ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING I TOTAL SOLUTIONS
major companies in the electronics Over the last 12 months,
manufacturing industry, he points out Axiom has invested
that Axiom’s supply chain management significantly in new
solutions enable the company to support equipment to further
the industry’s needs. “With expert enhance its existing quality,
knowledge and first-hand experience of manufacturing and test
the aerospace and defence industry, we capabilities; including a
understand the complexity of our client’s state-of-the-art surface
needs and are fully aware that complete mount technology (SMT)
traceability within the supply chain is line, a Digital X-ray
vital to the mission-critical nature of inspection system and a
the industry,” he says. “Reducing project flying probe (fixtureless) test
management risk throughout the entire system.
supply chain remains one of our key The investment in the Fuji
service offerings to customers, and we AIM SMT line has enabled
have a number of practices in place to Axiom to manufacture high Fully operational | Dean Taylor, Martin Burridge and Shaun Ashmead
ensure that we manage this effectively.” mix – low volume products,
with the Fuji AIM SMT Line
As part of its approach, Axiom particularly suited to the
recognises the need and places great needs of the industry. “Meeting customer with encapsulated assemblies; it’s a real
importance on fostering close supplier requirements was the main driving force asset in our operations and in our service
Inside | Axiom’s recently acquired APT 9411CE flying probe machine
customer relationships, involving both behind the investment in acquiring the offering.”
parties at an early stage in the planning company’s third fully-automated SMT The investment in a (fixtureless)
and design process, as Mr Burridge line,” Mr Burridge adds. “As a result of the flying probe test system – the Takaya
continues: “In addition to providing investment, our change-over times have APT 9411CE – has also strengthened
a dedicated project manager to each been reduced dramatically, making us even Axiom’s in-circuit test offering. Mr Taylor
customer we also hold monthly meetings more responsive while also reducing time- continues: “The flying probe is heavily
with clients to ensure that all aspects of to-market of products significantly.” used by industries that usually have short
the project are being managed well. We The SMT line is capable of picking and production runs which are sometimes
operate close communications, externally placing the smallest components existing prohibited from providing suitable
and internally among cross-functional in the marketplace. Having become test points due to design constraints.
teams. We recognise that consistent the first manufacturer in Europe to There are often factors within the
communication throughout the project successfully trial the machinery last year, defence and aerospace industry. It is
management process is critical – not Axiom was among the first companies in also instrumental in being able to offer a
only does it lower the potential risk the UK to offer its customers access to quick and comprehensive test solution for
significantly, but helps reduce time-frames such capabilities. prototypes, thereby adding a confidence
and costs.” Similarly, the Dage 7600 XiDAT digital factor, critical at such an important
X-ray inspection system has helped Axiom stage in product development for our
enhance its service offering, furthering its customers.”
quality inspection capabilities which are Shaun Ashmead adds that further
essential to the accuracy demanded by the investment is in the pipeline during
defence and aerospace industries. the year ahead, supported by recent
Dean Taylor, Axiom Operations key appointments to build on existing
Director, says that the equipment enables business relationships. He concludes:
Axiom to fulfil its aim of providing a ‘total “We have forged business relationships
solution’ to its customers. “We recognise with key businesses including SELEX
that inspection criteria are generally Communications and work closely with
higher within defence and aerospace,” he them to ensure that we deliver high
explains. “The X-ray inspection system quality, accurate products on time. Our
has given us comprehensive on-site non aim now is to build a strong reputation
destructive test/inspection capabilities in the industry as the total solutions
Managing Director | Shaun Ashmead next to the Dage that can be used for the process expert.” ❙
7600 XiDAT digital X-ray inspection system
monitoring and inspection of BGAs along www.axiom-ms.com
AEROSPACEMANUFACTURING 23
AM_jul07_p22,23_axiom.indd 23 29/6/07 11:07:02
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