments and networking with other production processes for smart factory applications. In order to achieve this, Viscom SE increasingly invests in its own software and hardware development which is constantly defining new standards in inspection technology.
International sales are handled by a broad network of its own subsidiaries, application centers, service centers and representatives. A service team of in-house technicians and application specialists commission Viscom systems worldwide, offering maintenance, conversion and modernization from a single source. In addition, system-specific training courses are offered for customers’ operators, programmers and maintenance personnel. Experienced engineers and technicians from the application and service departments share their expert knowledge with participants.
About Exacom
Exacom GmbH develops X-ray metrology systems for high-quality and cost-effective inline inspection of battery cells. The company has a wide expertise in defect detection and process optimization from research and development to mass production. The advanced solutions cover a wide range of cell formats, including coin, cylindrical, pouch and prismatic cells. Exacom is part of the strong German group Viscom SE.
DAYTON, OH ― January 2026 ― Libra Industries, a leading provider of systems integration and electronics manufacturing services (EMS), is proud to announce the appointment of Tony Jepson as the new General Manager of its Dallas, Texas facility. With more than 35 years of experience spanning EMS, semiconductor, and OEM sectors, Jepson brings a proven track record of leadership in high-reliability, mission-critical manufacturing environments.
Jepson has built his career in some of the industry’s most respected organizations, holding senior leadership roles at Creation Technologies, Celestica, NEOTech, and Flextronics, as well as engineering and operations management positions at Intel and Micron Technology. His expertise extends across advanced technology manufacturing, aerospace and defense, medical devices, semiconductor capital equipment, and industrial markets.
He holds a BASc in Electronics Technology/Engineering from Boise State University, completed the Executive Management Development Program at the University of Southern California, and earned an MBA from Pepperdine University. He is currently completing his Doctor of Business Administration degree with a dissertation focused on Electronics Manufacturing Services.
As General Manager, Jepson will oversee the continued growth and operational excellence of Libra’s Dallas facility, ensuring efficiency, standardization, and scalability across its SMT, PCBA, and systems integration operations. His global, hands-on expertise in the full product lifecycle spanning design, prototyping, NPI, supply chain, manufacturing, test, and aftermarket services, will further strengthen Libra’s ability to deliver value to its expanding list of world-class customers.
“I am fortunate to join Libra Industries after following the company’s growth, award-winning expertise, technology leadership, and the unique position it holds in the EMS market segment as a systems integrator of high-reliability products,” said Jepson. “I’m excited to apply my global business and manufacturing experience to help drive continued development and standardization of operations, for the benefit of our team and our customers.”
Libra Industries continues to invest heavily in its Dallas facility, adding new equipment and capabilities to serve aerospace, defense, medical, semiconductor, and industrial markets. With Jepson’s leadership, the site is well positioned to deliver even greater performance, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
For more information about Libra Industries and its industry-leading manufacturing services, visit www.libraindustries.com.
SANTA CLARA, CA ― January 2026 ― Absolute EMS, Inc., a six-time award-winning provider of fast turnaround, turnkey contract electronic manufacturing services (EMS), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a strategic contractual agreement with SIIX USA, a Japan-headquartered global manufacturing and trading firm. Under the agreement, AEMS will serve as SIIX’s U.S. footprint including ITAR-compliant manufacturing and U.S. production support, enabling SIIX to extend its global network into the United States, while leveraging AEMS’s existing capacity and certifications.
SIIX describes itself as a “Global Business Organizer” that provides one-stop services – from procurement through logistics and manufacturing – centered on its global network of electronic-parts trading and manufacturing operations. Its business model includes not only PCB mounting and board assembly, but also plastic injection molding and finished product assembly.
With operations spanning 23 overseas sites, including 10 manufacturing plants and 13 offices as of December 2023, SIIX USA brings deep international reach and capacity. This footprint includes a large manufacturing presence in Mexico, which offers strong potential for capacity scaling in collaboration with AEMS’s U.S. operations.
“By aligning our U.S. manufacturing capabilities – anchored in our 4.0 smart factory environment – with SIIX’s global manufacturing and logistics infrastructure, we can offer customers a seamless ‘local‐to‐global’ manufacturing model,” said Doug Dow, COO at Absolute EMS. “Whether a client needs an ITAR-compliant U.S. build or follow-on volume in Mexico or elsewhere, this collaboration delivers flexibility, traceability, and scale.”
