GeminiTec: February 2015

Technical Solutions for RF PCB assemblies using world class solder jet printing technology.

Multilevel PCBs are here to stay...Jet printing provides the ideal method to deliver solder paste into a PCB board cavity.

One growing area of need is multilevel boards. To reduce the total height of the final assembly, it’s common to place the higher components in cavities on the PCB. Because jet printing makes use of a laser height sensor, height variations of up to a few millimeters can be handled with ease.

Gemini Tec provide its manufacturing services to a leading UK company, that specialise in the design and manufacture of solid state, high-power microwave and RF amplifiers. With a requirement to build high reliability products for global deployment, solder jet printing provides the technical solution.

With our state-of-the-art MYCRONIC solder jet printers, Gemini Tec are able to successfully build and assemble specific and niche multi level PCBS.

The solder jet printing process can deliver a controlled and accurate amount of solder paste at multi-level positions (also known as cavities) across the RF PCB (printed circuit board) a technique not possible using traditional stencil techniques.
solder jet paste rf assembly

Achieving consistency across the pasted area at 0.2mm intervals to obtain 100% contact between the SMT device (located within the PCB cavity) and the PCB substrate for full connectivity is paramount to electronic performance.

This process is completed with a single pass through the solder jet printing system, removing the need to apply additional paste process techniques, which ultimately lead to variations on the finished PCB assembly.

The manufacturing process includes a highly accurate and controlled reflow process to ensure conformance.
All the devices/PCBs are subsequently inspected using 3D X-ray to confirm the metallic bond is correct.

The PCB assembly is currently in manufacture at over 500 systems per year, with a lower process cost than traditional solder paste techniques. The repeatability of the solder jet process ensures yields of 100%, allowing the full optimisation of the high value material costs.

We offer a range of solutions and services to manufacture surface mount and complex SMT assemblies, working closely with our customers at trusted supplier status.

If you require a technical solution, contact us today to find out more about how we can help your company.

Gemini Tec Ltd

1 The Brook Trading Estate

Deadbrook Lane

Aldershot

Hampshire

GU12 4XU

United Kingdom

+44 (0) 1252 333 444

www.geminitec.co.uk

The latest Mycronic technology for 2015 and beyond.

Gemini Tec have now fully integrated a new SMT production line, adding of two MY200 placement machines, along with the UKs first MY600 jet printer, more reflow capability comes with a BTU 7-zone reflow oven and complimented with fully automated board loading, handling and transportation.
G-TEC SX LINE 3 001

2014 has seen a major rise in new customer orders at Gemini Tec, leading us to expand our SMT capability and capacity. At the centre of our SMT operation we have now fully commissioned two further Mycronic SMT placement machines, along with more solder jet printing technology, providing a substantial increase in capacity.

New SMT Synergy line for high mix and complex PCB assembly:

Our latest Synergy line includes two large format SMT placement machines, able to accept over 350 part types in one set up, perfect for high mix products with quick changeover. With such large feeder capacity we can produce demanding high mix product types. The Synergy advantage means we can use two SMT machines simultaneously or even individually. Offline planning software calculates the optimum method to build any given assembly, driving the department efficiency high, at all times.

World renown reflow with a new BTU Pyramax oven, with 7 zones has been added, offering fully automatic line assembly for our customers surface mount products and PCBs.

New solder jet printing capability.

The USP of our service is based around solder jet printing and again Gemini are the first UK CEM to invest in the latest model of solder jet printers from Mycronic, the MY600.

The latest printer provides perfect solder paste application, to the same exacting standards as our current MY500 jet printer and with a huge boost to paste write speeds, of upto 50%. This major speed gain allows us to produce boards faster and meet lower price points, when batch sizes increase.

More Agilis feeders.
Additional investment of over 100K has been made in more Mycronic Agilis feeders. Using Agilis feeders allows us to rationalise material consumption, providing valuable savings to customers. Agilis feeders allow us to enjoy super fast set up times, for every order produced and ensures short changeover times. This capability is imperative in maintaining the UKs fastest delivery service for technology boards.

Additional line automation.
In keeping with our ongoing strategy for efficiency, we have also added a full range of Nutek and Mycronic board loading equipment. From automatic conveyors to feed the PCBs through the entire SMT process, along in-line inspection and into oven reflow, before being automatically unloaded, ready for the next production operation.

Can we help you?
As we enter 2015 and beyond, Gemini Tec now have more capacity to engage with new customers. If you are involved in sub-contract manufacture of SMT and complex SMT hardware, we can provide a new level of technical advantages with solder jet printing capability.

With a long established reputation, Gemini provide a friendly and professional level of service that can be tailored to meet a wide range of unique requirements.

All the products we build are made ethically in the UK, with care and attention. Gemini do not offer a low cost overseas manufacturing option, instead deciding to retain complete control of product quality, delivery and sensitive IP in the UK.

Our entire CEM operation is located at our superbly equipped and ESD controlled facility in Hampshire. If you would like to know more about the services we can provide to you and establish a potential business fit, please contact Adam Harsant in the first instance.

Gemini Tec Ltd