Category Archives: Press

Absolute EMS, Inc. Invests in High-End, Large Format Wave Solder System

SANTA CLARA, CA ― March 2021 ― Absolute EMS, Inc., a leading provider of turnkey and consignment manufacturing services, has invested in a large format JAGUAR N450 high-end lead and lead-free wave soldering system.

David Godinez, Engineering Manager commented: “The decision to place the JAGUAR N450 in our newly enhanced large format 4.0 factory was simple. This machine offers complete flexibility, while being efficient, energy-saving and simple to operate with built-in safety features. Our customer verticals demand that we support lead and lead-free manufacturing. The JAGUAR has dual solder pots to accommodate both while running a smooth and quick transition from one product line to the next. It also offers large format capabilities up to 24” wide, which supports our customer needs.”

The JAGUAR N450 offers closed-loop control with an inverter control system to manage stability and accuracy of speed. Independent temperature control in four pre-heating zones with top and bottom heating elements ensures the best heat-efficiency. The double wave furnace can accommodate two boards simultaneously and adapts to various sizes. The built-in nitrogen system ensures smooth and shiny solder joints that adhere to IPC standards.

Additionally, the N450’s powerful software features printed circuit board (PCB) online temperature measurement. The easy to learn control software can be learned in just minutes.

A long-time commitment to sustainability contributes to Absolute EMS leading the way for efficient manufacturing operations among EMS organizations.

Absolute EMS, Inc. Announces Groundbreaking Technology for LED & Automotive Technology from Averatek Corporation

SANTA CLARA, CA ― March 2021 ― Absolute EMS, Inc., a leading provider of turnkey and consignment manufacturing services, is pleased to announce a new groundbreaking technology for LED, medical and automotive applications from high-tech partner Averatek Corporation. Santa Clara, California based Averatek recently launched Mina™, a chemistry that offers exciting benefits over traditional methods of soldering to Aluminum.

Absolute EMS assembles surface mount components onto polymer substrates with Aluminum traces using Averatek’s Mina™ product. Mina™ is a simple pretreatment for Aluminum that allows soldering to Aluminum as easily as soldering to Copper. It is printed onto the pads using a stencil printer and cured at low temperatures.

Doug Dow, Absolute EMS COO commented: “It is truly an honor to be in partnership with Averatek. Their mission is to create solutions that deliver ‘tomorrow’s technology’ and this means that together, we are working on things the industry has never seen before. The transparent polymer substrate can be a very thin piece of flexible PET, with flexible Aluminum traces where the components are placed with strategic accuracy. Averatek’s team of PHD’s and Scientists are working with Absolute EMS to continually push the boundaries of science and technology. And this space is where Absolute EMS thrives!”

Averatek’s CEO, Haris Basit, wrote: “It has been wonderful working closely with Absolute EMS on bringing this new capability to the market. Absolute EMS combines the rigor and quality control of an established production facility with a flexibility and openness crucial to developing new products and processes. Finding one organization that encompasses both qualities has greatly accelerated our development cycle.”

Averatek was founded by SRI International and private investors. The company develops and licenses advanced manufacturing processes for a variety of electronic products including: very high density printed circuit boards, semiconductor packaging, RF and millimeter wave passive components and simplified assembly to Aluminum. In addition, Averatek develops and sells the key chemistry that enables these advanced manufacturing processes. For more information, visit www.averatek.com.

Absolute EMS, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is a leader in offering manufacturing services in a state-of-the-art, high-technology EMS facility. Founded in 1996, the company originally serviced the medical industry, thus its focus on controlled manufacturing that is scalable and repeatable. Since its inception, Absolute EMS has broadened its verticals to include medical, military, industrial, networking and engineering.

A long-time commitment to sustainability contributes to Absolute EMS leading the way for efficient manufacturing operations among EMS organizations.

