Two AM100 placement machines and NPM-GP/L high-precision printer have increased Incap UK’s overall production efficiency by 33% through quicker machine placement and high-resolution vision recognition systems.
September 2024 – Global electronics full-service manufacturer, Incap UK, has upgraded its first production line with two core elements of Panasonic Factory Solutions’ autonomous factory concept. Panasonic’s NPM-GP/L and AM100 machines have boosted Incap UK’s overall production efficiency, accuracy, and capacity by 33% through quicker machine placement, and high-resolution vision recognition systems.
Based in a 4,400m2 factory in Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK, Incap UK provides a range of end-to-end electronics manufacturing services for customers of all sizes, from large multinationals and mid-size companies to small start-ups. It provides a full turnkey product supply, including printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), electro-mechanical assembly, cable and wire harness assembly, and a dedicated standalone rapid prototyping facility.
A production line for the future
Panasonic’s market-leading AM100 placement machine offers exceptional reliability and flexibility. This Surface Mounted Technology (SMT) solution is designed to meet the evolving demands of modern production environments. With just one machine, manufacturers can initiate production, and as needs grow, scale to seamlessly integrate additional units or technologies as required.
The fully-automated, high precision NPM-GP/L stencil printer provides high-quality printing, delivering remarkable printing repeatability and consistent precision. It supports both automated model changeover to streamline the transition between different production runs, and in-time machine monitoring to minimise downtime. The fully automated printing process significantly increases production uptime and ensures the production of non-defective items. This maximises Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
The NPM-GP/L is part of the latest Panasonic NPM G Series of SMT production systems. These are designed to respond to customer supply and demand changes in real-time through continuous, autonomous updates – helping to make the autonomous factory a reality.
Increased production flexibility and efficiency
As a contract manufacturer that needs to quickly meet customer requirements to stay competitive, production flexibility is key for Incap UK. Thanks to Panasonic, it can now also produce larger PCBs (up to 510x460mm), deliver enhanced screen-printing accuracy, including paste traceability and inspection quality, and improve transparency around material control.
Jamie Maughan, Managing Director at Incap UK: “Our investment in Panasonic’s technology has improved our SMT efficiency, production quality, and site technology. Additionally, it allows for energy savings through real-time intelligent machine monitoring. These are vital for our production lines, helping us better serve our current and future customers, whilst allowing us to meet our sustainability, quality, profit, and efficiency targets.”
Stefan Hauck, Head of Marketing at Panasonic Factory Solutions, adds: “The adoption of Panasonic’s scalable, high-mix intelligent SMT solutions is already delivering tangible cost savings for Incap UK. As a trusted partner for the future, Panasonic will continue to deliver cutting-edge SMT technologies for Incap UK, strengthening its position as a leading electronics manufacturer that will help it to provide operational excellence for its customers.”
To learn more about Incap UK’s investment in Panasonic technology, read the case study, here: From Efficiency to Sustainability: Incap’s Strategic Move to Advanced SMT Machinery in the UK | Panasonic Connect
