Central Circuits and Somacis in joint venture and technology partnership
30 July 2003
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
In 2002, Central Circuits, in co-operation with sister company Central Electronic Technologies (CET) expanded their presence and market share in the PCB industry by establishing a joint venture and technology transfer agreement with Somacis, a leading European PCB manufacturer.
With state-of-the-art facilities in Italy (headquarters), Brazil, China and Korea, Somacis' global presence eliminates any possible logistical problem. All printed circuit boards that are not manufacturable in-house at Central Circuits due to volume, technology and/or pricing requirements are done within the Somacis group. In addition to high-tech multilayer PCBs, Somacis also produces backplane PCBs, flex and flex-rigid boards, as well as membrane keyboards.
With over 30 years of experience, Somacis is a leader in technologically-developed products such as PCBs with laser drilling, standard track and gap clearances down to 4 mil and micro-drilled vias with an aspect ratio of 12:1. Track and gap clearances down to 2 mil can be achieved with laser direct imaging (LDI). Other capabilities include PCBs with internal heatsinks and PCBs for high power application.
According to Central Circuits, Somacis can make a preventive analysis of a customer's project, paying particular attention to the impact the product will have in production, look at issues such as reliability, and examine panel drawings to improve material yield and to lower critical features to increase yield and economy. The company says that such capabilities and added services are scarcely met by European competitors, and virtually absent in competitors in the Far East.
Somacis has developed and patented an innovative pressing system that enables it to control the pressing parameters (thermal profile and pressure curve) panel by panel. In every pressing open, only two panels may be inserted, each being in direct contact with the heating and pressing elements. This ensures a very controlled build - essential in controlled-impedance boards and SBU laser technology. Inner layers that have a thickness down to 50 µm can be pressed, with virtually zero image distortion and movement. Somacis currently has the longest and most modern horizontal, electroless and pulse-plating line in Europe.
In the last year Somacis has undergone successful quality audits by various South African military and commercial firms. Among the company's international customers are Airbus, Celestica, Ericcson, Flextronics, Marconi, Nokia and Siemens.
Central Circuits will be at the ADEC Exhibition during September where visitors will be able to discuss any PCB manufacturing issues.
For more information contact Rudi Koekemoer, Central Electronic Technologies, 012 665 4860, [email protected], or see www.somacis.com
Further reading:
World-first 016008 mm component placement
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Fuji has achieved the world’s first placement of 016008 mm (0,16 x 0,08 mm or 006 x 003 inches) size components on printed circuit boards with its SMT pick and place machine, NXTR.
Read more...
Lifecycle and obsolescence: Protecting electronics through process
Production Logix
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
At Production Logix, we believe longevity is not accidental. It is engineered through early visibility, structured response, and disciplined execution, in partnership with our OEM customers.
Read more...
Maximising squeegee quality and durability
Testerion
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Transition Automation has announced two new product advancements designed to improve SMT printing performance and extend squeegee life: laser-enhanced Permalex bonding and integrated edge protectors.
Read more...
NeoDen ND2 PCB screen printer
ZETECH ONE
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The NeoDen ND2 PCB screen printing machine is a fully automatic stencil printer designed to deliver precise and consistent solder paste application in modern SMT production environments.
Read more...
Understanding the BGA rework process
Techmet
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
BGA rework is a highly technical process that involves removing the faulty component, preparing the circuit board, and installing a new or repaired device, while maintaining the integrity of the printed circuit board.
Read more...
Flexible three-process reflow soldering system
Truth Electronic Manufacturing
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
By combining multiple soldering technologies within a single system, the Vision TripleX system enables manufacturers to adapt easily to different assembly requirements, board designs, and production volumes.
Read more...
Inline vapour phase soldering for high-volume production
MyKay Tronics
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The VP2200-100 vacuum inline vapour phase soldering system from ASSCON is designed for fully automated, high-volume electronics manufacturing where process consistency and solder joint quality are critical.
Read more...
Global electronics solutions since 1964
IMP Electronics Solutions
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Over more than six decades, IMP Electronics Solutions has built a reputation for technical expertise, reliable supply chains, and strong partnerships with both customers and manufacturing partners.
Read more...
Driving excellence in electronics manufacturing
Jemstech
Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Jemstech’s reputation for disciplined execution and client-focused service has earned it strong loyalty from companies operating in demanding industries.
Read more...
When do you need Nitrogen in reflow?
Truth Electronic Manufacturing
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Nitrogen in reflow soldering is often seen as a performance enhancer, offering improved wetting, shinier joints, and fewer defects. But it is not always necessary.
Read more...
printer friendly version