Altus Group, a leading distributor of advanced electronics assembly equipment in the UK and Ireland, will be adding the Xspection 6600 to its inspection portfolio as its flagship Scienscope offering, supporting Scienscope as they unveil the system at Productronica 2025. The system's advanced feature enables allow Altus to cater to applications that need a stronger penetration, larger magnification and a larger board size, representing a significant leap forward in non-destructive testing capabilities for high-density PCB and advanced package inspection.
Designed for manufacturers requiring the highest levels of detail and reliability, the Xspection 6600 unit features a powerful 160 kV open X-ray tube with 1000 μA current and a spot size down to 1 μm, delivering exceptional imaging precision. With geometric magnification of 200x, a 65° tilt range, and a ⌀890 mm inspection table (circumference 2798 mm), the system provides comprehensive analysis capabilities across a wide range of board and component sizes.
Joe Booth, CEO at Altus Group, said: "We have had a great history with Scienscope and have been very effective over the years with many installations locally. While most customer needs are met by the Xspection 3000 (a 110-130kV closed tube unit), the Xspection 6600 addresses a real need in the market for some customers for deeper, more accurate inspection of increasingly complex assemblies. The combination of high-power X-ray imaging and larger magnification gives our customers unprecedented insight into their products.
We're excited to see it showcased at Productronica and look forward to supporting its introduction to the UK and Irish markets."
To further enhance inspection performance, Scienscope has integrated self-learning AI software for faster interpretation, fewer false calls, and simplified programming. The enhanced BGA tool specifically reduces false alarms, while AI-driven image processing supports manufacturers looking to increase productivity and consistency in complex inspection tasks.
The Xspection 6600 will make its debut at Productronica 2025 in Munich. To find out more or to make an appointment to view the new systems contact Altus, www.altusgroup.co.uk.
St. Louis Park, MN – October 20, 2025 - E-tronix, a leading manufacturer’s representative serving the wire & cable and medical device industries, is pleased to announce an upcoming webinar featuring Paul Taylor, CEO of Laser Wire Solutions, focused on how laser technology is reshaping medical manufacturing through automation and precision.
The webinar, titled “Harnessing Laser Precision: Automating Medical Manufacturing with Confidence”, will take place on Monday, November 3rd, 2025, at 12:00 PM CST.
As medical device manufacturers continue to face challenges related to manual processes and operator variability, the demand for reliable, repeatable, and validatable production methods has never been greater. This session will explore how laser-based wire processing technologies, including stripping, marking, cutting, and joining, are driving measurable improvements in quality, yield, and productivity.
Participants will gain valuable insights into:
“Manual processes create bottlenecks, hidden defects, and costly rework,” said Paul Taylor, CEO of Laser Wire Solutions. “Laser technology eliminates these challenges, enabling medical device and wire manufacturers to scale with confidence, meet stringent quality standards, and accelerate time-to-market.”
The webinar is designed for engineers, manufacturing managers, and R&D leaders within the medical device and wire & cable sectors who are looking to improve process control, reduce waste, and elevate product performance.
Register today to reserve your spot: https://meet.zoho.com/adeb-aju-gkf
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. — Niche Electronics, a growing electronics manufacturing services company, announced today that it has completed a restructuring of its leadership team. The refined framework elevates a new vice president and creates four directors who will oversee mission-critical facets of the business.
The move aligns team members with deep experience into roles that will improve quality, enhance consistency, and maximize the company’s potential.
Niche Electronics crafts high-complexity circuit board assemblies for many industries, providing services from new product introduction to volume production.
Over the past decade, Niche Electronics has expanded rapidly. The company, headquartered in Pennsylvania, opened locations in Florida and Massachusetts — then expanded both. Niche has also continuously invested in technology, equipment, and people — tripling its workforce during that period.
Frank Bowman, Niche CEO, noted that the continual growth — and significant near-term opportunities — led to the creation of the enhanced corporate structure.
“We built the right engine for growth: state-of-the-art equipment, redundant facilities, and a highly skilled production team,” Bowman said. “The time came to create a leadership team built to leverage these critical advantages.”
The enhanced leadership team, listed with their new positions, includes:
Yancey Strickler, Vice President, who will report directly to the CEO, was promoted to this new position after 20 years of continuous industry experience: 16 as senior buyer, four as general manager. In his new role, he will oversee the four new directors as they progress toward corporate goals.
Elizabeth Frey-O’Donnell, Director of Supply Chain, served as a senior buyer for 10 years prior to her promotion. In this newly created role, Frey-O’Donnell will oversee material quoting, procurement, and fulfillment of each awarded contract.
Rick McAnally, Director of Engineering, formerly served as General Manager of Niche Electronics Florida, and brings 35+ years of experience as a manufacturing engineer to this newly created role. McAnally will manage process engineering across all locations and evaluate new opportunities.
Ke’Andrea Ramos, Director of Quality, was hired for this role after 10 years specializing in aerospace compliance for a large manufacturer. Her responsibilities will include aligning all sites to our Quality Management System (QMA), managing all internal/external corrective actions, and leading the Niche quality team to achieve corporate goals.
Clint Fogelsanger, Director of Operations, comes to his new role after serving as operations manager of Niche’s Pennsylvania facility. He will oversee operations managers at Niche’s three sites, aligning operations and execution of each facility.
Niche Electronics is an ISO-certified, ITAR-registered business that crafts American-made products for customers in a range of sectors: industrial, communications, military, power electronics, aerospace and more.
HORSHAM, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aegis Software, a global provider of manufacturing execution and operations software for diverse manufacturing industries, today announced that it has signed a partnership with STPGroup to expand its support of the French electronics market. STPGroup, specializes in the distribution, manufacture and integration of industrial production equipment, and will become a representative of Aegis’ FactoryLogix MES Platform in France.
FactoryLogix and STPGroup equipment both use the IPC CFX (Connected Factory Exchange) standard from the Global Electronics Association, making it easier for manufacturers to connect their entire factory without extra integration headaches. It’s a clear example of how working together can simplify life on the shop floor.
“Thanks to our joint customers, we were quickly convinced of the synergies between the two offers and our business philosophies, and our common goal, above all, to help our customers make their factories more efficient, sustainable and competitive,” explains Julien Vignard, Managing Director of STPGroup. “What began as a focus on better inventory management has grown to include assembly, quality, and complete product traceability.”
This partnership is part of Aegis Software’s ongoing growth in France. The next steps include hosting joint events where electronics manufacturers can see firsthand how Aegis Software and STPGroup can help improve their operations and competitiveness.
“We’re excited to partner with STPGroup,” said Daniel Walls, Managing Director Europe with Aegis Software. “FactoryLogix will strengthen their offering by giving customers easier access to a powerful MES platform that drives efficiency, ensures quality, and provides full traceability. This partnership reflects our commitment to helping electronics manufacturers in France operate more efficiently and stay competitive.”
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.