TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Contax Ltd - UK

Data Track Technology plc, a world leader in the provision of telecoms management systems has selected the automatic Essemtec CLM9000 style of placement system with vision capabilities from Contax, the UK's leading independent supplier of automated production machines.

Data Track was looking to equip a new manufacturing facility. Explained Peter Staddon, Managing Director, "We used to subcontract part of our manufacturing, but we decided to take this in-house as we needed more flexibility and wanted to reduce our lead times. We spent some time considering the options available to us and looked at several different manufacturers before reaching a final decision."

He continued, "Over the years, we had built up a relationship with Bob Thornton at Contax and trusted his judgement. He recommended the Essemtec CLM9000 as the most suitable system for us."

"The number of feeders was particularly important to us," explained Peter. "Even taking into account the vision camera, we still a lot of feeder positions available.

"Vision was another important feature for us. A significant number of our components have leads with a fine pitch. We therefore use the camera to check the quality of the device and its correct alignment prior to placement on the board, so the vision system needs to cope with these very fine pitches.

"The CLM9000 was one of the few machines that had the capacity to handle the number of components and was within our budget," said Peter.

As Data Track had selected the placement system from Contax, it also decided to purchase the Essemtec SP100 screen printer and Essemtec R0400FC reflow oven from them as well.

Continued Peter Staddon, "It made sense buying the whole system from one supplier. We have one service contract and a team of people to contact if we have any problems. In fact, Contax's service and support has been a major plus. We had some initial teething problems and Contax worked very hard to resolve these. All their people were very flexible and helpful. They employ a high calibre of support staff and we were certainly impressed with the level of service received.

"We have just ordered a second CLM9000 machine and will definitely use Contax again in future. We have no hesitation in recommending them", Peter concluded.