Absolute EMS, Inc. Installs Second Full Hanwha Techwin SMT Line

SANTA CLARA, CA ― December 2020 ― Absolute EMS, Inc., a leading provider of turnkey and consignment manufacturing services, is pleased to announce that it has invested in three HM520 Modular Mounters and a Nitrogen oven from Hanwha Techwin Automation Americas SMT. Absolute EMS now runs two full Hanwha lines with throughput equivalent to four SMT lines at its 4.0 factory in Silicon Valley. Absolute EMS’ Hanwha lines offer a placement capacity of 80,000 components per hour, vs the industry standard of 20k CPH. This includes miniaturization placement of the 008004 componentry (smaller than 01005) with 100 percent full vision inspection.

Hanwha provides leading-edge technology for high reliability PCB assembly. The HM520 is a precision chip shooter capable of placing METRIC 0201 components at full speed in single or dual lane configurations while running independent or twin modes of production for simultaneous processing of the same or different size PCBs.

The new lines enable Absolute EMS to keep up with the industry’s demands for high-volume consumer medical manufacturing. “We are excited to roll out our new Hanwha Line, the most sophisticated and fastest equipment in the industry – and in the world to-date – in our 4.0 facility,” stated Doug Dow, COO. “Our systems talk to each other and build upon the machine learning so they get ‘smarter as they go’. All components have the value checked by the machine against the bill of material, eliminating the possibility of placing wrong parts on assemblies.”

The TRNeF103 is a Nitrogen configured reflow oven with advanced monitoring, control and flux management systems to ensure an efficient, repeatable, high quality soldering process. Hanwha also provides intelligent software for advanced offline programming, production planning, and dynamic prediction and prevention with real-time line monitoring, all of which is scalable to any mix and volume production environments.

With the HM520, actual productivity is highest among machines of the same class and is optimized to high quality production. The system configures a flexible production line by applying a modular head and various production modes. The HM520 realizes unmanned, non-stop, and zero-defect production using the Smart Factory S/W Solution.

Dow continued: “The Absolute EMS SMT machines can run multiple programs simultaneously, on the same machine. The smart feeders use less attrition. AND the machines automatically track date code / lot code of components, down to the board placement. All of these features save our customers time and money, and offer enhanced quality.”

A long-time commitment to sustainability contributes to Absolute EMS leading the way for efficient manufacturing operations among EMS organizations.

Absolute EMS, Inc. Wins Prestigious Award for Its Contract Services

SANTA CLARA, CA ― September 2020 ―Absolute EMS, Inc., a leading provider of turnkey and consignment manufacturing services, received a 2020 GLOBAL Technology Award in the category of Contract Services $15-25 million. The award was announced during a Virtual Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020.

Absolute EMS COO Doug Dow commented about the award: “Absolute EMS has been a consistent supplier of excellence in Silicon Valley for 24 years.  We are honored to be the winner of the 2020 GLOBAL Technology Award in the category of Contract Services $15-25 million. Winning this award is coupled with the growth we have been experiencing, along with our recent factory transformation to a 4.0 state-of-the-art facility. Absolute EMS is appreciative of the industry support and recognition.”

Absolute EMS has been in business for nearly 25 years, delivering flexible state-of-the-art, low-cost solutions. The company provides turnkey and consignment manufacturing services to medical, aerospace/defense, industrial/semiconductor, and electronic engineering firms who need precision manufacturing capability.

Absolute EMS’ production capacity ranges from limited runs to large scale tier 1 production, with consistently high-quality results. The team helps to safeguard your valuable IP, ensuring IP protection to United States standards throughout the manufacturing process; prototype thru delivery.

The GLOBAL Technology Awards have recognized the very best new innovations in the printed circuit assembly and packaging industries since 2005. The prestigious awards contest has been bringing together the global SMT and advanced packaging industry in a celebration of the companies and people that are achieving the highest standards and driving our industry forward. For more information, visit www.globalsmt.net/awards.

