Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, is introducing the LPKF CuttingMaster 2240 Cx, an advanced automated laser depaneling system designed to be fully inline, to maximise efficiency and reduce costs in high-volume PCB production.

Developed by LPKF Laser and Electronics SE, the CuttingMaster 2240 Cx represents a major advancement in laser depaneling technology. The system eliminates the need for circulating workpiece carriers, simplifying automation and lowering operational costs while maintaining LPKF’s hallmark precision and reliability. Its integrated clamping device and product-specific fork handling and unloading capabilities streamline the depaneling process and reduce equipment complexity, enabling manufacturers to achieve higher throughput without additional floor space or capital investment.

Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: "The CuttingMaster 2240 Cx is an impressive example of how automation continues to advance in electronics manufacturing. By removing circulating carriers and integrating intelligent handling, LPKF has developed a solution that provides both technical excellence and operational efficiency. In practical terms, it means that the CuttingMaster 2240Cx can be placed inline without the pain point of carrier handling. We are proud to support its introduction to the UK and Irish market and to help our customers adopt technology that drives productivity and process reliability. We already have customers utilising the Cx design as the initial stage of a final assembly process combined with collaborative robots."

The system operates as either a standalone unit or as part of a fully integrated production line. Its LPKF CircuitPro software automatically generates optimal process data from layout files, ensuring consistent cutting quality and repeatable performance. Compatibility with robotic handling systems and standard SMEMA and OPC UA interfaces allows for easy integration with existing automation solutions, providing manufacturers with a flexible, scalable approach to production line design. Combined with a powerful laser source and advanced Tensor Technology, the CuttingMaster 2240 Cx delivers precise full contour or tab cut depaneling while maintaining a compact footprint.

The system will be launched at Productronica 2025 in Munich, where it will be demonstrated as part of the Fraunhofer IZM production line. Visitors will have the opportunity to see its automated capabilities in action and understand how it addresses the growing demand for high-performance, cost-efficient depaneling solutions in the electronics manufacturing sector.
If you would like further information or to make an appointment to view the system at Productronica contact Altus-www.altusgroup.co.uk

Vernon Hills, IL – October 2025 – Fuji America Corporation is proud to announce the promotion of Chris Dayney to Technical Marketing Manager. Based in Crossville, Tennessee, Dayney has more than 30 years of SMT industry experience, including nearly three decades with Fuji America.

Over the course of his career, Dayney has built a reputation for technical excellence and a hands-on approach to customer success. He spent 25 years as Instructor and Training Team Leader, where he helped shape Fuji’s training programs and customer education initiatives, before moving into his most recent role as Regional Sales Manager. His deep process knowledge and practical insight have made him a respected voice among both colleagues and customers.

In his new role, Dayney will lead Fuji America’s technical marketing efforts, creating premium content that connects Fuji’s technology leadership with real-world manufacturing challenges. His work will include technical papers, training videos, and educational materials designed to inform and support engineers, process specialists, and decision-makers across the SMT industry. He will also continue to serve as a technical resource for the company’s national sales team.

Before joining Fuji, Dayney worked with Siemens Energy and Automation and served 12 years in the U.S. Navy and 8 years in the Army National Guard. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southern Illinois University (SIU) and an Associate of Science in Electronics from the University of Phoenix.

“Chris has been instrumental in advancing Fuji’s customer education and technical support for many years,” said Tom Zabkiewicz, Executive Vice President of Fuji America. “This new role allows him to share that expertise more broadly through high-value, technical content that supports our customers, sales team, and the wider SMT community.”

For more information about Fuji America Corporation’s technical leadership and industry-leading SMT solutions, visit www.fujiamerica.com.

WESTFORD, MA – [October 17, 2025] – BTU International, a leading global supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment for electronics assembly, today announced plans to expand its manufacturing operations into Singapore. This strategic expansion is designed to mitigate risk, reduce tariff exposure, and enable BTU’s Shanghai facility to increase production and add new product lines for non-tariff-restricted markets.
BTU International will begin shipping reflow ovens from Singapore effective October of 2025. The expansion diversifies BTU’s production footprint, optimizes global capacity, and strengthens its ability to deliver industry-leading reflow ovens to customers worldwide.

“Global trade dynamics require proactive strategies,” said Rob DiMatteo, Vice President and General Manager at BTU International. “By expanding into Singapore, we are safeguarding our customers from tariff-related cost increases while leveraging the region’s advanced infrastructure and skilled talent pool. This move also allows our Shanghai facility to focus on producing more product lines for non-tariff-restricted markets,” added DiMatteo.

This expansion will mitigate risk and tariff exposure for BTU’s global customers, maintain competitive pricing and product availability, improve lead times through optimized regional logistics, and support sustainability goals with modern, energy-efficient facilities.

BTU International remains committed to delivering the same level of innovation and reliability customers expect. The expansion will not affect product specifications, performance standards, or service quality.

To learn more about BTU International visit www.btu.com.

About BTU International

BTU International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amtech Group (Nasdaq: ASYS), is a global supplier and technology leader of advanced thermal processing equipment in the electronics manufacturing market. BTU’s high-performance reflow ovens are used in the production of SMT printed circuit board assemblies and in semiconductor packaging processes. BTU also specializes in precision controlled, high-temperature belt furnaces for a wide range of custom applications, such as brazing, direct bond copper (DBC), diffusion, and sintering. BTU has operations in Westford, Massachusetts, and Shanghai, China, with direct sales and service in the U.S.A., Asia and Europe. Information about BTU International is available at www.btu.com.

Dallas, October 17, 2025 - StenTech, North America’s leading provider of SMT printing solutions and precision manufacturing, has announced the acquisition of Advanced Metal Etching, Inc. (AME), a recognized specialist in chemically etched and laser cut precision parts. The acquisition represents a significant milestone in StenTech’s growth strategy, expanding its Parts Division beyond SMT into a broader array of high-value industries including aerospace, medical, automotive, military, energy, and industrial manufacturing.
With more than 30 years of expertise, AME brings two state-of-the-art facilities and its proprietary Hybrid Etch-Laser Process™ (H.E.L.P.), a breakthrough technology that combines etching and laser cutting to produce highly complex components requiring multiple precision processes. This integration strengthens StenTech’s ability to deliver intricate geometries, tight tolerances, and scalable production capabilities across a wider spectrum of applications made in the USA using domestic and global materials.

“This move advances our strategy to build a fully integrated precision parts platform, bringing all key manufacturing processes and capabilities together under one roof.” said Kevin Keene, CEO of StenTech. “AME’s expertise and innovation align perfectly with StenTech’s mission to empower customer success by being the trusted partner in delivering quality products and innovative solutions for leading electronic manufacturers.”

Blake Geer, Owner/CFO of AME, added, “Joining StenTech means our customers gain immediate access to expanded capacity, stronger supply chain stability, and a broader range of technical solutions. Our shared commitment to engineering excellence and continuous improvement ensures we will continue delivering advanced precision components to meet the evolving needs of multiple industries.”

“This acquisition significantly enhances StenTech’s national footprint and reinforces our position as one of the most agile and capable precision manufacturing platforms in North America,” said Brent Nolan, President of StenTech. “By integrating AME’s advanced capabilities, we’re giving our customers faster lead times, deeper engineering collaboration, and a seamless path from prototype to high-volume production, all supported by expanded R&D resources and a stronger nationwide network.”

This acquisition marks another step forward in StenTech’s growth trajectory, building on its leadership in SMT stencils and tooling while rapidly expanding its presence in precision parts manufacturing across multiple sectors.