NEW COLUMBIA, PA – Blue M, a global manufacturer of industrial and laboratory ovens, announced the shipment of a Low Oxygen Class A oven to the medical industry for drying parts without oxidation.

Low Oxygen Class A ovens are designed in compliance with NFPA 86 using an inert atmosphere to deprive the process of atmospheric oxygen that would be necessary for combustion. An oxygen analyzer is used to supervise an initial purge cycle, and inert gas is used to drive the oxygen concentration down to a non-flammable level known as the limiting oxidant concentration level (LOC). If, for any reason, the control system cannot hold the oxygen concentration below the LOC, then the heat is de-energized, and the cycle is aborted.

This Low Oxygen Class A oven has a temperature range of 15°C above ambient to 593°C and interior chamber dimensions of 48" W x 24" D x 36" H. The chamber is constructed with reinforced type 304 stainless steel. All seams and entrance ports are welded gas-tight to maintain a low oxygen atmosphere and minimize inert gas leakage.

The inert atmosphere design features flow meters, a pressure relief valve, a chamber pressure gauge, and a purge system. The unit will maintain a slight positive pressure during the entire process cycle, and the throat of the chamber door plug will be purged with inert gas to prevent oxygen infiltration from around the door gasket. A purge flowmeter allows for gas purge rate adjustments, and a water-cooled door jacket around the oven doorframe protects the door gasket from ultra-high temperatures.

The oven temperature and processing are controlled by a Watlow F4T temperature process controller that provides advanced control capabilities. This controller features a high resolution, color touchscreen, graphical interface with an adaptive control algorithm and includes 40 ramp and soak profiles, Ethernet connectivity, and data logging. The oven is also designed with safety features to protect operators and product loads during process cycles. An electro-mechanical door lock prevents the door from being opened during processing which protects product loads from being damaged from accidental disruption and prevents the release of a flammable atmosphere into an area where it could reach ignition sources. An airflow switch is also provided to shut off the heating elements in the event of a blower system failure.

“This oven meets Class A specifications and is designed with an inert atmosphere to prevent oxidation of the parts during the drying process. Blue M’s Low Oxygen Class A ovens provide a high degree of safety, the ability to process an unlimited quantity of solvent, and a low process gas flow rate which makes solvent recovery an attractive option for these ovens.”
– Jonathan Young, Blue M Product Manager

PORTO, PORTUGAL – Critical Manufacturing, a pioneer in future-ready, multi-site manufacturing execution systems (MES) and a subsidiary of ASMPT, has been listed in the Deloitte ‘Technology Fast 50’, reflecting the innovation and success of its MES solutions. The Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Program is an annual prestigious award that recognizes and profiles the fastest-growing public or private technology companies in a specific region. The program operates in various countries and regions, including Central Europe, Belgium, Portugal, and others.

Francisco Almada Lobo, chief executive officer and co-founder of Critical Manufacturing, said, “Being listed as one of the top-growing companies in Portugal is a prestigious honour and reflects the outstanding work carried out by my colleagues over the past years. Between 2019 and 2022, we experienced a CAGR of nearly 30%.”

Critical Manufacturing’s success has come from a series of innovations in MES technology. Its latest solution, Critical Manufacturing V10 MES, offers the most comprehensive and pioneering MES solution for electronics, semiconductor, medical device, and industrial equipment manufacturers. It provides a range of features that go above and beyond the expectations of the manufacturing industry. With real-time views of operations, instant, clear guidance to every operator or technician, and the ability to easily manage varied products, the MES provides complete data and insights for decision-making to improve productivity and reduce errors.

“Our MES is a fully integrated, adaptable and future-proof solution that embraces the latest technological developments and takes modern manufacturing to the next level,” continued Almada Lobo. “It enables manufacturers of sophisticated products to enhance quality, reduce cost and production errors, and increase the agility of their manufacturing plants. We have proven time again of its ability to reduce time to market for new products, optimize production processes, and provide management teams with detailed insights from global production facilities to enhance decision making processes.”

Being listed in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Portugal is another string to Critical Manufacturing’s bow. The Portuguese list was launched in 2023 in response to the fast-growing tech-hub in the country. The program recognizes and ranks the 50 fastest-growing technology companies in the country based on their percentage revenue growth over the past four years.

DALLAS, TX – StenTech® Inc., a leading global company specializing in SMT Printing Solutions, is delighted to announce the official launch of its new establishment in Clearwater, Florida. The facility will continue to produce SMT stencils and, starting from February, will also offer customers StenTech's Advanced Nano coating. This revolutionary coating, known for its exceptional quality, transforms SMT stencil technology.

Unlike traditional stencils, the Advanced Nano coating is exclusively applied to the underside and inside of the stencil apertures, leaving the squeegee side uncoated, and provides same day turnaround, which means rapid delivery that is unmatched in the industry. Visit advanced nano web page: (https://www.stentech.com/products/advanced-nano)

Heading the operation is Todd Marshall, facility Manager, an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in SMT stencil and parts production, who also has an extensive background in electrical engineering. Marshall's journey began in 1992 as a sales manager for PET (Photo Etch Technology), where over the years he was instrumental in opening and managing various facilities throughout the Eastern US region. The acquisition of PET by StenTech in 2023 was a part of the company's commitment to expansion and localization.

Over the years, StenTech has grown to become the largest multi-national SMT printing solutions provider, with a presence in 20 facilities across the United States, Mexico and Canada. These strategically located facilities are interlinked, and ensure regional expertise and localized customer service. The establishment of this new facility aims to specifically serve the Florida market, providing precision laser cut SMT stencils with unparalleled same day turnaround in most cases.

"We take pride in our rapid turnaround time,” said Marshall. “ I first always inquire about the customer's desired timeframe and make it our priority to adhere to that schedule. Ensuring customer satisfaction and a seamless experience have always been my top priorities. We are excited to be able to now bring our top technologies, coatings and stencil solutions to the Florida market all within earshot.”

An open invitation is offered to all interested parties to visit the new facility, meet the team, and see the high-end equipment in production. An open house event will also be staged in February 2024. Now in its 25th year of operations, as StenTech embarks on the next chapter of its journey, the company remains committed to growth and innovation.

AVON, MA – SelecTech, Inc., a leading manufacturer of innovative and sustainable flooring products, is pleased to announce the appointment of Benjamin Smith as its new Sales Director. With a proven track record in enterprise field sales, Benjamin brings a wealth of experience and a strategic mindset to drive growth and enhance customer relationships.

In his most recent role at Khoros, Smith served as an Enterprise Account Executive. Prior to Khoros, he held key roles at Tradeshift, Anaplan, Host Analytics, and Oracle Corporation, consistently demonstrating an ability to exceed sales targets and contribute to the growth of each organization. His expertise spans various industries, including transportation, logistics, media, entertainment, healthcare, and finance.

Smith’s extensive experience in consultative sales, strategic account planning, and relationship building will be invaluable in driving SelecTech’s sales initiatives and expanding its customer base. He holds a Bachelor of Science & Business Administration with a Finance Major from the University of Denver.

"Benjamin’s impressive track record and leadership skills align perfectly with our goals for growth and innovation,” stated Tom Ricciardelli, President of SelecTech. “We are confident that Benjamin will play a pivotal role in driving our sales strategies and fostering long-term relationships with our clients."

SelecTech flooring is available in a variety of colors for commercial use. For information before ordering samples, please call 508-583-3200 or visit www.selectech.com