May 2001

Following an extended evaluation programme, award winning contract electronics manufacturer, Siemens Manufacturing Services, has selected the Takaya APT-9400 flying probe tester over a range of other systems that also underwent the same rigorous examination. Supplied by Itochu Europe, the APT-9400’s speed, ease of programming and repeatability met the exacting requirements of Siemens Manufacturing Services.

The process of investigation centred originally on a requirement for test equipment. Under consideration alongside flying probe were other test systems including AOI and X-ray. However it soon became apparent that the flying probe systems looked to be the optimum route and having carried out further surveys, the field was narrowed down to two suppliers.

The key aspects that interested Siemens Manufacturing were accuracy, measurement style & speed and ease of programming. Having met the stated requirements, the final selection of the Takaya APT-9400 was due mainly to its superior probing accuracy. Another observed advantage was the ease of interface with Unicam.

According to John Wyles, Siemens’ Technical Support Manager, the selection of the Takaya APT-9400 also enables Siemens to provide the testing of prototypes as well as unpowered MDA tests on boards of low volume, which wouldn’t justify a conventional in-circuit test. The APT-9400 can also be used as a repair diagnosis tool in addition to running electrical tests of the first batch of a new surface mount production run. Some of Siemens’ customers wanted this facility specifically. Also, where customers require only functional testing, and not ICT, it takes a lot less time. John Wyles commented that the fixtureless testing feature accelerates the product introduction process as it obviates the lead-times involved in building conventional test fixtures. He went on to say, ”If we can reduce product introduction time for our customers, then this has the benefit of reducing their time to market”.

Graham South, Itochu’s Takaya Product Manager, stated that it was Itochu’s business ethic to work closely with their customers to understand their requirements, developing a technological partnership, thus providing a business advantage to those companies investing in the Takaya systems.

To discover how Takaya’s APT-9400 range can increase your company’s testing versatility whilst improving your customers’ new product introduction performance contact Itochu on + 44 (0) 1580 895550.

Photo caption
John Wyles - Technical Support Manager - Siemens Manufacturing Services and Graham South, Itochu’s Takaya Product Manager confirming the selection of the Takaya APT-9400 on the Siemens Manufacturing Services’ stand at Nepcon UK 2001.

Siemens Manufacturing Services
Technology Drive, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1LA, UK
Tel: 0115 943 3515 Fax:0115 943 2701
E-mail:cem.sales@siemenscomms.co.uk
Web: www.siemenscomms.co.uk/cem

Press Contact : David J Claxton
Slipstream, 1 Newport Close, Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire, SO53 4NN, UK
Tel/fax: 023 8026 6562
E-mail: david@s-stream.co.uk