SMT boards enable novel cash counter

Zirkon has completed an initial manufacturing order for Volumatic's Omal Link cash counter, which has just been launched across the UK, Europe and the USA.

Zirkon has completed an initial manufacturing order for Volumatic's Omal Link cash counter, which has just been launched across the UK, Europe and the USA.

The Omal Link is a new concept which enables the retail and leisure sectors to count money by weight, in all currencies.

It consists of an intelligent load cell and Flash memory microcomputer in a plastic moulded enclosure, which plugs in as a peripheral to a PC or other host computer.

The Omal Link is a patented concept and is seen as an industry first as all existing cash counters are stand-alone products.

Zirkon was brought in by Coventry-based Volumatic Omal to manufacture the PCBs for the new product, because of its expertise in SMT (surface mount technology) techniques, which is a first for the cash management experts and was one of the main challenges of the project.

Duncan Johnson, Volumatic's Technical Director explains: "We have been developing the Omal Link product for 18 months now, and have been working with Zirkon since the beginning of the year.

We selected Zirkon as our manufacturing partner because of its professionalism, knowledge and capability in the surface mount area.

It was paramount that we got this right seeing as it was the first time that Volumatic has used this manufacturing process - we have always used through hole technology.

We see our relationship with Zirkon developing in the future, as we look to switch more of our products to SMT".

He added: "The business benefits that users of the products can expect are that it will increase the speed and accuracy of counting and reconciling, as well as providing a direct link to back office systems".

Zirkon's initial order was for 250 boards, with a further order of 260 additional boards being completed by the end of the year.

Zirkon is currently working as a close partner with Volumatic on existing and new product development.

Tony Inskip, Director at Zirkon commented: "We are delighted with the way our relationship has developed with Volumatic over the past ten months.

Our knowledge in the SMT field ensured that we were selected for the project at the beginning of the year, and our ability to complete the job as required, whilst proving our expertise, has enabled us to become involved in future projects with our client".

"At Zirkon we take pride in all projects that we work on, but there is nothing more rewarding than being asked to become more involved in a client's business.

We try to develop individual working relationships with all of our customers so that we can better understand what they do and how we might be able to add specific value to their business".

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