By info@ico28.com 
Absolute EMS, a four-time award-winning EMS provider of fast turnaround, turnkey electronic contract manufacturing services, offers a state-of-the-art touchless manufacturing line with automated quality checks built into the process.
This fully automated, continuous production line, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, offers the highest levels of precision and efficiency, ensuring that printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) are never removed from the line, significantly reducing the risk of errors.
In contrast to traditional manufacturing processes where products are manually transferred between stations – introducing potential for errors – Absolute EMS’s touchless manufacturing process integrates optical inspection stations directly into the workflow. This seamless transition from solder paste printing, through solder paste inspection, SMT lines, nitrogen-infused reflow ovens, and automatic optical inspection (AOI), ensures that each PCBA is meticulously produced without human intervention.
Capable of achieving an impressive 80,000 component placements per hour on each SMT line, Absolute EMS’s SMT lines outperform the industry average of 30,000 placements per hour. This high-speed capability, combined with the industry’s most sophisticated equipment, enables a flexible manufacturing environment that can handle high-volume production at globally competitive prices.
The touchless line includes in-line 3D solder paste inspection and 3D automatic optical inspection, ensuring every step of the process meets stringent ISO-13485 and AS9100 quality standards. Additionally, 3D X-ray capabilities allow for thorough inspection of the most complex assemblies.
The line supports the assembly of 008004 Imperial Code micro components (0.2mm x 0.1mm), fine pitch and high-count BGAs, fibre optics, RF microelectronics, and press-fit connectors. It also accommodates hybrid processes, including tin-lead and lead-free soldering, and offers both double and single-sided reflow. Additionally, Absolute EMS’s facility ensures automated date code and lot code traceability from purchase order through product shipment, providing customers with full transparency and control over their production.
Doug Dow, COO at Absolute EMS, stated: “Our state-of-the-art touchless manufacturing line not only enhances the quality and reliability of our products but also positions us as a leader in the global electronics manufacturing industry. We are proud to offer our customers a manufacturing environment that is both flexible and highly efficient, all within a Made-in-America facility.”
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FAQ
- What is a touchless manufacturing line?
– A touchless manufacturing line refers to a highly automated production process where human intervention is minimized. Robotics, AI, and advanced machinery handle most tasks, reducing the chances of human error and contamination.
- What are the benefits of a touchless manufacturing line?
– The benefits include higher precision, consistency in production quality, faster turnaround times, reduced risk of contamination, and lower labor costs. This is particularly advantageous in sectors like medical devices, aerospace, and automotive electronics.
- What types of products can be manufactured on the touchless line?
– The line is versatile and can be used to manufacture various electronic products, including PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards), assemblies for IoT devices, wearables, medical electronics, automotive electronics, and other high-reliability electronics.
- How does the touchless manufacturing process improve turnaround time?
– The use of robotics, automation, and streamlined workflows significantly reduces the time required for manual handling, inspection, and assembly processes, leading to quicker production cycles.
- What quality control measures are in place in the touchless manufacturing process?
– Absolute EMS uses automated optical inspection (AOI), X-ray inspection, in-circuit testing (ICT), and functional testing to ensure the highest quality standards are met. The touchless process also minimizes the risk of human error, leading to more consistent quality.
- Can the touchless manufacturing line handle small and large production runs?
– Yes, the line is designed to be flexible and can handle both small-batch and large-scale production runs, making it ideal for startups and established companies alike.
- What materials and components are supported by the touchless line?
– The line supports a wide range of materials and components, including SMT (Surface Mount Technology) and through-hole components, various types of substrates, and specialized materials used in high-reliability electronics.