A long-time commitment to sustainability contributes to Absolute EMS leading the way for efficient manufacturing operations among EMS organizations.

Absolute EMS, Inc. Provides Conformal Coating for Sensitive Applications

SANTA CLARA, CA ― September 2020 ―Absolute EMS, Inc., a leading provider of turnkey and consignment manufacturing services, offers industrial grade conformal coating services. The company has a top-of-the-line precision Nordson ASYMTEK Select Coat SL-940 Conformal Coating System and uses DOWSIL™ 1-2620 Dispersion RTV Elastoplastic Conformal Coating.

David Godinez, Operations / Engineering Manager, commented: “Absolute EMS puts our customers first. This is why having conformal coating in-house is an excellent differentiator, especially for our medical, military and industrial customers. With the Nordson ASYMTEK Select Coat SL-940 Conformal equipment, we can offer precision coating applications, and eliminate additional handling, time and costs related to sending the product out to a third party. Simple, fast, accurate and high quality – That is what our customers expect and this is what we are proud to offer.”

Conformal coating is utilized for product protection in situations where PCBAs are exposed to extreme environments including heat, moisture and radical environments. Absolute EMS’ conformal coating services ensures unbeatable quality and consistency in every product for high reliability applications.

The Absolute EMS conformal coating system is capable of applying coatings with extreme accuracy and tight line definitions. Whether your boards need to be conformally coated for protection, reliability, or security, Absolute EMS has you covered.

The Nordson ASYMTEK Select Coat conformal coating system is designed to provide the highest quality and productivity for automated coating processes. The system is available in batch, in-line, and customized configurations. A variety of fluid systems and applicators increase flexibility in applying a range of fluids.

Absolute EMS is a leader in end-to-end electronic manufacturing services solutions that help its customers rapidly introduce innovative new technology by facilitating speed-to-market in their marketplace. Speed-to-market starts with engineering services, and extends into prototypes, pilots and then into production.

A long-time commitment to sustainability contributes to Absolute EMS leading the way for manufacturing operations among EMS organizations.

Absolute EMS, Inc. Begins Production on New Hanwha Lines

SANTA CLARA, CA ― July 2020 ―Absolute EMS, Inc., a leading provider of turnkey and consignment manufacturing services, is pleased to announce that its new Hanwha Techwin Automation Americas SMT lines are up and running. The new HM520 Modular Mounters have been released to production by Absolute EMS’ quality team. Though the COVID-19 pandemic continues to flare up, Absolute EMS continues to invest in capital to improve its technology offerings.

“Absolute EMS is committed to remaining on the forefront of technology, stated Doug Dow, COO. “Our industry is demanding solutions for Made-in-America manufacturing, as well as high volume consumer medical manufacturing. The new Hanwha lines offer a placement capacity of 80,000 components per hour, vs the industry standard of 20k CPH. This includes miniaturization placement of the 008004 componentry (smaller than 01005) with 100 percent 3D vision inspection. Absolute EMS is pleased to bring this service to the industry.”

The new HM520 Modular Mounters ensure Absolute EMS’ continued ability to offer both high-volume and high-mix production. With the HM520, actual productivity is highest among machines of the same class and is optimized to high quality production. The system configures a flexible production line by applying a modular head and various production modes. The HM520 realizes unmanned, non-stop, and zero-defect production using the Smart Factory S/W Solution.

The high performance HM520 offers a compact foot print, auto-calibrating maintenance free feeders, and modular heads. The HS (High Speed) Head offers a 20 Spindle x 2 Gantry, 80,000 CPH, ±25 μm @ Cpk ≥ 1.0, 0201 metric ~ 6 mm (H 2 mm). The MF (Multi-Function) Head features a 6 Spindle x 2 Gantry, 60,000 CPH, ±30 μm @ Cpk ≥ 1.0, 0402 metric ~ 55 mm (H 15 mm).

