Hi-Tech Elevates Manufacturing Capability with Addition of DEK Tool
In a move designed to raise efficiency and improve production capability, Hi-Tech Electronic Products and Manufacturing, Inc. has selected ASM Assembly Systems' DEK Horizon 01iX platform for its high-volume, high-mix manufacturing line. In addition, the Oglesby, Illinois-based EMS company is using DEK VectorGuard stencils and understencil cleaning fabric to enable high yields, fast product changeover and reduced consumables costs.
"We assemble printed circuit boards for a variety of applications including consumer, military, aerospace and medical electronics," explains Hi-tech President Michael Johnson, who personally oversees production in the 33,000 square foot, 37-year-old operation. "These types of products demand exceptional accuracy, reliability and quality and we wanted a printer that could deliver "“ and then some. As compared to the other systems we evaluated, the DEK Horizon 01iX offered not only the precision, speed and reliable performance we need, but hands-off machine control intelligence as well."
Using the new platform purchase as an opportunity to add multiple process-enhancing features, Hi-Tech incorporated DEK HawkEye 1700 inspection technology, Cyclone understencil cleaning system and Grid-Lok automatic board support into its powerful DEK Horizon 01iX. With an 8-second cycle time to facilitate high-volume runs at high speed, complete HawkEye inspection on any products with pitches less than 25 mil and exceptionally fast understencil clean rates, Hi-Tech has seen tremendous improvements in throughput and yield.
"This platform and all of its added features have streamlined our manufacturing operation and, frankly, made life much easier," says Johnson. "When there is human interaction with the board, there is always the chance that something can go wrong. The intelligence built into the DEK Horizon 01iX gives me and my team extreme confidence in the quality of our products. Plus, the user interface is outstanding and makes platform operation simple and seamless."
In addition to the DEK Horizon 01iX, Hi-Tech has also experienced superb results and lower consumables costs through the use of DEK understencil fabric and VectorGuard stencils. When used in combination with the DEK Cyclone understencil cleaner, the printing leader's highly-absorbent fabric helps Hi-Tech manufacture PCBs more cost-effectively, as the company is not consuming as much fabric to achieve thorough stencil cleaning. "The cleaning system allows you to achieve the same quality with greater throughput "“ all while reducing labor time and consumable use. This combination is a huge cost savings for us," says Johnson enthusiastically. "Plus, the DEK VectorGuard stencil system has facilitated very fast product changeover and a significantly reduced storage requirement."
Hi-Tech has a customer base that spans the Americas and it attributes its success to exceptional product quality and a dedication to all customers "“ no matter what their size. "We've had some customers for over 25 years, which is almost unheard of in this business. Quality and attention to detail are what set us apart and the DEK team and products are helping us deliver on our value proposition," comments Johnson in conclusion. "And, we know that the DEK team has the same approach we do when it comes to customer service: we're not the biggest EMS firm, but you'd never know it based on the level of support we receive from local representative, Lynxtron, and the DEK staff."
