DDZ expands premises to boost capacity

15 May 2013 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

DDZ Technologies has introduced a dedicated automated PCB assembly line capable of handling larger quantities of boards, thanks to a pick-and-place machine and reflow system for surface-mount boards and a wave solder system for through-hole boards.

According to owner, Dirk Du Preez, “DDZ has always concentrated on product integration, and has also been doing PCB assembly on a small scale. Concerning PCB assembly, we have always focused on the small prototype and specialised board quantities, as well as small production runs. Our main constraint, however, has always been that our process is conventional, which sets us apart, but also holds us back in producing larger quantities of boards. For this reason we have concentrated on product integration, where hands-on expertise is a requirement.”

The new equipment investment includes a Fritsch pick-and-place machine capable of placing components down to 0201 size and an SEF reflow oven – both of which are supported by Zetech – as well as an Aries wave soldering machine, also purchased through Zetech.

Maintaining its dedication to existing customers requiring prototypes and low volumes, the company is keeping its manual assembly equipment as an integral part of its assembly line, but is now capable of handling larger production runs effectively. Inspection is performed in a dedicated area where an IPC specialist inspects each and every board up to Class III, according to the needs of the specific customer.

DDZ also took the step of separating PCB assembly and product integration/ manufacturing into two adjacent buildings in the office park where it resides, in an effort to boost capacity in both parts of the business, and now employs two separate teams, each working in a different environment, and concentrating on the specific task on hand. The company expects this move to greatly improve turnaround times as well as quality.

The new development continues the growth path that has seen DDZ grow from du Preez’s after-hours project run from a room of his house in 2004, to its current floor space of 300 m² and staff complement of seven working out of two office park units. And this growth is set to continue, with the company currently looking to take on another two to three personnel.

“Personal service and attention to detail have always been among the most important factors at DDZ, and we will remain dedicated to this as, at the end of the day, it is the relationship with customers that keeps a business going. To all our dedicated customers we would like to express our gratitude for their loyal support, and believe that these changes will enable us to provide an even better service to them, as well as new customers, in the future,” du Preez concludes.

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