Absolute EMS’ production capacity ranges from limited runs to large scale tier 1 production, with consistently high-quality results. The team helps to safeguard your valuable IP, ensuring IP protection to United States standards throughout the manufacturing process; prototype thru delivery.

A long-time commitment to sustainability contributes to Absolute EMS leading the way for efficient manufacturing operations among EMS organizations.

Absolute EMS Purchases First Vision MARK-1 from Insituware

MULLICA HILL, NJ ― April 2020 ― Insituware LLC, the provider of the first smart in situ measurement solution with integrated machine learning technology, announces that Absolute EMS, a leading provider of turnkey and consignment manufacturing services based out of Santa Clara, CA, has purchased the first Vision MARK-1.

Techsystems’ Chris Putny, left, and Absolute EMS’s Doug Dow

Absolute EMS will take control of the materials in their facility with Insituware’s Vision MARK-1 hand-held diagnostic tool. The Vision product family uses machine learning technology to bring material control solutions right in your hand.

The Vision product family is built to last with expandable modules called ‘Insights’ for a futureproof design, continuously expanding functionality. The first Insight module will allow full monitoring and control of solder paste. This innovative tool will enable rapid, real-time inspection, diagnostics, and process control capabilities.

“We are very excited to be the first customer of Insituware to purchase the Vision MARK-1,” commented Doug Dow, COO of Absolute EMS. “With this tool, we will be able to offer our clients the ability to ensure and document that their boards have been manufactured with complete control of the materials. This will be a first in this industry and Absolute EMS is proud to be the first to use this advanced technology which guarantees our customers the highest reliability available today.”

The sale was facilitated by Techsystems’ Christopher Putney, who is Insituware’s rep for Northern California and Western Nevada (Reno, Carson City, and Minden). Absolute EMS specializes in medical board layout and design and can turn your design description into a workable prototype. The company provides manufacturing services to OEs and medical engineering firms that need the highest levels of product quality and traceability in component certification.

For more information on Insituware’s Vision MARK-1, visit insituware.com.

For more information about Absolute EMS, please visit absoluteems.com.

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About Insituware LLC

Insituware is an integrated technology that enables rapid assessments of materials during use. The technology combines advanced analytical sensors, smart devices and intelligent cloud-based information with innovative packaging methods to enable nonintrusive sensing. For more information, visit insituware.com.

About Absolute EMS

Absolute EMS Inc. provides turnkey and consignment manufacturing services to medical, aerospace/defense, industrial/semiconductor, and electronic engineering firms who need precision manufacturing capability. We deliver flexibility, state-of-the art quality, and low-cost solutions in a precision environment with a focus on the lifecycle requirements of your product.

Absolute EMS, Inc. Completes Its ISO 13485 Surveillance Audit

SANTA CLARA, CA ― April 2020 ― Absolute EMS, Inc., a leading provider of turnkey and consignment manufacturing services, is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed its ISO 13485:2016 surveillance audit. The company provides traceability, state-of-the-art quality, and reliable delivery in a committed partnership as it applies to medical engineering.

Doug Dow, Chief Operating Officer, commented: “Absolute EMS got started in this industry by servicing medical customers. For 24 years, quality, traceability and full factory controls have remained at the forefront of our focus. Medical helps us stay at the top of our game! We are honored to have received another ISO 13485 surveillance audit.”

The ISO 13485 standard supplements the ISO 9001 standard and is specific to medical device quality systems. ISO 13485:2012 was published in January 2012 and supersedes ISO 13485:2003. The new version of the standard was developed to harmonize with the EU Medical Device Directives 90/385/EEC, 93/42/EEC and 98/79/EC.

Absolute EMS specializes in medical board layout and design and can turn your design description into a workable prototype. The company provides manufacturing services to OEs and medical engineering firms that need the highest levels of product quality and traceability in component certification.

