Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1507822
SEPTEMBER 2023 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 69 whether they're provided by us or another company. e machine uses tandem tables to allow registration on one table, while exposing on the other. is creates a very stream- lined process in an automated environment like Schweitzer. We achieve cycle times of less than 10 seconds, which is quite impressive. What are the advantages that Schmoll brings to a new production line project? Kunz: Schmoll has a lot of experience in auto- mated processes which are common in Europe, and more of those will be seen in America. When you look at all the processes, includ- ing X-ray, it's fully automated. Obviously, you need a certain quality, which we have. With direct imaging, routing, and drill- ing, automation is adapted perfectly to these machines. e same applies to punch and X-ray, as well as drilling machines to rout- ing machines, and outer layer imaging. On each individ- ual piece, we do everything to deliver a high productivity machine. We have more than 500 machines with automa- tion that have been installed in Europe. Does automation seem to be a trend in the U.S. when companies are looking at new equipment? Kunz: Oh, absolutely. I must be honest, there are certain pro duc t s which are more complex to automate, such as extra-large panel formats, or very thick panels. For drill- ing or direct laser imaging, we get inquiries, and that leads to sales. If we look forward another three or four years, automation in the U.S. will be quite stan- dard. In Europe, for example, we have a lot of unstaffed night shis where the work is loaded up during the last day shi and run unattended through the night. is is something which, for sure, will come to America. Schmoll has made a good name for drilling, punching, and laser machines. But the data collection gives us some advantage over communication as well. e customer requires fewer people to work on the machines. It seems Schmoll has a well-established service organization in the U.S. Kunz: at is one of our key strengths, and something we developed over the past three to four years to fulfill the customer's needs. We tripled our installation bases in America dur- ing that same period. Positioned side-by-side, two fully-automated Schmoll XRA X-ray reference hole drilling machines. Evan Howard