FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Macurco Adds In-House PCBA Line

Sioux Falls, SD – June 2024

Macurco Gas Detection adds a NEW in-house PCBA line. A PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) line is a manufacturing process used to assemble electronic components onto a printed circuit board (PCB). This line typically consists of various stages and machines where components are placed, soldered, inspected, and tested to create functional electronic devices. This new line will be run by Manufacturing Manager, Hans Haase.

The PCBA line typically includes the following key stages:

1. Component Placement: This is where electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, etc., are placed onto the PCB according to the design specifications. This can be done manually or using automated pick-and-place machines.
2. Soldering: Once components are placed on the PCB, soldering is done to create electrical connections between the components and the PCB. This can be done through wave soldering, reflow soldering, or selective soldering methods.
3. Inspection: After soldering, the PCBAs undergo inspection processes to ensure that all components are properly soldered and positioned. This can involve visual inspection as well as automated inspection using machines such as Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) systems.
4. Testing: Once the PCBAs pass inspection, they are subjected to functional testing to ensure that they operate as intended. This can involve testing various electrical parameters, functionality, and sometimes environmental testing.
5. Packaging and Shipping: After successful testing, the PCBAs are usually packaged and prepared for shipment to customers or for further assembly into larger electronic systems.

PCBA lines can vary in complexity and automation depending on the volume and complexity of the electronic devices being manufactured. They are essential in the production of a wide range of electronic products, from consumer electronics to industrial equipment.

“Bringing circuit board manufacturing to Macurco offers more than just the convenience of producing our own boards in-house. It enables us to quickly respond to customer needs by rapidly shifting our production focus to meet their requirements. This capability has proven invaluable in new product development, as demonstrated by the recently launched VRF product line. The ability to move from concept to customer in such a short timeframe would not have been possible without it. Additionally, building our prototypes internally, in close collaboration with our design team, resulted in a superior product and a shorter development cycle.” – Hans Haase, Manufacturing Manager

“With continued growth and expansion, Macurco must evaluate all aspects of our process, and I believe this transition is a natural progression. We now have better control over our costs and quality, allowing us to respond more quickly to our customers’ needs. When I started in electronics manufacturing over 25 years ago, one of my first jobs was improving our output on an old through-hole slide line. For many years, we contracted this work to external partners. I am excited to bring this capability back in-house, a feat made possible thanks to Hans and his team.” – Jeffrey Christiansen, President

Introducing a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) line into Macurco’s gas detection solutions manufacturing process will directly enhance our operations. The most significant impact will be a notable increase in efficiency and speed on the manufacturing floor.

• • Automation: Automating the assembly process significantly speeds up production, reducing the time required to assemble each unit. This allows Macurco to continue our 2-3 day lead time on most products.
  • Consistency: Automated processes ensure that each PCB is assembled with the same level of precision, minimizing errors and defects.

Bringing in the PCBA line in-house will allow Macurco to save costs on both parts and labor.

• • Reduced Labor Costs: Automation reduces the need for manual labor, lowering operational costs.
  • Material Optimization: Efficient use of materials through precise assembly processes reduces waste and material costs.

At Macurco, we are committed to continuously improving our processes. The introduction of the PCBA line in-house will enhance our manufacturing capabilities and significantly boost our quality control measures, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products.

• • Precision: Automated machines are capable of placing components with high precision, leading to fewer errors.
  • Inspection Systems: Advanced inspection systems, such as Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and X-ray inspection, can detect defects early in the process, ensuring higher quality end products.