NEWS ABOUT SMT FROM MYDATA AUTOMATION ISSUE # 1, 2007

TPSys Better and better!TPSys Better and better!

Outsourcing in TuscanyDF Elettronica - a prospering EMS company

Outsourcing in TuscanyDF Elettronica - a prospering EMS company

More on MYLabelMore on MYLabel

MYNEWS - ISSUE #1 - 2007 2

CUSTOMER C ASE

Outsourcing in Tuscany

A company’s wealth lies as much in its knowledge and experience as in the goods it produces. Three factors that are important to any company’s development are its relations with customers, relations with suppliers and internal relations with staff and partners. In the green hills of Tuscany, one company seems to have got this balance right.

MYNEWS - ISSUE #1 - 2007 3

CUSTOMER C ASE

DF ELETTRONICA –

A PROSPERING EMS COMPANY

Founded in Florence, Italy in 1983, DF Elettronica (DF) has gone from being a small subcontractor with 50% own products to a rapidly growing EMS company. Good organization combined with the use of new technologies has allowed the company to show virtually unchanged annual growth of 30% since 2000. To provide a high level of flexibil-ity for their customers, DF later estab-lished two sister companies: SYnapsis and SM Technology. Today, its produc-tion derives from industries in Tuscany - mainly the medical industry, with a small number of consumer goods.

NEW PRODUCTION PHILOSOPHY

Daniele Ciappi, who manages the com-pany with Massimo Broggi, is convinced that to maintain the competitiveness that has helped it grow, DF needs to keep its focus on five basic factors: quality pro-duction, mental and physical flexibility, motivated staff, cost-effective policies and good relations with suppliers.

Thanks to customized internal software and a policy of investing in quality pro-duction machines, DF’s management has reliable data for determining pro-duction availability in real time. This has allowed a focus on process improve-ment.

In addition, DF has focused on staff training and empowerment to get the best performances and quality from their staff. Training also facilitates the integration of new areas of competence, and helps create teams that work well together. DF has also been able to boost group synergies and a sense of belong-ing.

DF’s efforts to maintain good relations with their components and systems sup-pliers have also paid off. Cabiotec, the Italian MYDATA distributor, is a good example: “Not only do they supply high-quality machines – and the MYDATA P&P machines with their unique board handling modules are the best examples

– they offer ongoing support with fast, helpful responses to any of our needs. In the supply chain, DF often functions as our customers’ technical and project department,” Mr. Ciappi says. “So we need suppliers able to guarantee us full support on a wide scale.”

ONE OPERATOR PER LINE

The DF Group now has seven MYDATA Pick & Place machines (two MY9 and five MY12) in its factory. Each is equipped with a HYDRA Speedmount 21k, four being the Extended Range (ER) ver-sions. In addi-tion, MYDATA’s on-the-fly Line-scan Vision System is used for high-speed processing of high-resolution component images. But perhaps most importantly, they have all been upgraded to the latest software ver-sion and can handle the new Agilis Lin-ear Magazines.

Three of the MYDATA machines are positioned in a line with an 8+8 zone

reflow oven operating in a nitrogen atmosphere. The line is automated to the highest level, and the MYDATA machines automatically control the motorized width adjustment of the board handling units. The result is that only one operator is needed to handle the line!

FLEXIBILITY KEY TO PRODUCING MORE

DF handles about 1000 jobs per year for around 80 customers, 30% full produc-tion and the rest as subassemblies. The production line performs at least three

to four change-overs per day in two shifts, some-times three.

“We first in-vested in P&P machines of a dif-ferent brand, but

changed our investment policy when we understood that the market was mov-ing towards higher flexibility more than higher productivity. But let’s be clear: we can handle more components with MY-DATA machines so we are not reducing the quantity of assembled boards!”

“We can handle more components

with MYDATA machines so we

are not reducing the quantity of

assembled boards!

”

Continued on next page.

MYNEWS - ISSUE #1 - 2007 4

CUSTOMER C ASE

FREDRIK.MOBERG@MYDATA.SE

“Initially, it was tough retraining our operators in using the MYDATA ma-chines because the approach was con-ceptually diff erent. But the rewards have been great – not only in the reliability of the process but also in the acquisition of important new customers,” says Mr Ciappi.

Mr. Ciappi also said that allowing many new potential MYDATA customers to

visit DF had been benefi cial, with DF staff often fi nding themselves embroiled in lively discussions on production phi-losophy.

A POSITIVE FUTURE

On the question of the future of the elec-tronics industry, Mr. Ciappi says that he does not foresee any radical struc-tural changes in the short term. Tech-nologically, DF predicts that BGA and

microBGA components will overtake fl ip chips and that there will be a posi-tive trend towards further miniaturiza-tion of chip components. DF also foresees continued good market growth for small to medium companies in Italy. According to them, the oppor-tunities for companies producing small to medium volumes are still very good.

