Very Low Volume, Very High Mix Experience

I would like to hear from anyone producing high mix (~200 modules) with low volumes (5-2000 per year) using an automatic line running lot sizes in the 5-50 range. We are engaged in an investigation to invest in this capability. A view into the original decisions leading to current practice is very helpful as is the view of current experience. There doesn't appear to be many wanting to do this, yet the capability of much equipment to accomplish this is growing. The modules described are single-sided digital circuitry with component counts varying from 200-900. Future needs will include double-sided circuitry. Regards, Mike Clader Director of Manufacturing NVision, Inc. Grass Valley, CA

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| I would like to hear from anyone producing high mix (~200 modules) with low volumes (5-2000 per year) using an automatic line running lot sizes in the 5-50 range. We are engaged in an investigation to invest in this capability. A view into the original decisions leading to current practice is very helpful as is the view of current experience. | There doesn't appear to be many wanting to do this, yet the capability of much equipment to accomplish this is growing. | The modules described are single-sided digital circuitry with component counts varying from 200-900. Future needs will include double-sided circuitry. | Regards, | Mike Clader | Director of Manufacturing | NVision, Inc. Mike, With the volume you are indicating, I don't think that you will get ROI. Did you explore the possibility of giving it to a Contract Manufacturer. You could find contract manufacturing is the best alternative to meet your product mix & Volume. Regards, Arul | Grass Valley, CA

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| I would like to hear from anyone producing high mix (~200 modules) with low volumes (5-2000 per year) using an automatic line running lot sizes in the 5-50 range. We are engaged in an investigation to invest in this capability. A view into the original decisions leading to current practice is very helpful as is the view of current experience. | There doesn't appear to be many wanting to do this, yet the capability of much equipment to accomplish this is growing. | The modules described are single-sided digital circuitry with component counts varying from 200-900. Future needs will include double-sided circuitry. | Regards, | Mike Clader | Director of Manufacturing | NVision, Inc. | Grass Valley, CA We have just finished a project where the problem was to reduce setup times in an environment where there are about 350 different products, with lot sizes 1-500. The result was a computer system using standard and custom components, grouping the products, producing optimized printing codes. The results where very good: - The average number of component placements per hour increased by over 50% - The set up time was reduced by 35% - Average number of completed lots in a week increased from 22 to 28 - The average number of component placements per hour from the printing time increased by 16% If you want to know more, e-mail me johnsson@cs.utu.fi

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| I would like to hear from anyone producing high mix (~200 modules) with low volumes (5-2000 per year) using an automatic line running lot sizes in the 5-50 range. We are engaged in an investigation to invest in this capability. A view into the original decisions leading to current practice is very helpful as is the view of current experience. | There doesn't appear to be many wanting to do this, yet the capability of much equipment to accomplish this is growing. | The modules described are single-sided digital circuitry with component counts varying from 200-900. Future needs will include double-sided circuitry. | Regards, | Mike Clader | Director of Manufacturing | NVision, Inc. | Grass Valley, CA At Murrietta Circuits we set up such a line. We are a contract manufacturer where we offer 5-15 day turns on lot quantities of 5-100+. I set the line up using a variety of batch equipment and software support. For further information, call me at 714-970-2430. Scott McKee Assembly Manager

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| I would like to hear from anyone producing high mix (~200 modules) with low volumes (5-2000 per year) using an automatic line running lot sizes in the 5-50 range. We are engaged in an investigation to invest in this capability. A view into the original decisions leading to current practice is very helpful as is the view of current experience. | There doesn't appear to be many wanting to do this, yet the capability of much equipment to accomplish this is growing. | The modules described are single-sided digital circuitry with component counts varying from 200-900. Future needs will include double-sided circuitry. | Regards, | Mike Clader | Director of Manufacturing | NVision, Inc. | Grass Valley, CA Please have a look in the homepage of MIMOT. They offer pick-and-place solutions for your requirements. A smart feeder system reduces set-up-times and it is possible to prepare the next job while the system is running. You will find MIMOT under their address mimot.com Kind regards Rudy

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| I would like to hear from anyone producing high mix (~200 modules) with low volumes (5-2000 per year) using an automatic line running lot sizes in the 5-50 range. We are engaged in an investigation to invest in this capability. A view into the original decisions leading to current practice is very helpful as is the view of current experience. | There doesn't appear to be many wanting to do this, yet the capability of much equipment to accomplish this is growing. | The modules described are single-sided digital circuitry with component counts varying from 200-900. Future needs will include double-sided circuitry. | Regards, | Mike Clader | Director of Manufacturing | NVision, Inc. | Grass Valley, CA

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Please have a look in the homepage of MIMOT. They offer pick-and-place-systems for your requirements. Smart feeders reduce the set-up times and you are able to prepare the next jobs while the system is running. More information: http://www.mimot.com Kind regards Rudy

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| I would like to hear from anyone producing high mix (~200 modules) with low volumes (5-2000 per year) using an automatic line running lot sizes in the 5-50 range. We are engaged in an investigation to invest in this capability. A view into the original decisions leading to current practice is very helpful as is the view of current experience. | There doesn't appear to be many wanting to do this, yet the capability of much equipment to accomplish this is growing. | The modules described are single-sided digital circuitry with component counts varying from 200-900. Future needs will include double-sided circuitry. | Regards, | Mike Clader | Director of Manufacturing | NVision, Inc. | Grass Valley, CA Sir; Because minimizing the setup effort is primal for Low Volume High Mix production, the machines with exchangable feeder bar, and with the software to minimize the setup may be what you need. For example, http://www.philips-ia.com/products/gem_topaz.cfm has it.

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