In addition to its ISO 13485 certification, Absolute EMS is ISO 9001: 2015 and AS9100D certified. The company continues to take the necessary steps to improve the quality of its products and services and to enhance customer satisfaction. The company manages, controls and audits its own processes, in addition to having outside certification bodies verifying that its QMS meet requirements.

Absolute EMS is a leader in end-to-end electronic manufacturing services solutions that help its customers rapidly introduce innovative new technology by facilitating speed-to-market in their marketplace. Speed-to-market starts with engineering services, and extends into prototypes, pilots and then into production.

A long-time commitment to sustainability contributes to Absolute EMS leading the way for manufacturing operations among EMS organizations. For more information, visit www.absolute-ems.com.

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About Absolute EMS

Absolute EMS Inc. provides turnkey and consignment manufacturing services to medical, aerospace/defense, industrial/semiconductor/, and electronic engineering firms who need precision manufacturing capability. We deliver flexibility, state-of-the art quality, and low-cost solutions in a precision environment with a focus on the lifecycle requirements of your product.

Absolute EMS, Inc. Partners with MIRTEC for Continuous Quality Improvement

SANTA CLARA, CA ― March 2020 ― Absolute EMS, Inc., a leading provider of turnkey and consignment manufacturing services, is pleased to announce that it has installed two new MIRTEC machines at their facility: an MV-6 OMNI 3D AOI Machine, and an MS-11e 3D SPI Machine.

Absolute EMS is a leader in end-to-end electronic manufacturing services solutions that help its customers rapidly introduce innovative new technology by facilitating speed-to-market in their marketplace. Speed-to-market starts with engineering services, and extends into prototypes, pilots and then into production.

“MIRTEC’s reputation proceeds them, offering the highest level of customer service and the most advanced inspection technology available on the market,” commented Doug Dow, COO of Absolute EMS. “We at Absolute EMS are very excited to partner with MIRTEC, having installed two of their award-winning machines in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.”

The industry acclaimed MV-6 OMNI 3D AOI Machine combines MIRTEC’s exclusive 15 Mega Pixel CoaXPress Camera Technology with their proprietary OMNI-VISION® 3D Digital Tri-Frequency Moiré Technology to provide precision inspection of SMT devices on finished PCB assemblies. MIRTEC’s exclusive 15 Mega Pixel CoaXPress Camera System is designed and manufactured by MIRTEC for use with its complete product range of inspection equipment. MIRTEC’s proprietary Digital Tri-Frequency Moiré Technology, provides superior 3D inspection of SMT and Thru-Hole devices up to 25mm tall. This award-winning technology yields precise height measurement data used to detect lifted component and lifted lead defects as well as solder volume post reflow.  Fully configured the new MIRTEC MV-6 OMNI machines feature four (4) 10 Mega Pixel Side-View Cameras in addition to the 15 Mega Pixel Top-Down Camera.

MIRTEC’s award-winning MS-11e 3D SPI Machine is configured with an exclusive 15 Mega Pixel CoaXPress Camera System, providing enhanced image quality, superior accuracy and incredibly fast inspection rates.  The MS-11e uses Dual Projection Shadow Free Moiré Phase Shift Imaging Technology to inspect solder paste depositions on PCBs post screen print for insufficient solder, excessive solder, shape deformity, shift of deposition and bridging.  The MS-11e uses the same robust platform as MIRTEC’s MV-6 OMNI Series.

“Electronic Manufacturers like Absolute EMS are becoming ever more selective in purchasing equipment that will add value to their business and provide them with a, much needed, edge in this highly competitive industry,” said Brian D’Amico, President of MIRTEC’s North American Sales and Service Division.  “Our ultimate goal is to help our valued customers increase their profitability by improving production yields and reducing costly rework.  We are extremely pleased to partner with Absolute EMS and are equally committed to their goal of continuous quality improvement.  We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship between our two organizations.”

