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DDI choose Takaya
30/05/2003 @ 11:52 | posted
by D Claxton
Takaya helps DDI deliver its time to market
policy
Since 1978, Dynamic Details, Inc. has become a world-class provider of
time-critical, technologically advanced design, development and
manufacturing services for the electronics industry. Encompassing all
aspects of the printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, DDi offers
seamless integration of services for each phase of the process – from
design to prototype, small and medium lot manufacturing, to backplane,
box build and total system assembly.
With its corporate headquarters in Anaheim, California, DDi (Dynamic
Details Incorporated) styles itself as the provider of global
time-to-market solutions. The company is totally dedicated to
delivering a quality product whilst minimising the design to
production cycle and specializes in the production and assembly of
backplanes, complex printed circuit board assemblies and
electro-mechanical integration on low to medium volume programs. DDI
personnel comprise experts in electro-mechanical design, materials
management, test development, process development and program
management.
Two years ago, DDi Technologies acquired electronics manufacturer
Calne Electronics (Calne, Wiltshire). The company has during that time
also acquired companies such as Zlin (Tewkesbury) and Thomas Walters
(Hertford), both board manufacturers, and Classical Circuits (Tolworth,
Surrey). Since purchasing Calne Electronics, DDi has invested £2
million on the Wiltshire site alone.
The original Mydata pick & place lines plus the Wayne Kerr test
equipment have been retained from the Calne facility. Under the
guidance of John Tutt, Production Director PCB Assembly, a brand new
Siplace system has been installed providing even greater flexibility
and increased output. Also within DDi’s 70,000 sq.ft. manufacturing
area are the wiring loom assembly and box-build sections.
Recent investments in test equipment have included two Takaya flying
probe test systems from Itochu Europe. This investment is certainly
paying off as despite the current economic climate, DDi continues to
be busy. This may well be based on the fact that the company operates
across a variety of sectors with Telecommunications and Datacoms
accounting for only 40% of its business, whilst they are also strong,
and growing in sectors such as Defence & Aerospace, Industrial,
Instrumentation and Oil & Gas.
However, key to DDi’s policy of accelerating the speed of turn-around
has been the decision to operate with two production areas, one for
what is termed Mainstream production and the second – Fastrack -
dedicated to a fast turn-around service. A dedicated and highly
qualified team of design engineers provides a unique front-end design
for manufacturing facility. Also essential to the implementation of
the “Fastrack” service has been the installation of the two Takaya
Flying Probe test systems supplied by Itochu Europe. These provide
fast feedback to the manufacturing process, enabling the speed of
turn-around necessary to meet the Fastrack service levels.
Although sited within DDi’s Fastrack section, the Takaya systems are
also key to performance of the Mainstream production line. Another of
DDi’s unique features is its decision to separate out its ATE
programme development service as an autonomous unit within the Calne
facility. This ensures that the highly trained personnel in the unit
are employed continuously in the test development environment and not
seconded out into the manufacturing areas. This in itself allows for
not only the maintaining of high levels of capability but also permits
the unit, Integrated Designs & Services Ltd., to provide third-party
test services.
Peter Stoneham, Integrated Designs & Services’ Business Development
Director, was responsible for the acquisition of the Takaya equipment.
The company has two different Takaya systems, an earlier APT-8400 and
the latest APT-9400. He selected the Takaya’s because “The APT-9400
flying in-circuit test system meets the leading edge test technology
demanded by the company’s customers.” “The combination of the
available software tools and experienced staff helps us to offer such
quick turn-a-rounds.”
The level of experiences and skills are reflected in the fact that
Integrated Designs & Systems has Wayne Kerr 900 & 3900 ATE approved
bureau status and provides a design for ATE test consultancy.
Equally important to the on-going development of Integrated Designs &
Services is the relationship with its suppliers. Peter Stoneham
believes that it is essential that there is a continuing dialogue
between his group and the equipment suppliers, exchanging feedback
helping to expand the knowledge and experience of his specialists
whilst also helping the suppliers to improve their products and
service. Graham South, Itochu Europe’s Takaya Product Manager, echoes
this. “We seek to develop a partnership with those using the Takaya
equipment as it is through such relationships that our customers get
the best out of the equipment we supply. Not only that but it also
helps us in the development of the system. The Takaya equipment has a
very user-friendly Windows based operating system and good interfacing
software for Fabmaster and other design tools thus allowing faster
programming and therefore a speedier test cycle.
In addition to supplying the Takaya flying probe test systems, Itochu
Europe also offers a programming and test bureau to service either
Takaya customers in overload situations or those companies who require
testing of very low pcb volumes. To learn more about the Takaya
systems or the bureau services contact Graham South at Itochu +
44 (0) 1580 895550.
Press contact:
David Claxton
Slipstream PR & Marketing Communications
1 Newport Close, Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire, SO53 4NN, UK.
Tel/fax: +44 (0) 23 8026 6562
e-mail: david@s-stream.co.uk
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