Solder Jet Printing technology arrives at Gemini

Gemini Tec Ltd are now the first UK based CEM to introduce 'Solder Jet Printing' for the application of solder paste across its entire manufacturing process.

'Solder Jet Printing' is widely adopted by class leading technology companies across Europe and Asia. The process has many distinct advantages over the use of traditional 'Stencils' in the manufacture of PCB assemblies.

This significant change in technology was introduced to all products from week 28/2008, delivering recognisable improvements to the finished product.

Commenting on the new technology Adam Harsant states "This is another example of our commitment to remain at the forefront of PCB technology, and re-enforce our market position as providers of technology products."

"Customers often tell us about the difficulties in finding a supplier that can successfully produce high quality technology products, for low volume applications. So we are delighted to be the first UK CEM, to build next generation PCB assemblies"

A brief overview follows.

Technical Advantages

Solder jet paste application removes the technical constraints to successfully soldering package devices such as QFN and micro BGA devices on high mix & low volume product. This change in technology translates to high reliability solder joints, for every device on the board and regardless of the mix.

Downtime is minimised during product development, by removing the errors of unsoldered pins on complex SMT components. (Highly important, when many prototypes are supplied un-tested by the CEM)

Leading edge MYDATA capability allows 100% repeatability when depositing solder paste onto PCB footprints. A process that is also checked optically during the application.

Solder jet printing allows the amount of solder paste to be tailored to the exact requirements of each device on the PCB, ensuring the formation of the joint, post reflow. A process that is not achievable, when using conventional 'stencils'.

Commercial Advantages

Solder jet printing does not require the investment into traditional 'Stencils' that quickly become obsolete through design changes, providing tangible commercial advantages.

Our rapid prototyping service now becomes more flexible. We can provide technology products to IPC610A class 3 quality, without the associated delays and costs associated with the use of traditional 'stencils'.

MYDATA MY500 in full operation at our Hampshire based facility.

If you wish to discover the benefits this technology can provide your company, please contact us for more detailed and technical information.

IPC recognised standards adopted for manufacturing

Following a planned investment program in product quality, we are please to confirm that all our technicians are trained and individually certified to the recognised IPC standards.

We manufacture products to the minimum quality standard of IPC-A-610 Class 2, however we also support products at Class 3.

The investment has meant employing qualified IPC instructors to ensure the quality requirements dictated by IPC-A-610 are understood and implemented throughout our manufacturing process. We are now looking to reinforce our commitment to product level quality with a BS KITEMARK approval.

Adam Harsant comments on the investment. "This commitment to product quality will be welcome news to many of our customers who operate in the MOD & defence sectors"

"Our business has been growing upwardly over the recent years, we feel now is the right time to further commit resources to product quality, and invest in our staff"

"Gemini will never be known for providing low cost manufacture, but we do have the enviable reputation for excellence in time critical delivery. We can now support that fact with a clear commitment in the quality of the finished product"

If you wish to receive further information about IPC standards please contact us.

New Facility boosts new business

With its new CEM facility operational - offering more capacity to existing customers - Gemini report an increase in forward sales for 2007.

The opening a new facility has allowed Gemini to re-design its entire operation leading to much improved efficiency. In addition to its successfully SMT operation Gemini has increased the size of its functional test department, and now has a new electromechanical assembly area set aside for customers products.

Commenting on the new facility Adam Harsant reports 'We are extremely pleased with our new facility. There has been great deal of consideration about the future plans of Gemini, and importantly the needs of its customers'

'The investments being made at Gemini are to enable us to increase market share within the high technology sector, an area of which we have much experience in, and are renown for high levels of service.'

'Customers who have had the opportunity to visit our new operation have given us a great feedback, and as a result we are pleased to report growth in the area of functional test & full assembly, and we expect this to continue'

New Facility

Having undergone a major refurbishment, Gemini's new manufacturing facility will be operational prior to Christmas 2006.

The refurbishment of the facility has been carefully spaced planned to accommodate its current CEM production.

Working closely with ROK, the appointed developers the new work space provides both a highly modern, yet industrial feel - reflecting the companies line of business.

Commenting on the new facility David Harsant says'This new facility will allow us to continue our business in a superbly equipped environment, we look forward to seeing both suppliers and customers during the opening month of January 2007. In addition to the new facility, we shall have the opportunity to unveil a number of sizable investments in technology and changes to the business that have been made during 2006'

Commenting on the major investment Sales Director Adam Harsant says 'Such continued investment means that our clients, new & old will continue to benefit from a complete range of BGA services from prototype to produciton & re-work'

Read a full article within EMP magazine, click here