KATEK chooses Smart Factory platform NXTR-S from FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION

Electronics service provider aims for best possible throughput and high quality through optimized processes

Kelsterbach, March 9, 2021 – The EMS service provider KATEK GmbH has chosen to implement the NXTR-S smart factory platform from FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH (www.fuji-euro.de) at its Grassau site. FUJI is an internationally active specialist for electronics placement machines and offers with NXTR a platform that serves the step-by-step automation and digitalization in electronics manufacturing. NXTR-S aims to optimize the feeders already in use and is the basis for the best possible throughput. By using the smart factory solution, KATEK is focusing on high productivity and quality through optimized and digitized processes.

KATEK GmbH is one of the largest electronics service providers (EMS) in Germany. At the production sites in Grassau and Györ (Hungary), highly automated large-scale production orders, among other things, can be carried out on the basis of all common certifications. The company relies on process automation in various areas for the benefit of efficiency and high quality. For this reason, KATEK GmbH has decided to install the NXTR-S smart factory platform from FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION at its Grassau site.

Designed by FUJI as an evolution of the proven NXT series (scalable placement platform), the NXTR is designed to free operators from repetitive tasks – while maximizing quality and productivity. The NXTR follows the “3 Zero” strategy: zero placement errors, zero machine operators, zero machine stops.

High savings potential through optimization of existing feeders

The NXTR-S is the first expansion stage of the Smart Factory platform. It relies on new Multi Feeder Units that facilitate and optimize feeder operation. The Manual Mode uses the feeders that are currently already in use at customers of FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH. This has the advantage that no generation change of feeders is required, resulting in a high savings potential.

In addition to the unique features that mark the FUJI products NXTR-S and also NXTIII – such as the one-side operation, exchangeable heads and much more – the following features in particular tipped the scales in favor of the NXTR-S:

  • Increase in productivity due to better exchangeable MFU 52
  • Number of feeder slots on NXTR-S is higher than on NXTIII
  • Larger PCB size
  • Compatibility of existing NXTIII feeder
  • Part presence control and touchdown sensor
  • Expectation of higher quality and more productivity on NXTR-S compared to NXTIII
  • LCU features (remote control, self-diagnostic function, response to network problems, and more)

The solution will be installed at KATEK in spring 2021.

“Our Smart Factory platform NXTR-S is in constant development and our goal is to modify it to NXTR-A – meaning an automated solution with Smart Loader – within the next two years. In this way, we are taking further important steps towards the optimization of production preparation and maintenance processes as well as the automation of manual assembly processes in terms of comprehensive networking and self-optimized production,” explains Sascha Frieling, Manager Technology at FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH.

FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION sees acceleration in innovation for autonomous robotics

FUJI pushes robot development worldwide and participates in fund – German subsidiary promotes automation with “NXTR” placement platform

Kelsterbach, 5th March 2021 – Digitalization in industry has made a strong leap – partly due to the pandemic. In 2021, companies trust artificial intelligence and robotics more and more. FUJI CORPORATION also sees great potential in accelerating innovation for autonomous robotics and is therefore participating in the Smart Innovation Fund (SWIF) through its US subsidiary. The German subsidiary FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION (www.fuji-euro.de ) supports the increasing automation of assembly processes through the NXTR smart factory platform.

FUJI CORPORATION develops technologies that involve advanced sensing, communication, electricity and other infrastructures. The global company’s robot development goes beyond industrial robotics. For example, FUJI CORPORATION is also pushing ahead with the development of autonomous transport robots for the logistics sector.

Innovation leader for autonomous robotics
For example, the US subsidiary FUJI AMERICA CORPORATION recently joined the Smart World Innovation Fund (SWIF), a partnership of leading global technology companies. Motus Ventures’ initiative sees its mission in accelerating innovation for autonomous robotics. The goal is a future where robots are part of everyday life.

Motus Ventures is a early-stage venture capital fund and business accelerator focused on AI, robotics and IoT. The company operates at the intersection of industries and technologies that are strategic to the future of modern civilization, such as industrial manufacturing, transportation, agriculture and telecommunications. In addition to investing in early-stage companies, Motus Ventures also supports spin-outs of established, technology-driven companies that are at the forefront of disruptive innovation. Motus Ventures works together with academic institutes and research facilities for this purpose.

Self-optimized production through intelligent automation
FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH, an internationally active specialist for electronics assembly machines, is also pushing autonomous processes. With the NXTR smart factory platform, the German branch of FUJI CORPORATION offers a solution for fast automation and digitalization in electronics manufacturing.

Sascha Frieling, Manager Technology at FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH, explains: “Our goal is to increase the efficiency of the work performed by machines and systems and to relieve the workers. The NXTR scalable placement platform is therefore designed to free operators from repetitive tasks – while maximizing quality and productivity.”

