Production capacity quadrupled

Lema Electronics has quadrupled its production capacity after ordering a new system and upgrade from production automation specialist, Contax.

South Hampshire-based Lema Electronics, a precision and quality electronics assembly manufacturer, has quadrupled its production capacity after ordering a new system and upgrade from production automation specialist, Contax.

Lema Electronics has just purchased a new Essemtec CSM7000 Plus automatic pick and place machine, and has upgraded its existing Essemtec system to double its production speed.

Lema Electronics specialises in manufacturing both boards and finished product for a range of industries including: water management, security, telecomms and electromedical.

Explained Martin Ball, Director at Lema Electronics: "In the last 2 years we have experienced nearly 30% growth in SMD assembly alone".

"Just over two years' ago we purchased an Essemtec automatic SMD placement system from Contax to replace a semi-automatic system, and we have already outgrown it".

"We therefore approached Contax again with our new requirements, and they recommended the latest Essemtec CSM7000 Plus, and could upgrade our existing system to the same specification therefore doubling its speed".

"Contax then ensured that the two systems were 100% compatible", he said.

Designed for medium and low volume as well as prototype production, Lema's typical batch sizes vary from 5000 to 250,000 placements, the CSM7000 Plus exceeds the latest IPC standard 9850-6-8, with operating speeds up to 3500 parts per hour.

It also provides the flexibility and ease of use that Lema requires to handle small to medium sized batches.

Components are picked up by a vacuum nozzle and placed accurately on the PCB, and the laser centring system measures the component for accuracy of placement and readjusts the machine accordingly, if required.

The system has a small footprint and can accommodate up to a hundred 8mm tape feeds.

Continued Martin Ball: "We needed a system that was quick and easy to program that allowed for a fast changeover of jobs as well as ease in accommodating different component packages and board design changes".

"As a contract manufacturer producing large and small batches or even pre-production runs we might only need to run the job for less than one day, possibly with minor component variations".

"Now with two Essemtec systems we have more flexibility for longer runs, as well as for the quick changeovers".

Outlining the financial and business justification for the purchase, Ball said: "The new system and upgrade will more than pay for itself".

"We have been able to handle a greater volume of work, so our overall profit has increased, whist we have been able to contain or even reduce our prices despite rapidly increasing material costs".

"This means both our customers and us have benefited, an ideal situation which has also attracted new business".

"Contax have always offered us excellent advice and service".

"They are very knowledgeable and found a workable and cost-effective solution to our requirements".

"We have protected our initial investment by upgrading and planned maintenance, which Contax also provide - and now have the speed and capacity that we need - although who knows?".

"We may be back in another 2 years and I am sure we can count on their advice and help", he concluded.

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