Visit our new website

Discover what our products can do for youThe MYDATA website has been redesigned - clearer product pages now make

it easier to learn about our innovative products. You will be presented with key

benefi ts ranging from a business point of view, right down to specifi c produc-

tion benefi ts. All information is presented in a way that will help you fi nd the

product information you need, including downloadable material from fi lms to

brochures. If you want to fi nd out more about a particular product, every page

provides an easy way to get in contact with a sales representative. Point your

web browser at www.mydata.com now.

DAVID.EFFEMEY@MYDATA.SE

Continued from previous page.

DF ELETTRONICA AT A GLANCEDF Elettronica is a full service EMS supplier, mainly for the medical and industrial sec-tors. It was founded in 1983 as a mounter of through-hole components. Its production then was divided into 50% own products and 50% subcontracting.In 1989, DF started SMT assembly and today this accounts for close to 100% of its production. With its two sister companies, SYnapsis and SM Technology, DF has a 2500 square meter (27,000 square foot) factory with over 40 employees. Its annual growth has remained virtually unchanged at around 30% since 2000.

MYNEWS - ISSUE #1 - 2007 5

W

PRODUC T INFORMATION

We’re always looking for ways to make our software more convenient to use and faster to set up and, with TPSys 2.5, we’ve achieved both of these objectives.

There are important enhancements to the vision system, giving users the op-tion of setting illumination completely automatic for all standard packages. We’ve also upgraded overall perfor-mance, making the vision system more robust in operation – it is now less sensi-tive to variations in contrast and compo-nent surface finish.

These enhancements mean that pack-age programming is easier, as only geo-metrical data needs to be entered, and that no teaching is needed for standard fiducial types, such as round, square, triangle, butterfly and cross. Reject rates are reduced as well.

In addition, we’ve made it easy for users to store images captured by the vision system in the TPSys web interface. This means the images are readily available for later inspection, either locally or re-motely via a web link.

And, it’s not just the vision system that’s improved in TPSys 2.5; we’ve made a number of other changes that pro-vide useful throughput increases. The HYDRA head now travels closer to the board thanks to individual component height tracking, and the tray exchanger (TEX) uses a smarter movement se-quence for the pre-fetch and put-back actions.

Also, TPSys now warns operators, be-fore assembly starts, if the machine’s switches or parameters have been set up in way that will result in the machine running at below optimum speed. Other messages have been added to warn when components are running short, enabling

operators to prepare new reels before the machine stops.

Additional enhancements in TPSys 2.5 include a new reset single feeder func-tion which cuts component waste, a new performance report in the web interface, a calibration management system, sup-port for USB memory sticks, quick links between editing screens, and a function which allows HYDRA pick up for com-ponents supplied in trays.

At the heart of every MYDATA instal-lation, Linux-based TPSys has always been reliable, efficient and user friendly. With the improvements in Version 2.5, it’s simply unbeatable!

TPSys Better and better!TPSys, MYDATA’s system software,already has an enviable reputa-tion for flexibility, stability and ease of use. Mattias Jonsson explains how the latest release – TPSys 2.5 – builds on these strengths.

KEITH WILSON

MYNEWS - ISSUE #1 - 2007 6

U

PRODUC T INFORMATION

Using MYLabel has always been a sim-ple and effective way of boosting pro-duction efficiency. With information captured in just a few quick and easy barcode scans, its comprehensive data-base keeps track of component quan-tities, batch IDs, stock locations and much more. By minimizing manual data entry, MYLabel makes change-overs even faster, maximizing valuable machine uptime.

MYLabel 4.0 is an even more versatile productivity tool. It offers, for example, increased flexibility in component loca-tion tracking. It’s now easy to keep track of components even if they’re not in the stockroom or loaded onto the machine. This feature uses location barcode labels, printed by MYLabel, which can be placed almost anywhere – next to the rework area, on a shelf, or even on an operator’s badge, for example.

When a carrier is moved to a particu-lar location, the carrier barcode and the location barcode label are scanned, and the MYLabel database stores the new location information. Finding compo-nents is fast and easy, as this location information is displayed directly in the carrier s window.

Another important new feature in MY-Label 4.0 is a timer function for mois-ture-sensitive components that can only be handled outside dry storage for a lim-ited time.

With the MYLabel timer function, users can set an individual expiry time for each carrier. MYLabel automatically starts a timer when the carrier is loaded, or when its start timer action barcode is scanned. If the expiry time has already been passed when the carrier is loaded or if it is passed while the carrier is loaded,

MYLabel generates an alert message.

Timer alerts don’t stop the machine or prevent components being used – they just advise operators of the situation, leaving them free to decide on the best action to take.

MYLabel 4.0 also offers improvements in many other areas, including easier printing for tray positions, resizable production and carrier tables, a new manual subtract function, auto-create for Agilis feeders and a wider range of action barcodes.

Always an invaluable productivity tool, MYLabel just got even better!

