Jan 29, 2001 Universal Instruments, long known primarily for its best-in-class GSM Platform and related state-of-the-art pick-and-place equipment, is taking a new approach to the sale and service of fully integrated assembly solutions. The company is forging a closer relationship with its sister companies in the Dover Technologies unit of Dover Corporation - DEK and Vitronics Soltec - to offer complete solutions that contract manufacturing customers are now demanding. These solutions are just one more way that Universal is empowering its customers' business.
This solution approach incorporates software, screen printers, board handling, ovens, and any other needed equipment and services, in addition to Universal's "primary" pick-and-place products. As a first step, Universal is now offering suggested assembly systems specifically configured for certain specific types of manufacturing challenges:
- High-Volume/Low-Mix environments requiring flip chip or 0201 capability, (Telecommunications/wireless products as an example)
- Medium-Volume/Medium-Mix environments requiring large-board capability, traceability, and odd component placement (Network/Ethernet products as an example)
- Medium-Volume/Medium-Mix environments requiring traceability, and odd component placement (Automotive products as an example)
- Low-Volume/High-Mix environments requiring traceability, (Medical products as an example)
According to Cynthia Sailar, Senior Vice President of Universal's Surface Mount Division, the move toward providing fully integrated systems is in response to the electronic assembly industry's need for complete turnkey solutions within the increasingly complex printed circuit board manufacturing marketplace.
"Many of our customers seem to be building dedicated lines by contract," said Ms. Sailar. "Thanks to our relationship with Dover sister companies DEK and Vitronics Soltec, we have become a single point-of-contact for companies looking to build complete assembly systems and eliminate some of the risk involved in integrating these solutions into the manufacturing environment quickly, and cost-effectively."
"Our suggested line configurations serve only as a starting point for discussions with customers," she continued. "Universal will provide typical expected throughput numbers based on a given assembly system, and then work to tailor a more specific system to meet the customer's precise need."
Universal has been a member of Dover Corp. and, more specifically, a leading company within the corporation's Dover Technologies unit, since it was acquired in 1979. DEK screen printers and Vitronics Soltec ovens are also recognized as leaders in their respective technologies.
Universal Instruments, a subsidiary of Dover Corp. (NYSE Symbol: DOV) and based in Binghamton, NY, is a global provider of innovative electronic circuit assembly technology and equipment, integrated system solutions, and process expertise to the top manufacturers in every category of the electronics industry. Around the globe, more than 18,000 installed machines carry Universal Instruments' name. Universal has sales, service, product training, and parts distribution locations throughout the world.
