Flexible line brings Pro-Bel back in house: News from Contax

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Contax has just installed an Essemtec FLX2010 placement machine and RO400FC reflow oven at Pro-Bel, the manufacturer and supplier of broadcast telecommunications equipment. Based in Reading, Berkshire, Pro-Bel wanted to expand its internal production capability rather than rely on subcontractors to build key components. Explained Valerie Hillier, Production Manager at Pro-Bel: 'Demand for our broadcasting routers has increased dramatically so we wanted to start building in-house again to cut out the bottleneck and reduce lead times'.

She continued: 'We have small batch sizes, so we were looking for flexibility with the minimum of downtime during job changeover'.

'The new system must also be capable of handling BGAs as well as being compact, as we have limited production space'.

Pro-Bel called in Contax and briefed the company on its requirements.

The solution had to be compatible with lead-free production and take environmental considerations into account.

For example, the reflow oven was to be located in a small room, with air circulating via an extractor.

It was therefore important that the external temperature generated by the oven was not excessive.

Contax recommended the Essemtec FLX2010 as the best pick and place system for Pro-Bel's needs.

It is compact, modular and upgradeable and offers a fast turnaround on small batches.

For reflow, the Essemtec RO400FC met all the criteria.

A full convection oven designed for soldering sensitive electronics and lead-free capable, the RO400FC has a small footprint and provides all the functionality required.

It also features a vertical air stream for efficient heat transfer, so enabling it to operate effectively at lower temperatures.

Pro-Bel reviewed the recommendations from five suppliers and shortlisted this down to just two.

Continued Hillier: 'We chose Contax above the other supplier because not only did they understand and interpret our requirements perfectly, but their aftercare support is excellent'.

'It was definitely the right decision', she continued.

'We had the usual teething problems, but Contax's service was faultless'.

'They came out immediately to sort out the glitches and we have been very satisfied with the equipment and our decision'.

'When we are looking for the next phase of equipment, we will certainly be talking to Contax again', Hillier concluded.

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