Many customers already use our MYLabel barcode system for fast, error-free feeder loading and component tracking. The latest version, MYLabel 4.0, offers even more, says Mattias Jonsson

KEITH WILSON

More on MYLabel

MYNEWS - ISSUE #1 - 2007 7

APEX 20 07

with a T6 and Board Train. MYDATA will also be bringing a MY9E equipped with conveyors and Board Train and a MY12E with a Manual Load Adaptor. As an added feature, the line will be running keychain boards for the cus-tomers while they watch. Customers can request a demonstration on any of these flexible machines. Here they can witness the quick changeovers and easy to use software that separates MYDATA from its competition. Demonstrations can be set up through the sales representatives or MYDATA sales managers.

As well as the machines, MYDATA will be introducing its new TPSys 2.5 system software. This new product features au-tomatic illumination settings, calibra-tion management system, faster Midas tool change, and much more. All of the machines being showed at APEX will be equipped with TPSys 2.5 as well as a

separate software station to reveal its unique capabilities. Customers can also view the award winning Agilis feeder system. With its revolutionary design, changeover time can be cut exponential-ly while keeping the quality and preci-sion MYDATA customers have become accustomed to.

In the spirit of saving you time, MYDATA will be raffling a Garmin GPS unit. One lucky customer will be leaving with this preloaded naviga-tion system and traffic receiver. Stop by booth #2019 to fill out your entry form and see how MYDATA is Shorten-ingthedistancebetweenyouandsuccess.

CATEY.EBERLY@MYDATA.COM

APEX 2007

Come and see how MYDATA is Shorteningthedistance betweenyouandsuccess.

WWith 2007 well underway, MYDATA is once again preparing for the annual APEX show. This year the tradeshow will be at its new location in the Los Angeles Convention Center from Feb-ruary 20-22. Exhibits will be open from 10 am to 6 pm on Tuesday and Wednes-day and 10 am to 2 pm on Thursday. As always MYDATA’s experienced and knowledgeable staff will be showcas-ing the machines and giving customers an opportunity to explore the current and future benefits of MYDATA tech-nology. This year’s theme is Shorten-ingthedistancebetweenyouandsuccess. MYDATA is presenting ways in which we can get you through production fast-er and easier than ever before.

Among the machines coming to the show are a MY9E & MY12E Synergy line with a bareboard destacker and workstation. There will also be a MY15E

MYNEWS - ISSUE #1 - 2007 8

MYDATA will be represented at the following exhibits:

February 2007IPC PRINTED CIRCUITS EXPO,APEX AND THE DESIGNERS SUMMIT 2007MYDATA automation Inc.Los Angeles Convention CenterLos Angeles, CA, USAFebruary 20-22, 2007

March 2007MICRO ELETTRONICACabiotec S.R.LVicenza, ItalyMarch 15-17, 2007

April 2007SMT NUREMBERGRoyonic GmbHExhibition & ConferenceExhibition Centre NurembergNuremberg, GermanyApril 24-26, 2007

May 2007PROTEC/JPCAMYDATA automation KKTokyo Big SightTokyo, JapanMay 30-June 1, 2007

September 2007FORUM DE L’ELECTRONIQUEMYDATA automation SASP.E. Porte de VersaillesParis, FranceSeptember 25-27, 2007

IPC MIDWEST MYDATA automation Inc.Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention CenterSchaumburg, IL, USASeptember 26-28, 2007

WORLDWIDE EVENTS C ALENDER

MYDATA automation AB

Adolfsbergsvägen 11

SE-168 66 Bromma

Sweden

Tel: +46 8 475 55 00

Fax: +46 8 475 55 01

Internet: www.mydata.com

E-mail: info@mydata.se

PUBL ISHER

Bengt Broman, responsible under Swedish law.

EDITOR

Bengt Broman

CONTRIBUT ING WRITERS

David EffemeyKeith WilsonCatey EberlyFredrik Moberg

PRODUC T ION

MYDATA automation AB,Printed in Sweden by 08tryck AB, 2007

This newsletter is produced four times a year with the intention of providing general information about MYDATA and our products.

ISSN 1651-4882

MYDATA automation AB develops, manu-factures and supplies flexible and cost-effective surface mount equipment.

MYDATA automation and Agilis are registered trademarks of MYDATA automation AB. The fol-lowing products and accessories are also trade-marks of the company: MY19, MY15, MY12 and MY9; MYSynergy; T5; T6; HYDRA Speedmount; Midas; MYDATA Tray Exchanger (TEX); MYDATA Standard Vision System (SVS); MYDATA Dual Vi-sion Camera (DVC); MYDATA Linescan Vision Camera (LVC); MYDATA Assembly Process Ma-nagement (APM) including TPSys; CAD Conver-sion, MYLabel, MYCam, MYSpeed, Equinox and MYLink.

The new 2007 Products & Accessories Catalog is now out.

The new issue includes all the latest MYDATA products, from

software to conveyor systems.

A new 2007 Spare Parts Catalog has also been released. Be sure to

get your copies from your local MYDATA representative. You can

also browse the online version on the MYDATA Interactive Support

website at support.mydata.com.DAVID.EFFEMEY@MYDATA.SE

New Product and Spare Parts Catalogs now out