Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment and service support for the electronics manufacturing sector in the UK and Ireland, has added the CuttingMaster 3290 laser depaneling system from LPKF to its equipment portfolio.

Depaneling is the process of separating individual circuit boards from a panel once assembly is complete, and it plays a critical role in protecting components and maintaining board integrity at the final stage of production. The addition comes as electronics manufacturers face growing pressure to increase throughput at this stage without compromising cut quality, particularly as assemblies become denser and substrates thicker. While mechanical routing and standard UV laser systems have long served as the default depaneling methods, both face limitations when processing thicker boards at volume, often introducing mechanical stress, debris or slower line speeds.

Joe Booth, CEO at Altus Group, said: “The CuttingMaster 3290 is a genuinely significant step forward for anyone running high-volume production. We’ve seen laser depaneling systems come and go, but this is the first to more than double throughput across all quality levels at full laser power, while still handling FR4 up to 2.4 mm and beyond without carbonisation or heat-affected zones.

“Total cost of ownership is where this system really sets itself apart. Between the extended laser service life and a footprint that beats dual-head alternatives on price-performance, it’s a compelling proposition for production managers who are evaluating cost across the full lifetime of the machine, not just the purchase price.

“I’m confident this will be one of the standout additions to our portfolio this year, and I’m looking forward to showing customers what it can do.”

Built around LPKF’s proprietary Tensor Technology, the CuttingMaster 3290 combines high laser power with advanced beam control to deliver fast, clean cuts across a wide range of substrate types, without the carbonisation or heat-affected zones that compromise yield. The system runs at 90W in combination with Tensor Technology, processing FR4 up to 2.4 mm and above as well as ceramics, flex and rigid-flex substrates, with throughput more than double that of conventional laser depaneling systems. Assembly clearances of up to 40 mm on both the top and bottom side accommodate boards with tall components, while an extended laser service life reduces planned maintenance intervals and replacement costs.

The system is now available through Altus Group for customers across the UK and Ireland, contact Altus for more information.

Plymouth, WI — July 2026 — Kurtz Ersa Inc., a leading supplier of electronics production equipment, has entered into a new representative agreement with E-tronix to support customers in Illinois and Wisconsin. Under the agreement, E-tronix will provide sales support for Kurtz Ersa’s soldering, reflow, and rework equipment across the region.

The partnership is intended to strengthen local support for electronics manufacturers by combining Kurtz Ersa’s equipment portfolio with E-tronix’s applications experience and regional presence.

E-tronix brings nearly 60 years of combined experience in electronics assembly, with a focus on process improvement, equipment optimization, and cost reduction. The company works closely with customers to address production challenges through both equipment selection and process support.

“With E-tronix, we’re adding a team that understands the day-to-day realities of electronics manufacturing,” said Ernie Grice, Vice President of Sales, Kurtz Ersa, Inc. “Their technical approach and familiarity with the regional customer base make them a strong fit for supporting our equipment and processes.”

Customers in Illinois and Wisconsin will have access to Kurtz Ersa’s full range of systems, including the HOTFLOW THREE reflow oven, VERSAFLOW selective soldering platforms, and SRO i-LINE vacuum/formic acid reflow technology. Rework solutions include the HR 600 and HR 550 series, designed for precise, repeatable rework of complex assemblies.

The agreement reflects a shared focus on providing reliable equipment to electronics manufacturers in the Midwest.

For more information, visit www.ersa.com or www.E-Tronix.com.

SAN DIEGO, CA -- XLR8 EMS, a leader in fast, reliable and high-quality PCBA manufacturing solutions, is pleased to announce that Raul Jorge Lopez Jr. has joined the company as Director of Program Management and Procurement.

Lopez brings more than 25 years of experience in electronics manufacturing, program management, operations and business development. Throughout his career, he has managed complex customer programs supporting the medical, aerospace and defense industries, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction, operational excellence and long-term business growth.

His experience includes managing multimillion-dollar customer programs, leading cross-functional teams and supporting successful new product introductions from prototype through production. He has extensive knowledge of program management, supply chain coordination, process improvement and quality systems, helping customers successfully navigate complex manufacturing requirements while meeting demanding production schedules.

"Raul brings the kind of experience that fits well with how we work," said Steve Dutton, Chief Sales Officer. "He understands the challenges our customers face, communicates well and knows what it takes to keep programs moving. We're excited to have him on the team."

As Director of Program Management and Procurement, Lopez will lead XLR8 EMS's project management and procurement teams, helping strengthen collaboration across departments while ensuring customer programs move efficiently from quote through production. He will oversee project execution, supplier coordination and procurement strategy, working closely with engineering, manufacturing and customers to support on-time delivery, quality performance and operational excellence.

"I'm excited to join XLR8 EMS and be part of a team that's focused on delivering quality and building strong customer relationships," said Lopez. "I look forward to working with our customers and internal teams to continue building efficient processes that support our customers' success."

XLR8 EMS provides fast, reliable and high-quality PCBA manufacturing solutions for customers across a wide range of industries. By combining advanced manufacturing technology with rigorous quality standards and responsive customer support, the company helps customers move seamlessly from prototype through production.

For more information about XLR8 EMS and its electronics manufacturing services, visit www.xlr8ems.com.

Atlanta, Georgia – Koh Young Technology, the global leader in True3D™ measurement-based inspection solutions, is pleased to announce the promotion of Ramiro Mora to Service and Applications Manager for Mexico and South America. The promotion recognizes his leadership, technical expertise, and proven commitment to customers.

In his expanded role, Ramiro will lead the regional service and applications teams, creating closer alignment between technical support, process development, customer training, process optimization, and long-term customer success. The move strengthens Koh Young America’s regional organization and reflects the company’s continued investment in its people and customers.

“Ramiro has earned the confidence of our customers and colleagues through his technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to solving problems,” said Heriberto Cuevas, Country Manager for Mexico and South America at Koh Young America. “This promotion recognizes the strong contributions he has already made and continues the excellent work of our team. His leadership will help us strengthen the connection between service and applications, creating even more value for our customers and reinforcing the trust they place in Koh Young.”

Since joining Koh Young America in 2017, Ramiro has worked closely with manufacturers throughout Mexico and South America to support installations, resolve technical challenges, improve inspection performance, develop applications, and strengthen operator and engineering capabilities.

Ramiro’s extensive inspection expertise provides him with a broad perspective on electronics manufacturing processes and the role inspection plays in improving quality, productivity, and operational performance. This experience allows him to understand how service, applications, and process knowledge can work together to help customers achieve more consistent results.

His technical foundation, combined with an MBA focused on quality and productivity, supports a leadership approach centered on reliability, continuous improvement, and customer success. This combination will help Ramiro guide the regional team while maintaining a clear focus on the operational needs and business priorities of Koh Young customers.

The promotion represents a positive step forward for Koh Young America and reinforces the company’s commitment to providing customers throughout Mexico and South America with strong regional leadership, accessible technical expertise, and coordinated support.

For more information about Koh Young's inspection solutions and market leadership in Mexico and South America, visit our regional website at kohyoungamerica.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.