Universal Instruments - Hall 4, Stand 446

Universal Instruments is using the 2003 Productronica exhibition to launch not only its newest products and services but also its corporate proposition. Under the banner ‘Defining the Future’, the corporation is suggesting that visitors re-think their perceptions of Universal and see for themselves how the company has transformed to meet emerging market challenges.A Raft of New ProductsOn stand 446 in Hall A4, Universal will be demonstrating its latest range of products and introducing its new low cost AdVantis™ platform for flexible medium volume manufacturing plus the flagship Genesis™ SMT placement platform for low to high volume and sophisticated NPI applications. Genesis uses Universal’s proprietary Variable Reluctance Motor (VRM) linear drive technology that features fewer parts to improve reliability while delivering exceptional motion performance with accuracies of 4 microns at 3-sigma. Genesis offers a large board, common-platform solution and can share heads, feeders and cameras with AdVantis. Both platforms feature fast changeover capability to maximise throughput.In addition, Universal will unveil its astonishing new Lightning high-speed placement head. Lightning features cutting-edge motion, control, imaging and materials technologies deployed in a unique configuration of 30 independently controlled radial spindles that enhance productivity, offering placement rates up to 54,000cph on Genesis platforms and 30,000cph on AdVantis systems.Complementing its successful Polaris® Assembly Cell, Universal is also unveiling the Polaris Jr., a single process scaleable platform that offers customers a low cost alternative for light mechanical and end-of-line assembly operations.Experienced Impartial AdviceTo support the theme of asking visitors to re-appraise Universal and to offer an impartial perspective, several of the company’s customers have agreed to man the stand – expressly on the understanding that they are at liberty to discuss any aspect of their relationship with and experience of Universal Instruments. Customer participants include Gary Brooks, Advanced Manufacturing Manager at Reptron Manufacturing; Tiziano Beretta, Senior Process Engineer at Magneti Marrelli Powertrain S.p.a.; David Beeston, Process Engineer at Pactrol; and Tamas Mikler, SM Equipment/Maintenace Leader from Jabil Szombathely.Semiconductor, Laboratory, Software, Chipshooting & IM representedUniversal’s ASA division will be demonstrating its semiconductor expertise at a dedicated presentation station on the stand, outlining the unique attributes that Universal equipment brings to the precision world of semi packaging and discussing the challenges of increasing convergence.Similarly, representatives from Universal’s acclaimed SM labs – based in Binghamton, New York and Suzhou, China – will present the comprehensive resources available to customers’ and will be on hand to discuss the latest events and collaborations within the consortia community.Universal will also demonstrate its line automation software suite, comprising machine and line level balancing and optimisation tools, off-line programming solutions, and enterprise wide manufacturing monitoring. Key components of the software suite also form part of Universal’s Optima Plus full line productivity solution package.Also available for one-to-one discussions on the Productronica stand are members of the product team responsible for Universal’s highly successful and durable HSP turret-style chipshooters. The HSP range comprises five models from small-footprint variants and the newest 4797B that handles a broader component range at faster placement rates to the substantial 4797L, which features large PCB capability at full speed.Universal Instruments continues to develop and manufacture the industry’s finest through hole component placement systems – a product line than long pre-dates the advent of SMT. Representatives from Universal’s IM division will be manning a presentation station at Productronica to discuss and demonstrate the latest refinements to its robust Insertion Machine systems – equipment that still dominates the market in one of the electronics industry’s most stable sectors.Daily & Grand Prize DrawsWith the recent definition of Universal’s Global Services’ Bronze, Silver and Gold-level support packages, the Productronica stand will feature a daily prize draw open to any customers enquiring about support initiatives. Daily Prizes include Universal’s Productivity Assessment visits, Machine Assessment visit and Training Seats valued up to €1,500 each. All daily entries will automatically be entered into a grand draw to take place on the final day of the exhibition with a prize of a Gold-level Support Continuance package valued at up to €35,000.Distributors RepresentedUniversal Instruments has recently rolled out a new policy of appointing regional distributors across Europe to complement its sales and support infrastructure in the territory. Visitors to the Productronica stand can meet representatives from the newly appointed distribution companies and tap into the specialist knowledge that these focused organisations offer.AdVantis Special Introductory Offer for EuropeTo promote the launch of AdVantis, Universal’s new SMT placement platform designed to meet European market needs for flexible low to medium volume applications, Universal is extending a special offer to Productronica visitors. The base price of AdVantis platforms ordered before the year-end will be reduced to less than €100,000. In addition, a ‘ready to run out of the box’ AdVantis – pre-configured with up to 75 feeders and a host of desirable options – will also be available for just €110,000.