Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1513827
64 SMT007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2024 maintains an inventory of various machinery configurations in quantity for this reason. As a precision machinery supplier to the indus- try, Hanwha is challenged to inventory not only standard configuration pick-and-place machines in quantity, but to have optional system configu- rations available for the quickest possible deliv- ery to anywhere in North America. You're preparing for additional business because you see it coming. Yes, and that's not mere speculation. It's here. As a mission-critical supplier to many of our cus- tomers, we're adding personnel and constantly improving support systems while increasing inventories of advanced technology solutions to ensure we're ready when and where our customers need us to be. Has there been a shift in what customers say is a priority when selecting new equipment? We l l , a l t h o u g h m a c h i n e inventory is a hot and trend- ing topic among suppliers, there's increasing chatter about extreme component range, specifically larger, heavier, odd-forms of which some require precision mounting while others require heavy insertion force. For instance, it's still a requirement to han- dle connectors up to 150 millimeters in length, yet we're being asked to go far beyond that. We have machines capable of handling parts up to 200 x 130 millimeters, up to 55 millimeters tall, and weighing up to 300 grams which is about the weight of my Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. en we look at SMT packages like 0201 metric devices that can be much smaller than a speck of pepper; the same machine being asked to han- dle these larger odd-form parts is being asked to handle 0201s, albeit at an upstream position in the PCB assembly lines. Hanwha machines now have a process window for going smaller and larger, while going taller and heavier. is includes odd-form component handling that requires lead cutting, forming, and insertion of select radial and axial components for auto- motive/EV applications and more. How does all that influence new equipment development? Automotive/EV and mil/aero applications are certainly drivers of future technology for manufacturing. e demand for next-genera- tion electronic control systems has never been higher. However, the challenge to machin- ery makers is to offer systems that deliver a broader range of capabilities to support next-gen electronics assembly without compromising the assembler's ability to cost- effectively produce legacy electronic assemblies with advanced machiner y solu- tions. Integrating with ERP and M R P s y s t e m s i s a n o t h e r driver that is challenging sup- pliers to deliver more com- prehensive software solu- tions to improve tracking and traceability for cost con- trolling at machine, line, and operation levels. Hanwha solutions deliver this and more, including compatibility with third- party hardware and soware systems for scal- ability, flexibility, and broad usability by any size and type of PCB assembly operation. When you look at some of the differences between a CM and an OEM, you see it in their production environments. Hanwha's technol- ogy is applicable to everyone. You don't have to be a large CM or OEM to utilize the features and benefits our machine families offer. If only one prototype machine is needed, Hanwha can supply that. If multiple machines are needed for higher volume/capacity appli- cations, Hanwha can supply that too. Suppose The demand for next-generation electronic control systems has never been higher.