NATEL Creates Touch-Free Microelectronic Assembly Line

CHATSWORTH, Calif., March 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- "NATEL EMS has created a hands-free microelectronics assembly line", announced President/CEO Sudesh Arora.

"At NATEL we have built our company based on high quality, high reliability manufacturing," explained Arora. "It is a directive within our company to standardize and eliminate all variability in our system. The Auto Line is a prime example of our commitment to keep improving our processes to deliver better solutions." In 2001, Arora visited automated circuit card assembly factories in Asia and realized that similar technology could be applied by the microelectronics industry.

The Microelectronics "Auto Line" manufactures mixed technology hybrid circuits at mid- to high-volume production rates. James Angeloni, COO for NATEL's Aerospace & Defense Microelectronics Operations, was a pioneer in developing wire bonding equipment four decades ago and was challenged to develop this touch-free line. Since 2011, Angeloni has been immersed in NATEL's R&D facility combining multiple processes to minimize any manual involvement in the assembly including rework.

"We are one of the first companies in the world doing this right now, and that will continue to give us a running head start against companies willing to make the investment," Angeloni said.

"This line was designed as a hands-free, continuous flow line to reduce product defects, boost efficiencies and cut costs for customers," added Will Bolinger, NATEL's Vice President of Operational Excellence.

"This is a smooth process," said Arora. "Any opportunities to improve our innovative lean production capabilities serve to enhance our customers' success. Our goal is to ship high-reliability high-quality parts irrespective of the technology and the industry."

An aerospace & defense radio product was the first production part to come off the Auto Line.

ABOUT NATEL

NATEL is a major independent manufacturer of a wide variety of microelectronic products, providing low to high volume production for its customers. As the largest and oldest privately held EMS company in the U.S., NATEL is known for high-reliability, high-quality manufacturing that delivers solutions to customers. NATEL is favorably positioned among mid-tier EMS manufacturers to "make amazing things happen." NATEL holds and maintains industry specific certifications that include ISO 9001:2000, ISO 13485, and AS9100. Its MIL-PRF-38534 (DSCC) Class H and K certifications certify NATEL's expertise in designing and manufacturing microelectronic assemblies for space and mission-critical defense programs placing it in an elite group of aerospace industry manufacturers. NATEL, headquartered in Chatsworth, CA, has manufacturing locations in California, Nevada, Ohio, Mexico and Colorado. To learn more, visit www.NatelEMS.com or on Twitter, @NATEL.

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SOURCE NATEL