August 24, 2009
Industry Update
The economy seems to have been on hold for the summer, but signs of improvement for the Fall are starting to show. Summer is the time for retooling and new model production. The new automobile models hit the floor in October most years, while orders for Christmas are being placed now. While 2009 will certainly be slow, perhaps we are seeing signs of optimism. Orders for electronics manufacturing equipment at Christopher are improving, with notable sales in solder paste inspection, AOI, and robotic soldering. Hopefully other suppliers are seeing a similar upturn. We need all boats to rise.
The EMS sector has stabilized somewhat. The bleeding has slowed to a seep at those companies where the losses were severe, and a few manufacturers are reporting growth. In automotive, we have seen some of the non Big 3 manufacturers showing signs of life. EMS manufacturers serving the Japanese/U.S. manufacturing base are in some cases working 24/7 again. Increased demand in hand held is another sign of life, as is the demand from smaller manufacturers in a wide range of industries. Christopher has been able to gain market share through its diverse portfolio of products. By maintaining a core engineering team with skills centered on applications and field engineering support, we are well poised to take advantage of economic growth. Our materials businesses are growing rapidly, and with some of the best names in the industry, will fuel growth further.
Koh Young Technology Solder Paste Inspection/AOI
Recent articles throughout the press have focused on Koh Young's new 3D AOI technology. Surface Mount Technology Magazine's cover story in August focuses on the advantages of 3D AOI, while Circuits Assembly and Global SMT magazines have also recognized this game changing technology. Systems have been installed at several of the world's leading electronics manufacturers.
In solder paste inspection, the Aspire 2 is entering widespread use globally with many of the world's leading EMS and high technology manufacturers. Recently, one of the top 5 EMS manufacturers in North America took delivery of an additional raft of systems, while one of Asia's largest EMS manufacturers selected the Koh Young technology for their latest North American factory. AIM Solder has also ordered the KY-3020T bench top system for their applications & development lab, making the KY-3020T the clear leader with the supply base. Accuracy, ease of use, and reliability are even more critical when developing next generation products and processes.
Machvision PCB Inspection
One of Asia's largest printed circuit manufacturers recently took delivery of 6 Machvision Hole AOI Express systems for HDI interconnect inspection. These systems inspect and precisely measure laser drilled/micro drilled circuit boards to ensure dimensional accuracy, clearance, and positional accuracy. The sister system, the
Hole AOI Plus, will inspected non-through hole formed microvias as well.
The Hole Doctor HD-2000 has become an industry standard for high volume inspection of drilled printed circuit boards. It can be used after drilling, plating or at final inspection at the pcb manufacturer, or for incoming inspection in PCB assembly operations. ROI on the system can sometimes be measured in weeks rather than months.
InterSolar North America
Intersolar North America represented Christopher Associates first venture into the photovoltaic manufacturing industry. Co-sponsored by SEMI and held in conjunction with Semicon West, the show attracted record crowds with over 40% additional floor space
.
Christopher has assembled a portfolio of world class suppliers of both materials and equipment, with the advantage that our technical and sales teams are already expert in most of the technologies involved. Photovoltaic applies technology from printed circuit manufacturing, semiconductor, and even materials and equipment technology
originally developed for hybrid and PCB assembly in which in many case Christopher engineers have over 20 years experience. Response at the show was excellent, with over 150 companies visiting the booth. Interest was strong across the product range from both existing and new customers, and a number of orders have been placed and equipment sales pending resulted from our participation.
Orient Photovoltaic Laminators
20 years ago Christopher Associates was instrumental in the development of vacuum lamination systems for electronics manufacturing. We have come full circle in introducing the world's most successful vacuum laminator supplier for photovoltaic module manufacturing. With over 300 manual and over 400 automatic systems installed throughout the world, Orient are the largest supplier you may not have heard of. They were the first manufacturer in China and are technology leaders with a 70% market share. The TDCT Series semi automatic laminators are the most price competitive systems on the market, and meet global quality standards. Parts are stocked in California
with engineering support throughout North America. The TDCZ series automatic systems represent the most efficient and cost effective high production technology on the market today. Systems start at $65,000.
Tonsan Photovoltaic Sealants & Potting Compounds
Tonsan is China's largest and most successful manufacturer of sealants and potting compounds for photovoltaic module manufacturing. Their state of the art facility in Beijing is staffed by over 80 scientists and engineers specializing in sealants, adhesives, and related product applications and development working in world class
laboratories with state of the art equipment. Tonsan sealants and potting compounds have a 70% market share, with key technical advantages including 25+ year resistance to uv light, superior mechanical strength, and low odor. While available worldwide, they have only recently entered the North American market and are already making inroads.
GSMC Photovoltaic Metallization Pastes
GSMC is a technology leader in photovoltaic metallization pastes. With an excellent portfolio of front and back side pastes, GSMC is also able to formulate to meet specific user requirements. This willingness to work with our customers has helped make GSMC one of Asia's leading suppliers to the top photovoltaic manufacturing base.
Marantz AOI Systems
Despite unparalleled competition and extremely aggressive terms, Marantz is continuing to do well in North America. Several recent sales to small and mid sized manufacturers throughout North America were the results of superior performance, full color capability, and very low false alarm rates in head to head testing against several competitors.
Japan UNIX Robotic Soldering Systems & Mixers
Japan Unix introduced the world's first ultrasonic, fluxless soldering system at Intersolar North America last month. This system, which is available in hand held or robotic systems, solders glass and other previously impervious materials quickly and efficiently even in very high production applications. It is also available
as an option on the Christopher XE-1000 photovoltaic tabbing system. Japan Unix mixers have also seen a spike in sales. These systems are in widespread use in the cosmetics, dental, and electronics industries where homogeneity and precision are paramount. Thousands of units are in use by many of the leading names in medical
and other applications.
Substrate Support Systems
The VacuNest technology is one of the best substrate support systems in the world, combining complete flexibility with soft substrate contact to eliminate substrate damage. Installation takes minutes on any system, and the technology translates across industries where flat or contoured products can be stabilized and processed rapidly.
Stencil/Screen Wipes
R2R are global leaders in the screen/stencil printing wipe industries. Their unique composition ensues that even Class 100 cleanliness standards are maintained while ensuring excellent print quality every time.
Upcoming Events
SMTA International
PCB Assembly
Town & Country Convention Center - San Diego, CA - October 4-8
Solar Power International
Photovoltaic
Anaheim, CA - October 27-29