The NXTR follows the “3 Zero” strategy: zero placement errors, zero machine operators, zero machine stops. The Smart Factory platform is being successively expanded with new expansion stages that, for example, further optimize feeders in use to enable the best possible throughput.

Sascha Frieling says: “Our Smart Factory platform NXTR-S is in constant development and our goal is to modify it into the NXTR-A – which means an automated solution with Smart Loader. With this, we are taking further important steps towards optimizing production preparation and maintenance processes as well as automating manual placement assembly processes in terms of full networking and self-optimized production.”

FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION offers special solutions for individual and efficient placement processes

Speziallösungen von FUJI werden in Deutschland gefertigt und getestet – dies gewährleistet hohe Effizienz und Prozesssicherheit

FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION offers special solutions for individual and efficient placement processes

15th April 2020 – The placement of special parts (Odd-Form) requires fast and reliable solutions in the European market. FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH (www.fuji-euro.de) therefore has a department for special solutions such as special nozzles, mechanical chucks and special feeders integrated in the German branch. This ensures extensive testing on site and fast deliveries due to short distances.

Stefan Janssen, assistant general manager of FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH, explains: “Odd-Form components have special process requirements. Therefore, we need customer specific solutions. The demand in this area is very high. Thanks to our on-site department in Kelsterbach, we can offer very short delivery times. The special solutions are also thoroughly tested in our company, which guarantees a high level of process reliability”.

Special nozzles, mechanical chucks and Special feeders

Special solutions from FUJI include special nozzles, mechanical chucks, and special feeders. “The special or custom nozzles are used for picking up components on all types of heads that cannot normally be picked up with a standard nozzle using vacuum. Special nozzles are manufactured individually and are specially designed for a component. FUJI therefore has a global database in which the appropriate templates can be accessed. In this way individual solutions can be implemented quickly,” explains Stefan Janssen.

Mechanical chucks are also part of FUJI’s portfolio. They are used to pick up components on the H01, H02 or S1 head. They are used to pick up components on the H01, H02 or S1 head. These cannot usually be picked up with a standard or special vacuum nozzle.

The company has developed extensive special solutions in the field of special and customized feeders. These feeders are used to feed components to SMT placing machines. FUJI manufactures punch feeders and bowl feeders as well as complete component assembly solutions for this special purpose.

Individual, overall automation solutions

FUJI’s special solutions are based on in-house developments combined with standard components. Highly specialized automation processes are realized with individual hardware and software solutions. “FUJI is an experienced and highly specialized partner in special machine construction and automation. Even with very complex requirements and linkages, we are able to offer integrated individual solutions,” explains Stefan Janssen.

FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION launches Manual Mode, the first stage of the NXTR smart factory platform

Hohes Einsparpotenzial durch Optimierung der bereits in der Nutzung befind­lichen Feeder und Ermöglichung eines bestmöglichen Durchsatzes

FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION launches Manual Mode, the first stage of the NXTR smart factory platform

11th March 2020 The FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION presents the Manual Mode as the first step in the development of its NXTR. NXTR is a smart factory platform for step-by-step automation and digitization in electronics manufacturing. Solutions for automated, efficient workflows – especially for repeating tasks – are a significant element in Industry 4.0. NXTR aims at the optimization of production preparation and maintenance processes as well as the automation of manual assembly processes for networking and self-optimized production. The “Manual Mode” focuses on the optimization of feeders already in use and is the basis for the best possible throughput.

“The digitalization of processes is on the top of the agenda for many companies in the electronics manufacturing industry. However, Industry 4.0 is not available “off the shelf” but requires gradual implementation. There is no turnkey solution for Industry 4.0. If you start small, you can automate step-by-step, in order to produce self-optimized and autonomously later on. All buttons that no longer need to be pressed on the line are relieved. Those responsible should therefore ask themselves the question which processes can be automated relatively easily in order to achieve a good result quickly,” explains Stefan Janssen, Assistant General Manager of FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH.

Manual Mode as first level of expansion of the NXTR
The Manual Mode is the first step in the evolution of NXTR. It is based on new Multi Feeder Units, which facilitate and optimize the feeder operation. The Manual Mode uses the feeders that are currently already in use by customers of FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH. This has the advantage that there is no need to change the feeder generation, which results in a high savings potential.

This is made possible by the new MFU-47 and MFU-52 Multi Feeder Units, which allow the simultaneous pick-up of two components and thus achieve optimum throughput. When using the MFU-52, the use of only one pick-up position reduces the placement capacity only slightly, but the feeders that can be used simultaneously on one module are increased by 11 percent. The MFU makes handling noticeably easier. It is a unit that does not consist of two separate parts – the feeder pallet and the pallet change unit. This makes it fundamentally different from previous generations.

