MN, USA – ASC International has announced further development in its portfolio related to automated inspection technologies, emphasizing the role of Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) systems in the electronics manufacturing process. The firm focuses on providing solutions that align with the requirements for efficiency and accuracy in quality control environments.

The representative stated, “ASC International recognizes the critical role that inspection technologies play in ensuring product compliance and minimizing production downtime.”

The organization supplies a range of inspection solutions designed to help manufacturers identify defects and maintain production standards. Automated Optical Inspection systems are part of these offerings, aimed at streamlining the inspection phase by providing reliable and repeatable evaluations of printed circuit boards and other electronic assemblies.

Including AOI optical inspection technologies supports manufacturers by enabling early detection of assembly and soldering defects. This reduces the risk of defective products reaching subsequent manufacturing stages or end users.

ASC International’s Automated Optical Inspection systems utilize image capture and processing technology to assess electronic components. The systems scan circuit boards for common faults such as missing components, incorrect parts, soldering defects, and other anomalies. This process replaces manual inspection methods, which are often time-consuming and subject to variability.

The firm’s contributions extend beyond merely supplying equipment; it provides comprehensive support to integrate these inspection systems within existing production workflows. This includes consultation, system setup, and training to ensure operational effectiveness.

The representative added, “Our approach considers the integration of inspection systems as a part of the entire manufacturing process, not an isolated step. This perspective helps manufacturers optimize their operations.”

ASC International also maintains relationships with multiple technology partners and suppliers, allowing it to offer a selection of inspection equipment tailored to varying customer requirements. The company’s role involves evaluating customer needs and recommending appropriate inspection technologies for different production scales and complexities.

About the company: ASC International operates as a solutions provider for electronics manufacturing needs, specializing in distributing and integrating equipment essential for production efficiency and quality assurance. The company’s offerings include automated inspection solutions, production equipment, and support services to enhance manufacturing operations. ASC International serves a broad customer base, supporting manufacturers across different sectors with technologies that address production challenges.

Europlacer, a global leader in flexible SMT assembly solutions for High-Mix manufacturers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Photo Chemical Systems as its new representative for the Eastern United States.

With over 50 years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry, Photo Chemical Systems has built a strong reputation for delivering advanced products and equipment to the screen printing and printed circuit fabrication markets. Their dedication to innovation, customer value, and long-standing industry relationships makes them a natural fit to represent Europlacer's state-of-the-art SMT placement and assembly solutions. As Europlacer's new representative in the Eastern United States, Photo Chemical will play a pivotal role in driving regional growth through strategic customer engagement and expert sales support.

"We welcome Photo Chemical Systems to the Europlacer network and look forward to a successful partnership.", said Chris Merow, Director of Sales, Europlacer Americas. " Their reputation and market knowledge will help us connect with more manufacturers looking for innovative and flexible SMT solutions."

Photo Chemical Systems will offer Europlacer's complete range of SMT technologies, featuring the award-winning iineo and atom placement platforms, advanced screen printing systems, and intelligent component storage solutions.

“Photo Chemical is thrilled to represent Europlacer”, said Dave Graves, General Manager. “Our company has been serving the printed circuit board industry for over 50 years and has thrived on supplying high quality products that add value to our customers. Europlacer aligns perfectly with our company profile and supports our strategic goal of expanding our SMT offerings”.

For more information about Photo Chemical Systems, visit www.photochemicalsystems.com. To learn more about Europlacer’s solutions, visit www.europlacer.com.

NASHVILLE – Magnalytix, in collaboration with Foresite Inc., is pleased to announce an upcoming one-hour Webinar Workshop titled “Comparing SIR IPC B-52 to Umpire 41 Functional & SIR Test Method.” This session will be held on July 24, 2025, and is open to professionals in electronics manufacturing, reliability engineering, and process development seeking insights into new testing standards for climatic reliability.

To register, visit: Click here to register.

The webinar will provide a deep dive into the differences between the traditional IPC B-52 SIR method and the newly introduced Umpire 41 Test Method. Attendees will gain expert insight into how functional and SIR testing under temperature, humidity, and electrical bias conditions can better simulate real-world use environments—enabling more accurate assessments of residue impact, material compatibility, and long-term reliability.

