PORTO, PORTUGAL – Critical Manufacturing, a pioneer in future-ready, multisite manufacturing execution systems (MES), announced that Meta System will build a new electronics facility for e-mobility production, managed through Critical Manufacturing MES. The new plant is part of a Meta System initiative to apply advanced digital technologies to meet the growing demand for its products.

Meta System SpA was established in 1973 in Reggio Emilia, Italy. It specializes in the research, development and manufacture of electronic power-conversion systems for the e-mobility sector for use in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). It supplies devices such as on-board battery chargers, DC/DC converters and combi systems for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers.

The company is renowned for its quality products and continuous innovation, and Meta System’s IT & Digital Transformation Manager Alessandro Salami sees factory MES as fundamental to maintaining its high operating standards: “We were looking for a partner who had knowledge of the processes of the electronics-automotive industry in its DNA and at the same time offered an advanced digital solution. Given the technological revolutions taking place and the speed that must characterize a modern company in adopting them, we needed a partner who was agile in gathering technological opportunities and making them easily available to its customers.”

The Greenfield Challenge

In addition, starting with the need for a greenfield plant, it was necessary to define an implementation roadmap that would support Meta System in growth both in terms of line numbers and in terms of functionality to be added progressively.

The selection process lasted several months, where several market-leading vendors were compared and delved into the methodologies and technologies adopted in several sessions. Salami explains: “Critical Manufacturing also offered the opportunity for a reference visit to a company that was already their customer. What impressed us most was how quickly that customer adopted the solution, and to feel that they own the implementation.

SMT In-Depth Knowledge

Critical Manufacturing expertise was also a decisive factor, as Salami highlights: “Certainly in-depth knowledge of SMT and electronic assembly processes, as well as an extensive library of out-of-box integrations processes made Critical Manufacturing the winning partner in our selection. We are convinced that the chosen solution will enable us to grow rapidly and to successfully meet the challenges that the new plant will offer us in an environment of very high innovation, total automation of factory processes and challenging takt times”.

Michaela Wagner, Sales Manager for SMT Europe at Critical Manufacturing, comments on the benefits of using a modular architecture: “By integrating an MES into a greenfield project, we have not just provided a system, we are setting together with Meta System the foundation for not only meeting today's demands, but exceeding tomorrow's expectations. And then, because we support open integration standards, they can add or change functionality easily, as their business operations change. We look forward to working with them.”

Phase one of the installation will be running in 2024 in Slovakia and Meta System will have a system capable of supporting steady growth for the future.

DONCASTER, UK – SMTXTRA, a renowned leader in Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment services, is pleased to announce the appointment of PMR Representatives as its newest manufacturers’ representative for the Southern California, Southern Nevada and Baja Mexico regions.

Established in 1994, PMR Representatives has been a trusted distributor and manufacturers’ representative in the PCB and Microelectronics assembly market. With a strong commitment to providing top-notch service and solutions, PMR Representatives has established long- term relationships with leading principals in the industry, ensuring that customers receive outstanding support.

"We are excited to join forces with PMR Representatives to strengthen our presence in Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Baja Mexico," said Tony Longo, Director of Sales at SMTXTRA. "PMR's extensive experience makes them an ideal partner for representing our brand and delivering outstanding support to our customers."

Customers can expect PMR Representatives to be their go-to resource for all their equipment, materials, process assistance, and support needs. With a shared commitment to building long-lasting relationships and delivering exceptional service, SMTXTRA and PMR Representatives are poised to make a significant impact in the SMT industry.

For more information about PMR Representatives, visit www.pmrreps.com 

To learn more about SMTXTRA and its range of services, visit www.smtxtra.com 

NASHVILLE – KYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally responsible cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Upper Midwest Expo & Tech Forum, scheduled to take place Tuesday, June 4 at the Union Depot in St. Paul, MN. During the event, the KYZEN clean team will highlight aqueous chemistries AQUANOX A4727 and A4618.

KYZEN’s line of AQUANOX concentrated aqueous cleaning chemistries are specially formulated to meet the cleaning challenges associated with a variety of cleaning PCBs.

The award-winning AQUANOX A4727 has been proven effective for cleaning all solder flux residues, including difficult Pb-free and no-clean formulations, from circuit boards and advanced packaging assemblies. Additionally, A4727 is compatible with a broad range of components, coatings, labels, and equipment.

AQUANOX A4618 is an aqueous cleaning chemistry designed to address the challenges of cleaning contemporary lead-free flux residues while achieving mirrored solder finishes. A4618 has a low cost of ownership and cleans successfully at low concentrations and temperatures.

For more than 30 years, KYZEN has developed innovative chemistries that match unique cleaning processes and challenges. KYZEN AQUANOX solutions meet even the most difficult of challenges to boast cleaning efficiency and relieve worries within your process.

For more information, visit www.kyzen.com 

OLDHAM, UK – Solderstar, a global leader in temperature profiling equipment for soldering processes, is gearing up to showcase its latest innovation, the Reflow Shuttle with O2 measurement module, at the upcoming SMTconnect exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany.

Scheduled to take place on 11-12 June 2024, the SMTconnect event serves as a premier platform for connecting professionals and technologies in the field of electronics manufacturing across Europe. Solderstar's participation underlines its commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological advancement in the industry.

The Reflow Shuttle O2 represents a significant leap forward in reflow soldering technology, offering manufacturers an innovative tool for achieving unparalleled precision and control in their soldering processes. This ground-breaking innovation consolidates real-time oxygen (O2) measurement, vibration levels, vacuum reading, temperature profiles, and conveyor speed onto a single robust platform.

Mark Stansfield, CEO of Solderstar, said: "With the Reflow Shuttle O2, we are providing manufacturers with the tools they need to make informed decisions and optimise their reflow soldering processes. By offering detailed insights into all critical parameters, we're enabling our customers to enhance quality and efficiency in their soldering operations like never before."

The Reflow Shuttle O2's zone-by-zone analysis of oxygen levels throughout the reflow process enables manufacturers to precisely monitor oxygen content and detect nitrogen leaks, allowing for immediate adjustments to optimise nitrogen consumption and ensure process quality is maintained.

One of the key features of the Reflow Shuttle O2 is its simple integration into existing reflow ovens, eliminating downtime during verification. Its user-friendly interface enables easy data collection initiation, facilitating rapid adjustments if irregularities are detected. The tool's versatile design ensures uninterrupted verification across multiple production lines, enhancing overall manufacturing efficiency.

To find out more visit Solderstar at Stand 314, Hall 4, SMTconnect 2024 to explore the future of reflow soldering technology first-hand.