Hi Dick, first of all I will not judge what�s the best in your case for I don�t know all details of your situation. Just my opinion: As a matter of fact the amount of THT is rapidly decreasing compared to SMT. So, to stay in assembly business it vital to cope with new technologies. If you don�t want to do this you should consider giving the THT part out-house. It makes the assembly and test process and its control more effective. I assume that�s not your intention. Alright, it would be good to start new enterprises when things are simple, e.g. simple SMT-processes are required like dealing with the more larger parts and structures. To start with finepitch and BGA is a tough try. - So what�s your range? To start with new technologies you need some knowledge and/or people to determine the essentials (what kinda equipment for the processes, what kinda stuff for throughput, what kinda people/skills for quality) needed in your case. Then make a "businessplan" (inventory list) figure out the costs etc. and decide. Then give it time and again time, let the people "play" with the new gadgets, swallow the drawbacks, learn,improve,invent. Sent your people to training courses, faires etc. or hire the cracks ( might even solve many starting problems). Start slow and then go for the stars ($). If you want to stay in assembly business do it . Benefits are: - faster production - faster feedback - less poeple involved in the whole process - greater flexibility - more control
I would say get a good independent consultor first instead of vendors who praise ... you know what. That�s something that pays back and back I can�t even describe how much.
For now m2c. Wolfgang
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