The „3 Zero“-Concept
The Manual Mode is the launch of the Smart Factory platform NXTR. It was designed by FUJI as a further development of the proven NXT series (scalable placement platform) and is designed to free the operator from repetitive tasks – with maximum quality and productivity. The NXTR follows the “3 Zero” strategy: zero placement errors, zero machine operators, zero machine stops.

These advantages are mainly achieved by the following developments: With a newly developed sensor technology, a stable and high quality placement can be guaranteed. The NXTR platform completely automates the feeder exchange process for the first time. Placement heads and other units can be exchanged without tools. Foresighted maintenance is made possible by a self-diagnosis system that prevents sudden machine stops from affecting the production schedule.

“The primary goal in electronics production is to completely avoid placement errors and machine stops and to enable more efficient and independent work. The goals of our NXTR are extensive simplifications in the working environment, more efficient production, and increased work safety. With the Manual Mode we are taking the first step in this direction”, explains Stefan Janssen.

Assembly processes at high speed: New sFAB-Alpha from FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION

Kompakte Maschine für die Backend-Automation –
extrem schnelle Handhabung von Axial-/Radial-Bauteilen und Jumper

Assembly processes at high speed: New sFAB-Alpha from FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION

Kelsterbach, 27th. February 2020 – The automation of processes after the SMT phase can now be implemented at very high speed. FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH has launched a new multifunctional placement platform for this production phase: The sFAB-Alpha combines the functionality of three machines in one and supports the integrated handling of several types of parts. It efficiently assembles axial/radial components and jumpers. The sFAB-Alpha takes up little space, reduces workload and ensures faster changeover times.

FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH, specialist for highly flexible placement systems in high-mix up to complete placement lines in high-volume, presents with the sFAB-Alpha a new innovation for backend automation. The mixed placement platform enables the integrated handling of several part types (radial parts, axial parts and jumpers) in one compact machine. This 3-in-1 principle increases utilization, saves time for changeover as well as space and installation or operating costs.

All-in-One-Solution for fast automated processes

The compact sFAB-Alpha requires only 25 percent of the space of a conventional machine. It is designed to automate manual assembly work and at the same time achieve high productivity and top quality. It offers immediate support for variable mix or variable volume production. The platform works with freely combinable parts supply units. The required units are set up according to production requirements. This significantly reduces the amount of work involved. Shorter and more efficient changeover times are also possible.

“The main reason for machine stops is the replacement of parts. If part types need to be replaced, the process can take a considerable amount of time. The sFAB-Alpha supports offline exchange and stack exchange of feeders. This makes it possible to change the feeders in a batch using the feeder carriage feeding method. In this way, parts can be exchanged in the shortest possible time. In addition, the speed of processes can be significantly increased by optimizing the cycle balance in the line,” explains Stefan Janssen, Assistant General Manager of FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH. The sFAB-Alpha communicates with the Nexim software system provided by FUJI. Since it is possible to use shared panel and parts data, the time required for order creation can be reduced.

FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION will speak at the 7th EPP InnovationsFORUM in Böblingen

In the middle of the economically strong southwest of Germany, as well as with an ideal traffic connection, the Böblinger Kongresshalle is the perfect venue. Organized by EPP, the forum is understood as a high-quality presentation and discussion platform for experts – and newcomers too – from the electronics industry.

7. InnovationsFORUM Deutschland will take place on March 13th, 2019 at Kongresshalle Böblingen, Germany!

Focus 2019: Future solutions for an individual electronics production in Germany

Jonas Ernst will speak from FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION at 2 o’clock at Europasaal with following lecture:

What are the Big Guys doing, that the Small Guys don’t – Create a smart factory

In my presentation, I go down a bit from the high level and show that you do not need everything to produce like I4.0, but that small and medium-sized companies can pick out individual solutions that represent the greatest added value in the first step. In short: I4.0 explained in small individual solutions that can be implemented independently.

For more information about the forum please visit http://epp.industrie.de/innovationsforum-deutschland/

Register now and use the coupon code fuji19IFD for your free ticket.

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FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH at SMT Hybrid Packaging 2018!

Since 1991, FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH has been a direct subsidiary of the Japanese FUJI CORPORATION, working on the European market and based in Kelsterbach (Germany). As a strong and competent partner, FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION can look back on more than 27 years of best service and sales support in the area of electronic placement systems for full-line suppliers. With this wealth of experience, FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION can cover all areas of a modern production – from highly flexible placement systems in the high mix to complete assembly lines in the high volume.

