Background
Sellectronics is a contract electronics manufacturer in the UK, specialising in managing quick turn-around prototype assembly and low volume/high mix production demands. The company develops strategies to support external and in-house test requirements for high level reliability and performance of PCBAs and sub systems.
Recognised for their innovative, high-quality PCB assembly, Sellectronics offers a range of services from small cable forms to complex multi-level surface mount circuit board assembly. As a customer-driven company, Sellectronics develops superior products based on individual requirements to ensure that all production is delivered on time and to a superior quality level.
Sellectronics works closely with its customers, from the initial design concept to full product realisation, to ensure every aspect of the process is exact. Understanding and listening to their clients has created a flexible electronic manufacturing service.
Investment
With electronic devices continuing to become smaller and more complex, Sellectronics has invested further in state-of-the-art equipment from Altus to ensure production is futureproofed and PCBAS are manufactured to the highest quality. The most recent addition to the company’s production line is the LPKF CuttingMaster 2240 laser depaneling system.
Working closely with leading OEMs, Sellectronics sees a wide range of PCB designs that require precise solutions. Whether producing rigid or flexi boards manufactured from different substrates, including everything from FR4 to alloy, ongoing equipment investment ensures they meet all customer requirements.
Laser cutting is one of the most innovative and advanced methods for separating PCBs today and is changing how electronics components are manufactured. By investing in the LPKF CuttingMaster, Sellectronics has the capability to depanel to the highest tolerance with no mechanical stress.
Joe Booth, Altus CEO, said: “Laser-based depaneling technology is essential in manufacturing intricate and complex PCBs, microchips, automotive parts, solar panels, and many other components. LPKF CuttingMaster assists companies within these sectors by combining laser technology within an efficient, cost-efficient system to effectively increase cutting speed and improve output.”
Jason O’Connell, Sellectronics Technical Director, said: “Integrating the latest innovative technology and equipment into our operations is fundamental in ensuring we consistently manufacture the very best products and do not miss any business opportunities.
“Sellectronics continue to look at future trends and invest in our production line to help support our customers in the coming years. We are seeing more and more populated rigid and flexible PCBs, sensitive parts, and complex miniaturised assemblies in varying materials. This variability of design and product is using the full PCB space available at the facility. By investing in the LPKF CuttingMaster we can effectively produce components of today and also have the capability to produce those of tomorrow, as the equipment gives us the flexibility and scalability to always stay ahead.”
LPKF CuttingMaster 2240
The LPKF CuttingMaster 2240 is the first laser system with ultra-fast Tensor Technology which sets a new standard in laser processing. Tensor is a highly innovative beam deflection module developed to distribute pulses around the laser spot in a targeted manner. This enables significantly higher laser powers to be used effectively and meets the highest requirements. Importantly, Tensor increases the quality of the PCB as cooling times are no longer necessary due to an ultra-fast beam guidance system.
The system offers a very attractive price-performance ratio, with increased cutting speeds of up to 25% on all quality levels depending on the specific application. With the added Tensor the available power is optimally utilised leading to a significant increase in efficiency. This innovative technology enhances with increasing material thickness, particularly with technically clean cuts. With CleanCut, cycle times can be reduced by up to 70% due to the Tensor.
LPKF CuttingMaster 2240 sets new standards in terms of performance, technical cleanliness, and efficiency of depaneling.
The Future
Joe Booth said: “Sellectronics is an excellent example of a company looking to the future and investing their money wisely to offer short-term results but long-term risk mitigation and value to their customers. This investment has put them in a pool of a handful of CEMs in the UK and Ireland who have invested in a process that will give them a significant competitive edge, which is a considerable advantage within the electronics industry.
“As always, it’s a pleasure to support the Sellectronics team, and I am looking forward to seeing how the LPKF CuttingMaster will help to streamline their processes.”