CIE Components in Electronics
UK-based contract electronics manufacturer, Axiom Manufacturing Services, has upgraded its SMT capability with the UK’s first Fuji Aimex IIs surface mount assembly line comprising of a Dek Horizon 03iX printer, 3 Fuji Aimex IIx placement units and a BTU Pyramax 150z12 reflow oven. The increasing demand for re-shoring of complex products back to the UK for manufacture means that UK CEMS must have surface mount assembly platforms that are equally cost effective in both higher volume/low mix as well as the more established low volume, high mix model.
Continued investment in process capability and capacity has ensured Axiom can meet these market driven advanced technology requirements and support the company’s continued growth. Illustrating its level of commitment to technology, Axiom took the decision to optimise its capital expenditure to service its customers’ advanced technology requirements.
Fuji’s new all-in-one AIMEX IIs placement platform has handling capability for large form factor boards up to 1068 x 686 mm and has up to 130 feeder inputs per cell, which coupled with the smart feeder cart technology makes for fast changeovers in a high-mix, low-volume environment. Customer’s high volume/low mix requirements are catered for by combining 3 cells in line, utilising Fuji’s latest Dynahead technology. This platform provides customers with higher levels of flexibility, greater placement accuracy and rates than ever before and is future-proofed to accommodate 01005 (0.4mm x0.2mm) chip components to large connectors and integrated modular packages, such as Ethernet connectors or multiple USB port stacks up to 38mm tall and verified with an advanced coplanarity check system.
The newly acquired in-line DEK Horizon 03iX printer equipment is capable of Industry Gold Standard 6-Sigma performance of greater than 2 Cpk machine alignment capability @ +/-12.5 microns. The systems also encompasses the Hawkeye 1700 print verification and control system and is capable of reporting smear, blockage, paste on pad, bridging, alignment registration and volume on printed deposits 0.025 mm and smaller.
The 12 zone Pyramax 150z12 forced air convection reflow oven ensures the full capacity of the line is not restricted by reflow oven throughput capacity.
This investment in the latest technology offering takes the company’s placement capacity to over 100m placements per month.
Commenting on the recent investment, David Davies, managing director at Axiom, said: “We’re continuing to see growth in both our existing and new customer base and at the same time winning business that was previously performed overseas. Axiom remains committed to supporting the re-shoring of electronics manufacturing to the United Kingdom and to creating jobs. Our latest investment, in an uncertain economic climate, provides our current and future customers with exceptional SMT quality coupled with higher capability and throughput.”
