Jan 07, 2014 
Count On Tools Inc. (COT), a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, worked closely with its customer, Nortech Systems, to eliminate board failures on the company’s screen printer line and improve the application process for future builds.
As a full-service electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider, PCBA, electromechanical and wire and cable contract manufacturer for the medical device, military and aerospace, industrial and machine vision markets, Nortech is focused on supporting customers throughout a product’s life cycle. From product development through production, Nortech’s experienced team members have the necessary skills to offer superior engineering services, EMS contract manufacturing options, on-time delivery of quality products, and post-production support.
By utilizing the ezLOAD modules for their equipment, engineers at Nortech were able to quickly realize the benefits of COT’s award-winning products. By using ezLOAD supports during solder paste printing for fine-pitch boards, as well as dual-sided boards after they had gone through reflow, Nortech was able to reduce failures by up to 100 percent. The ezLOAD modules paid for themselves after only a handful of successful product runs.
According to Michael Fritz, Manufacturing Technician at Nortech Systems, “We began to notice a growing failure trend related to the printing process. Solder bridging, solder voiding, and inconsistent printing causing line stoppages prompted us to start looking at our options for achieving consistent and efficient printing. To combat these issues we looked to Count on Tools for their universal board supports. Not only did we reduce and/or eliminate defects, we also reduced the amount of changeover time with the ease that the ezLOAD PCB support system provides.”
COT was recently awarded a 2013 NPI Award in the category of Screen/Stencil Printing Peripherals/Consumables for its ezLOAD Board Support System. The new ezLOAD PCB Support System for screen printers features a precision-machined aluminum base with magnetic supports and soft, ESD-safe foam fingers. The ezLOAD system not only reduces changeover times, but also improves product build quality, increases revenues by providing significant cost savings, and eliminates component damage during the assembly process.
Count On Tools’ ezLOAD PAD features active grip technology to securely hold boards during the screen printing process and is ESD-safe. With the basic universal design, there are no mechanical functions to fail. The system requires no air, electronics or communication from the user. Most importantly, the ezLOAD PCB Support System is affordable compared to competitive products on the market.
The ezLOAD PCB Support System is compatible with any SMT equipment, from pick-and-place to chip shooters, screen printers, dispensers, AOI equipment and more. The soft, flexible design makes it extremely durable and is proven to be reliable after testing in the most hazardous conditions. The ezLOAD PCB Support System is customizable depending on machine requirements, specialized components or specific design application requirements.
Count On Tools Inc., a precision component manufacturer specializing in all aspects of the machining industry, has been setting new performance standards in the SMT pick-and-place nozzle market since 1991. As the ORIGINAL source for high-quality, low-cost vacuum placement nozzles and associated consumables, they have pioneered with world-class development and process engineers that combine to ensure that innovation and competitiveness is applied to all of its extensive product range. The company also stands behind its products 100% with a full warranty. Count On Tools’ products are in use at many of the world's leading electronics manufacturing companies. Proven engineering expertise, coupled with the latest in design and manufacturing technology, has allowed the company to simplify the complexities of the industry and deliver a solution to its customers.
The company also maintains and supports a strong position in the hand tool industry, offering the highest quality hand tools in the world with PB Swiss Tools. These tools compliment any and all high-tech environments requiring optimum performance from both their equipment and technicians.
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