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."
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