News


New placement machine to compete in mid-range market

26 March 2003 News

Universal's family of surface-mount placement machines will grow early this year with the release of the new Vantis platform.

Built specifically to compete in the emerging mid-range market segment, the Vantis offers accurate and reliable placement of surface-mount components. Universal says it is marketing the Vantis as the machine, "Where versatility and value meet."

The mid-range total available market represents approximately $280-$320 in annual machine sales and is projected to experience double-digit growth over the next several years. Universal says that the mid-range market emerged in part due to a growing number of small- to mid-sized circuit board manufacturers who prefer less expensive machines with fewer options and limited capabilities to high-end placement equipment.

The Vantis uses a single-beam positioning system and supports a limited number of heads, cameras, and configurations. It delivers 16 500 cph (max).

According to Aaron Saxton, business development manager for mid-range products, "Increased manufacturing in China coupled with a down market has created a very competitive landscape. Competitors who were once considered low-end equipment manufacturers, are suddenly in a very strong position because of an increased emphasis on purchase price." Aaron adds, "The Vantis will allow Universal to compete in the mid-range marketplace and introduce additional value through our traditional strengths - robust equipment, expertise, service, and support - things you seldom get from companies offering just a low price."

Manufacturers in the consumer electronics segment are the primary targets for the Vantis. According to Gene Heiser, vice president of corporate sales and marketing, "We will leverage the strong relationships developed thanks to our through hole products with consumer electronics producers like CHMF, TCL, Haier, and Hisense, and a large pool of small- to mid-scale CEMs supporting the production of both local and Japanese consumer products. We intend to place the Vantis in those facilities."



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Fro 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...