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After several months of equipment sales and technical training, Matrix is well positioned to support the sales and service of AE (Advanced Engineering, Austria) robotic panel handling equipment.
A first in North American, Matrix has installed the global leading AE Mylar peeler and this fall will be introducing the Servant 650R Panel loader/unloader, plus installation of the AE CDTA automation system compatible with the latest Orbotech Nuvogo DI Imager. Actual in-plant demonstrations (Toronto, Ontario area) will begin in 2020.
AE’s modern and simplified design approach to PCB panel automation is highlighted by its use of the same basic components on all devices (loaders, unloaders, Mylar peelers, and DI/AOI units). The systems approach also focuses on small unit footprints, very low unit power consumption, and its collaborative and safe robot technology.
There are currently over 1200 AE systems installed world-wide. Most notably, there are over 10 automation installations in Europe compatible with Orbotech and other DI/AOI system manufacturers.
Fred Long, equipment business development, highlights the AE Automation history and benefits.
After the industry recessions in the 2000s, the PCB fabrication business in North America decided to essentially maintain manual operations using traditional equipment. The choice to introduce premium automated equipment solutions at that time was considered a high-risk commitment.
With the recent technology leaps to premium high-speed/low-loss laminates and the demand for sub 4 mil features, companies now have little choice but to consider the “hands off” panel automation approach to reach their manufacturing Productivity and Yield goals.
Recent trips to both Europe and Asia have been enlightening after seeing the extent to which PCB fabricators in those regions have advanced into modern automation. It was also clear that some of the key OEMs like Apple and Intel and others are looking to these regions to produce their products. Currently, panel automation in NA simply does not exist in many of the required processes.
Matrix will be the N.A. source for AE sales, installation, training, warranty service, after warranty service, and spare parts.
About Matrix USA Inc.
Committed to the motto, “Quality Products, Dependable People”, Matrix was established in 1977 with the objective of providing quality raw materials to the North American printed circuit board industry. Matrix has four rapid-response warehouses located throughout the US and Canada that fulfill high quality, fast delivery, and custom orders daily. For further information, visit: www.matrixelectronics.com