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About Absolute EMS

Absolute EMS Inc. provides turnkey and consignment manufacturing services to medical, aerospace/defense, industrial/semiconductor/green tech, and electronic engineering firms who need precision manufacturing capability. We deliver flexibility, state-of-the art quality, and low-cost solutions in a green environment with a focus on the lifecycle requirements of your product.

For more information about Absolute EMS, Inc.’s Outstanding Electronic Manufacturing Services visit www.absolute-ems.com.

About MIRTEC

MIRTEC has earned a solid reputation as one of the most Progressive and Dynamic Suppliers of Automated Optical Inspection Equipment to the Electronics Manufacturing Industry. The company invests heavily in Research and Development, persistently focused on using state-of-the-art optics, lighting and laser technology in the development of their inspection solutions.

For more information about MIRTEC’s Technologically Advanced 3D Inspection Systems, please visit: www.mirtec.com.

Absolute EMS, Inc. chooses DAGE for high quality X-ray inspection for production line quality control

SANTA CLARA, CA ― March 2020 ― Absolute EMS, Inc., a leading provider of turnkey and consignment manufacturing services, is pleased to announce that it has purchased a Quadra™ 3 high quality X-ray inspection system from DAGE, part of Nordson ELECTRONICS SOLUTIONS. The Quadra 3 is specifically designed for high quality X-ray inspection in PCBA production applications.

Doug Dow, Chief Operating Officer, commented: “Absolute EMS has a sophisticated customer base, working with micro-BGAs and leadless componentry. Our objective is to have our equipment sets remain in front of our customers’ technical requirements at all times. We are very excited to have donated our former X-ray equipment and move forward with the state-of-the-art Quadra 3.”

Previously, performing X-ray inspection at 0.95µm resolution could only be achieved using an open X-ray tube containing a tungsten filament. These tubes require regular filament exchanges, often every 100 operational hours or so. Quadra 3 features the revolutionary QuadraNT™ sealed X-ray tube from Nordson DAGE, which requires no regular maintenance.

Absolute EMS now enjoys uninterrupted operation at 0.95µm. Additionally, Quadra 3 is ideal for detecting a wide range of manufacturing defects including BGA, QFN and IGBT attachment, PTH filling, interfacial voiding, component cracking and counterfeit devices screening. Quadra 3 helps Absolute EMS to isolate defective product before it reaches their customers.

Absolute EMS is a leader in end-to-end electronic manufacturing services solutions that help its customers rapidly introduce innovative new technology by facilitating speed-to-market in their marketplace. Speed-to-market starts with engineering services, and extends into prototypes, pilots and then into production. A long-time commitment to sustainability contributes to Absolute EMS leading the way for manufacturing operations among EMS organizations. For more information, visit www.absolute-ems.com.

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About Absolute EMS

Absolute EMS Inc. provides turnkey and consignment manufacturing services to medical, aerospace/defense, industrial/semiconductor/green tech, and electronic engineering firms who need precision manufacturing capability. We deliver flexibility, state-of-the art quality, and low-cost solutions in a green environment with a focus on the lifecycle requirements of your product.

Introducing Nordson ELECTRONICS SOLUTIONS

Nordson ELECTRONICS SOLUTIONS offers its customers a robust product portfolio, including precision fluid dispensing, plasma treatment, selective soldering, and test and inspection capabilities. Comprised of eight complimentary product brands – Nordson ASYMTEK, Nordson DAGE, Nordson DIMA, Nordson MARCH, Nordson MATRIX, Nordson SELECT, Nordson SONOSCAN and Nordson YESTECH – Nordson ELECTRONICS SOLUTIONS is uniquely positioned to serve its customers with best-in-class precision technologies, passionate sales and support teams, global reach, and unmatched consultative applications expertise.

About DAGE

Headquartered in Aylesbury, UK, DAGE manufactures and supports a complete range of award-winning digital X-ray inspection systems and bond test equipment for the printed circuit board assembly and semiconductor industries.  For more information, visit www.nordsondage.com.