Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1000349
JULY 2018 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 39 for eliminating issues of fatigue and perceptive variability associated with manual cosmetic inspection while escalating the value of manual intervention to a higher degree. In summary, the wide variety of assembly methods can translate as greater freedom or more complexity for medical device designers. The sooner DFA analysis is performed during early design phase, the higher the chances that changes can be implemented with minimum impact. A device's design is not the only factor that guides selection of the optimum assembly method for individual components, and the earlier designers incorporate assembly in their product development plans the better able they are to lower capital expenditure, reduce risks, track quality through data and accelerate time to market. It will be exciting to see how the evolution and adoption of digitalization tools will help integrate this key step early on in the design stage. SMT007 Craig Stott is a principal automation engineer at Nypro, a Jabil Company. Ed Sermanoukian is a technical business development manager at Nypro, a Jabil Company. Girish Wable is a senior manager for strategic capabilities at Jabil. In May, I-Connect007 Technical Editor Happy Holden had the adventure of driving across Michigan to visit the SMTA Michigan Expo & Tech Forum. The event was a well-organized and attended tabletop expo and techni - cal forum with over 75 exhibitors. The Tech Forum took the shape of two timely and interesting talks. First, Gary Goldberg and Mike Gold - berg of Promation presented on robotic soldering solu- tions. They discussed the global market trends in the world of robotic soldering automation, what constitutes as an ideal candidate for robotic soldering automation and how the technology can assist in better allocation of labor force and improve overall soldering quality and process stability. Gary proceeded to dispel misconcep - tions about robotic soldering and educate attendees to the latest and greatest technology being developed and the new increasing challenges for robotic soldering automation suppliers. Next, Scott Schwartz of Stratasys discussed 3D print - ing, and how additive manufacturing has been revolu- tionizing the manufacturing industry and is constantly changing the way people design, manuf acture and market their new and existing products. Read the full article here. The Michigan SMTA Expo & Tech Forum 2018: A Review Figure 1: (a) The Stratasys 3D printer; and (b) various 3D printed examples including different painted, colored or plated surfaces. a b