News


Local contract manufacturer sets up prototyping department

26 July 2006 News

Getting prototypes out of most production houses has always been a challenge - as most engineers will confirm. The problem is that most companies are able to produce prototypes and smaller runs fairly quickly when quiet, but as soon as production loads start to increase, their resources become limited.

A common problem is that large volume runs are done first, and then only as soon as there is 'time available' can the machines then be dedicated to do the smaller volume runs. This often leaves designers and developers most frustrated at the slow turnaround time of their prototypes.

To overcome some of these problems Microtronix recently commissioned a mini-factory within its factory, which it has dubbed 'The Prototyping and Small Runs Department'. The criterion for selecting which factory the job should be processed through is normally on quantity. On average, any run smaller than 50 can be fast tracked through the prototype division, it says. Microtronix recently installed its 10th pick-and-place machine in the prototyping division. This machine is dedicated to small production runs and is often changed four to five times a day with the minimum single PCB quantity.

There are nine dedicated staff in the prototyping section that concentrate purely on new products and turning around small volumes of PCBs fast. An added advantage to this is that all the pre-production problems and queries can be resolved before the product hits the main production lines, says the company. The average production runtime through this division is approximately 2-3 days, once the complete kit of components is ready. Component procurement, as always, remains a challenge, it says and this can often cause delays far beyond the actual production time. Customers can supply their own key components to avoid delays, or request Microtronix to supply all components.

A large number of components are held in stock at Microtronix and designers and developers wishing to make use of Microtronix' production services can request its stock list, which considerably reduces time to market with regards to prototypes and small volume runs. Small quantities of components can also be supplied to designers and developers to complete R&D work.

For more information contact Michael Goodyer, Microtronix, +27 (0)11 792 5322.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

From the editor's desk: AI – a double-edged sword
Technews Publishing News
As with any powerful tool, AI presents challenges, some of which, if not carefully managed, threaten to undo the potential that it can offer.

Read more...
Global semiconductor sales increase
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has announced global semiconductor sales were $57,0 billion during the month of April 2025, an increase of 2,5% compared to the March 2025.

Read more...
Avnet Abacus announced new president
Avnet Abacus News
Avnet Abacus has announced that Mario Merino will succeed Rudy Van Parijs as president of Avnet Abacus, effective 1 July 2025.

Read more...
Avnet Abacus wins multiple prestigious awards
Avnet Abacus News
The awards from Molex recognise outstanding performance, collaboration, and significant growth in the challenging market conditions of 2024.

Read more...
Components distribution slowdown Q1 2025
News
European components distribution (DMASS) experienced a continued slowdown in the first quarter 2025.

Read more...
Semiconductor sales increase 17% YoY
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) recently announced global semiconductor sales were $54,9 billion during the month of February 2025, an increase of 17,1% compared to the February 2024 total.

Read more...
Silicon Labs – Q1 results
News
Silicon Labs, a leading innovator in low-power wireless, recently reported financial results for the first quarter, which ended April 5, 2025.

Read more...
Strengthening industry through strategic partnerships at KITE 2025
Specialised Exhibitions News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition is not just an exhibition, it is a powerhouse of industry collaboration where visitors and exhibitors gain access to authoritative insights, technical expertise, and high-impact networking opportunities.

Read more...
Solar Youth Project calls on industry to step up
News
With the second cohort completed training and the first cohort returning for their final module, host companies are urgently needed to turn the training into a long-term opportunity.

Read more...
Conlog powers SA’s future with national smart meter rollout
News
Conlog recently secured the RT29-2024 contract from National Treasury, which is seen to be a major milestone towards modernising SA’s utility infrastructure.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved