Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1513827
66 SMT007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2024 That's correct w ith Hanwha technolog y. Hanwha's HMD2 and XMD2 configurations are unrestricted in terms of being able to run mix plus volume independently yet simultaneously. e same line can quickly transition to build- ing volume-plus-volume and/or mix-plus-mix then back to mix-plus-volume on each lane respectively for infinite possibilities. Not to mention that OEMs are putting in their own lines. Yes, and it's not to take away business from the contract manufacturers. Instead, it enables OEMs to experiment and get that product tuned so that they can get to market quicker, and be more efficient in handing off projects to the contract manufacturer. is is where incre- mental costs are chiseled away so the OEM products can achieve better overall price com- petitiveness ultimately. As you're getting the product ready for pro- duction, and if you can create a completed, tested, debugged data package before you hand it over, it will go a lot faster. What about labor costs? is is where we come full circle to automa- tion from Hanwha—mixed mode production lines that build more in less time, less space, for less investment combined with scalable, intui- tive soware that will undoubtedly help fewer operators multiply efficiency, productivity, and profitability, thereby controlling labor costs. However, it's a tricky time in finance now. The U.S. Federal Reserve and the banking indus- try continue reacting to market conditions. At the same time, those who watch the market see that private equity has a lot of dry powder ready for investment, so the messages are definitely mixed. For an EMS company, what's the best approach? Cost of ownership and/or cost of operation models are tried and true places to start when investment opportunity knocks, and there cer- tainly appears to be plenty of business floating around the marketplace looking for a place to land. at said, the importance of discovery by EMS companies related to equipment alter- natives is now more important than ever. Of course, all applications are not the same, nor is there a one-size-fits-all machine solution, but there are systems available that can do it all. OEMs' pick-and-place machinery like Hanwha are delivering exceptional values in technol- ogy that provide assemblers the opportunity to upgrade to scalable, modular technologies that provide a unique readiness and reliability for short- and long-term PCBA opportunities, no matter the mix and/or volume of production. Forward and backward compatibility of automation systems is equally important. Hanwha is second to none when compar- ing returns on CapEx investment. Hanwha machines are robustly built for a wide variety of production environments. ere are many configuration choices available to address quality control, technical/applications, pro- duction/capacity, and budgetar y/finan- cial requirements. Existing business custom- ers have clear upgrade paths to new-genera- tion platforms like Hanwha's model XM520, which blends advanced feature functionality with legacy system feeders and select options and accessories. New business customers appreciate this because the time will come when they too will need to add to or upgrade their Hanwha machinery, and when that time comes, Hanwha will be there, ready and will- ing to support their needs. Final thoughts, Jonny? Hanwha is very much on the move and contin- uously improving so our customers can make more in less time, less space, for less invest- ment. Thanks for talking with me. SMT007 Sponsored links • Hanwha-pm.com • Hanwha-pm.com/SMT