“Umpire 41 is designed to characterize, qualify, and validate the electronic assembly process in a way that aligns more closely with field reliability,” said Mike Bixenman, President of Magnalytix. “It represents a leap forward in ensuring Class 3 hardware meets the demands of harsh environments.”

Joining the discussion will be Terry Munson, President and Senior Technical Consultant at Foresite, Inc., who brings over 33 years of experience in electronic cleanliness and reliability testing. A widely respected industry expert, Munson is the inventor of the patented C3 (Critical, Cleanliness, Control) test system and author of over 150 published works. He also developed the Ion Chromatography Test Method IPC-610 2.3.28 and has contributed extensively to contamination control strategies across the electronics industry.

Participants will come away with a clear understanding of both test methods and how Umpire 41 can be used to improve product performance and reduce failures in the field.

For more information about Maglanytix, visit www.magnalytix.com.

LOUISVILLE, CO - Sierra Space, a leading commercial space company and defense tech prime that is building a platform in space to benefit and protect life on Earth, announced today a technology center expansion aimed at scaling up the production and delivery of the company’s groundbreaking Surface Mount Technology (SMT) solar power systems, including production for national defense applications.

Earlier this month, Sierra Space announced a new operation dedicated to supporting the national security space as a prime contractor -- Sierra Space Defense -- as well as unveiled their “Victory Works” manufacturing facility for defense satellites.

Sierra Space’s Power Station is a brand-new production facility that will house world-class manufacturing capabilities to produce Surface Mount Technology (SMT) defense-hardened solar arrays, which provide best-in-class power density, resiliency, and production lead times. Located in Broomfield, Colorado, the Power Station spans approximately 70,000 square feet, including office space. See photos here.

In addition to the SMT production lines, the $45 million facility also houses new tooling and an integrated test center that includes thermal vacuum/thermal air chambers, and a dynamics lab for vibration and pyroshock testing. These solar arrays have diverse applications, including for use on satellites.

“Sierra Space is re-industrializing the space-defense technology sector,” said Sierra Space Vice President Erik Daehler. “We have the ability to build a solar panel a day, and a wing a week. We plan to deliver 40 satellite wings in the first phase of production and are scaling up to a 100 satellites wings per year by our full rate of production. Additionally, because of our unique architecture, our solar arrays are more resilient. The Power Station is a proof point in our dedication to support national security.”

With a multikilowatt solar production capacity, Sierra Space is poised to disrupt the space industry with its innovative approach to high-volume, quick-turn automation and advancements in solar array production. The new factory will also create employment opportunities. Currently, over 100 Sierra Space team members are working onsite at the Power Station.

Solar power is critical for space missions as it provides a reliable, renewable energy source to support long-duration operations in orbit and beyond. Sierra Space offers low-cost, highly scalable power systems with ranges from 10 watts to 10 kilowatts, and its end-to-end electric power solutions consist of fully assembled and tested solar arrays, solar array drives, slip rings, hinges, hold-down mechanisms, and motor control electronics.

“Using state-of-the art tools and integration equipment, our engineering and production teams have the expertise and experience to define, analyze, build, and test complete solar array systems,” said Brian Anthony, Vice President of Spacecraft Systems at Sierra Space. “Our scalable power systems can be tailored to fit a wide variety of mission options with reduced cycle time and risk by incorporating existing qualified and flight-proven designs. With this new production facility coming online, Sierra Space is ready to meet the needs of the rapidly emerging satellite constellation market and deliver space power at lightning speed.”

Sierra Space has pioneered SMT solar cells attached to Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) that are assembled using standard commercial electronics pick-and-place technology. These high efficiency multi-junction MWT (Metallized Wrap Through) “micro-cells” are robotically placed onto engineered printed circuit boards enabling automated production, higher power densities and shorter lead times for deployable solar arrays. This development addresses the needs of both small- and large-scale deployable missions while reducing lead times for Sierra Space customers and offering significant system advantages over conventional solar panels and arrays.

In celebrating 35 years of supplying high-end, engineered subsystems and components for the space industry, Sierra Space continues to make critical progress that ensures the efficient and cost-effective utilization of high-density power in its missions.