Absolute EMS’s facility is equipped to operate at Industry 4.0 standards and emphasizes lean processes and continuous improvement. The company holds ISO 13485 (medical), AS9100D (aerospace) and ISO 9001 certifications, supporting high-precision electronics manufacturing across medical, aerospace, industrial and commercial markets.
Going forward, AEMS and SIIX will jointly offer manufacturing solutions that combine:
For more information about Absolute EMS, visit www.absolute-ems.com.
To learn more about SIIX USA, visit www.siix.co.jp/en.
Phelps, NY – January 14, 2025 – Z-AXIS, a growing provider of electronic design and manufacturing services, has promoted Danielle Sklepik to Design Engineering Manager. Sklepik holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and became a Design Engineer for Z-AXIS in 2011.
Sklepik’s Z-AXIS career began even earlier. During the summers of 2006 and 2007, she worked in Production. Then as a RIT student, she completed three co-op blocks in 2009 and 2010. Sklepik became a Design Engineer for Z-AXIS on March 2, 2011 and served in that role for nearly 15 years.
Aside from six-months as a co-op with Alstom Transportation, Sklepik has spent her entire career with Z-AXIS, which was recently named to the Greater Rochester Chamber Top 100 Companies list. Z-AXIS was founded on October 1, 1989, and celebrated its 36th anniversary last year. The company is nearing completion of a $1.5 expansion and has upgraded all its major manufacturing equipment.
“Employee retention is a key performance indicator at Z-AXIS,” said Michael Allen, president and co-owner of Z-AXIS. “Danielle has enjoyed a lengthy and successful career with us, and we’re confident that the best is yet to come in her new role as Design Engineering Manager.”
Europlacer, a global leader in flexible SMT assembly solutions, has received a 2025 Service Excellence Award (SEA), marking the 12th year in a row the company has been honored. The award, presented to Technical Service Manager Scott Huffman by Mike Buetow – President of PCEA, recognizes Europlacer’s high standards in Pick & Place and Printer service.
The Service Excellence Awards, now in their 33rd year and sponsored by CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY, are based entirely on feedback from customers. Companies are evaluated on areas such as reliability, responsiveness, ease of use, manufacturing quality, and overall value.
Scott Huffman, Technical Service Manager for Europlacer Americas said:
"Receiving the Service Excellence Award is a great recognition of the commitment our service team shows every day. As service engineers, we are on the front line with our customers, and our priority is always to keep their production running smoothly. This award reflects the trust our customers place in us and the teamwork behind every successful service delivery."
Craig Brown, Europlacer Americas Sales Director, added:
"We are delighted to receive this award, as it reflects the consistent level of support and attention we aim to provide our customers - from initial contact and throughout the life of their equipment."
This 12th consecutive award highlights Europlacer’s continued focus on service and support, a key part of the company’s approach to working with electronics manufacturers worldwide.
Plymouth, WI — January 2026 — Kurtz Ersa Inc., a leading supplier of electronics production equipment, will offer two back-to-back VERSAFLOW 3 training courses at its U.S. headquarters in Plymouth, Wisconsin, from January 26–30, 2026.
The first course, VERSAFLOW 3 – Level II Maintenance Training, will run January 26–28. This hands-on session is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain and troubleshoot VERSAFLOW 3 machines. Training topics include machine calibration, nitrogen and pneumatic systems, electrical diagnostics, preventive maintenance practices, and servicing flux, preheat, and solder modules. The course concludes with practical troubleshooting exercises to address real-world production challenges.
The second course, VERSAFLOW 3 – Level II Application Training, will run January 28–30. This session focuses on optimizing machine performance and programming capabilities. Participants will explore process parameters across all modules, learn best practices with lead-free solder, practice temperature profiling, and gain experience with Ersa CAD 3 offline programming software. The course emphasizes strategies for improving throughput, minimizing defects, and optimizing cycle times.
Both courses are limited in size to ensure a hands-on, interactive learning experience. Participants completing either course will receive a certificate of completion, validating their advanced skills on the VERSAFLOW 3 system.
Training will be held at Kurtz Ersa Inc., 1779 Pilgrim Road, Plymouth, WI 53073.
For registration or more information, contact David Miller at david.miller@kurtzersa.com.
For more information about Kurtz Ersa Inc., visit www.ersa.com.