Orbit One makes major investment in unique surface-mount technology
Unique flexibility and efficiency
“This is the largest investment in machinery in Orbit One’s history and will provide us with an incredibly flexible and efficient production line for optimal surface mounting. Versatility, high quality and simple operation are three characteristics of the new line. It will strengthen our competitiveness and our capacity to create even more cost-effective solutions”, explains Ulf Karlsson, COO at Orbit One.
An investment in quality
“This is also an investment in quality. The new line can handle the toughest requirements within, for example, MedTech and Automotive. It provides optimal traceability and material control, and it has support for NPI, automated component definition and product-adapted placement of circuit board support. It also has automatic width adjustment of all conveyor belts, which guarantees high quality and a high utilisation rate.”
Better ergonomics and a better work environment
“The new line also entails better ergonomics. The machines are extremely easy to operate via screens that are easy to understand, and the smart component feeder slots facilitate the quick and safe exchange of components without the need for heavy lifting or risky work operations. Furthermore, the new production lines will significantly reduce our energy consumption and thus represent another important step towards a more sustainable manufacturing process”, says Ulf Karlsson.
Scanditron delivered
Orbit One chose market-leading Scanditron as its supplier of the new machinery, and Scandi-tron’s Seppo Mäkelä, the company’s Fuji Product Manager, is very pleased with the collaboration.
“This is a project that sticks out from the rest. The line is able to cope with future requirements and ever increasing demands on short lead times and new processes. The challenge with Orbit One is that they have a large portfolio consisting of many different products with completely different requirements. In such a scenario, it is especially important to build flexibility into the solution. Our Fuji products are at the absolute cutting edge of technological development, but in order to create an even better total solution, we contacted Marie Andersson at Rejlers. We knew that, with her experience and expertise, we could work together to create something completely unique.”
Analysis and simulation by Rejlers
“I received an enquiry from Scanditron about contributing my expertise to the development of a complete surface-mount production line with optimal production flows. We began by arranging a study visit, after which we performed analyses, simulations and tests of software and hardware in close collaboration with Fuji specialist Kaj Kontola. We were then able to present our proposal: Two complete and identical lines with extremely high efficiency and flexibility”, explains Marie Andersson, Project Manager at Rejlers.
Our customers are the big winners!
“The collaboration with Scanditron and Rejlers has been extremely rewarding. Together we have been able to create something quite fantastic. This collaboration has enhanced and developed our own expertise in a way that will benefit all our customers”, concludes Ulf Karlsson
Price increases and longer lead times in the component market
“We are now once again seeing a significant increase in the prices of semiconductors. At the same time, lead times for semiconductors and passive components are also increasing”, says Marcus Gunnebrant, Director Supply Chain at Orbit One.
“In addition to increasing raw material prices, there are two other factors that are also affecting the market. Firstly, OEM companies have a positive outlook for 2021 and are now increasing their orders. Secondly, due to the extra protocols that must be followed on account of COVID-19, the manufacturers don’t have the capacity to meet the increasing levels of demand. This, in turn, is leading to higher prices and longer lead times. Furthermore, we must also bear in mind that all vehicles now being manufactured contain twice the amount of electronics compared with in the past. Price increases have already been announced by manufacturers such as STM, NXP, Silicon Labs, Microchip, On Semi, Infineon and Micron. Manufacturers of printed circuit boards are also indicating that their prices will increase, primarily due to higher raw material prices.”
“With regard to shipments from Asia, it is still difficult to rely on the advised lead times, as shipments may be delayed due to lack of space. Prior to the Chinese New Year there are almost always extra large quantities that need to be shipped, and capacity is reduced at this time. Here at Orbit One we are therefore monitoring the market daily, and the best way to manage the current uncertainty is to receive as reliable and as long-term forecasts as possible from our customers. We then work with our suppliers to set up logistics and forecasting solutions aimed at achieving the greatest possible level of flexibility, but otherwise the best solution is to place orders with a longer time horizon.”
Would you like to know more about the component situation?
Please feel free to contact our Director Supply Chain, Marcus Gunnebrant,
for the latest news and developments!
You can reach him on +46 70 965 21 38 or
via email: marcus.gunnebrant@orbitone.se