Innovative placement systems from the NXT- and AIMEX-series are the basis of your SMT requirements. Continuously new innovations bring Fuji always to the top of the market.

Already in the 80s Fuji was represented in Germany by an agent. Today, 27 years after the company was founded, the European headquarter of the Japanese group has around 80 employees and supports renowned companies in the electronics industry in the areas of sales, service, spare parts warehouse, customer process support and logistics / order processing.

FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION is as well responsible for market development in Eastern Europe, Africa, Russia and the Middle East. In their function, the employees support and advise the local agencies in planning, implementation and analysis of production concepts and strategies for customers.

Built on the principles of Industry 4.0, the fully realized Smart Factory is linked with machines from other companies in M2M communication. As it is the market trend, all electrical devices want to be connected to a network and this will help to build a more sustainable society. The goal behind this is the automation of product changeover, printing and assembly process as well as maintenance and other tasks required for production. In addition, processes should be monitored in order to intervene proactively and automatically where parameters must be changed.

At the SMT Hybrid Packaging 2018, Fuji will be presenting on 240 sqm the Fuji Smart Factory as well as various mounting machines and Automation Tools.

Take the chance now to experience the latest developments and innovations from Fuji live at the leading event on System Integration in Micro Electronics:

SMT Hybrid Packaging 2018 / June 5th – 7th in Nuremberg

Hall 5, Booth 324:

“ABOVE & BEYOND”

Paving the way to a new manufacturing era

We are also participating at „Future Packaging” of Fraunhofer IZM (Hall 5/Booth 434).

Key handover for the new FUJI MACHINE MFG. (EUROPE) GmbH business building in Kelsterbach

Kelsterbach, 15.03.2018 – On March 15th, the keys for the new business building in Kelsterbach were handed over to Klaus Gross, General Manager of FUJI MACHINE MFG. (EUROPE) GmbH, by Kelsterbach’s mayor Manfred Ockel and Bernd Bützler, General Manager of the executing general contractor TAKENAKA EUROPE GmbH, the daughter of TAKENAKA Corporation, which has been based in Düsseldorf since 1973. The Corporation, Japan’s oldest architectural, engineering and construction company with more than 400 years of tradition, includes in its portfolio a large number of Japan’s most famous landmarks and numerous buildings in Europe.

An own headquarter back to the origins

FUJI MACHINE EUROPE is since 1991 a direct subsidiary of the Japanese FUJI MACHINE MFG. CO., LTD., working on the European market. The concern has already been managing European customers from the Rhine-Main area a decade ago. „At that time, the concern operated an office in Kelsterbach“, so Klaus Gross „ We have fulfilled our long-cherished wish with our new building here in Kelsterbach!“

The modern business building includes premises for Management, Showroom, Customer trainings and education, Sales, Service (Hard-/Software), Unit Repair, Customer Process Support with special applications (Made in Germany), Order Processing/Logistics, Finance, Marketing, Spare Parts and permanent Japanese colleagues for support. This gives FUJI MACHINE EUROPE the opportunity to grow in an innovative and forward-looking manner – both technologically and personally.

Construction in record time

In the industrial area at the Staudenäcker, directly next to the South Park of Kelsterbach, the FUJI MACHINE MFG. (EUROPE) GmbH celebrated succesfully at the end of March 2017 – just one year earlier –the ground breaking ceremony for the new business building. At the end of July 2017, the completion of the roofing, masonry and concrete work was solemnly celebrated, where – as the custom stipulates – symbolic a sentence is presented by a carpenter. Since almost no wood was used in the construction of the new European headquarter, the carpenter had adjusted his ceremonical saying accordingly.

Large, innovative and bright

„Today is an important and eventful day for us“, said Klaus Gross happily. „Our new own business building, and that after only 12 months of construction“. He again reviewed the steps that led to this day. „The time frame for our large 3,700 m2 new building was very tight. In addition to 800 m2 urgently needed demo space, 1,500 m2 of office space was also created, equipped with the latest communication technology. The large open spaces, the patio and the large rooms provide plenty of natural light in the offices and production areas.

Move

During a tour, Klaus Gross and Stefan Janssen, Ass. General Manager, gave an insight into the new rooms. They explained the peculiarity of the demo room, which can be expanded and made smaller according to one’s own needs, as well as other innovations such as the photovoltaic modules and the ventilation system.

In the next few weeks, starting on Monday, March 19th, the 56 of the 79 employees will move into the new business building day after day. The entire facility is designed so that an extension is possible at any time.

Fuji Machine Europe follows in the footsteps of the japanese concern and renames itself.

From April 1st, 2018 we will have a new company name and the following new address:

FUJI EUROPE CORPORATION GmbH

Fujiallee 4

65451 Kelsterbach (Germany)

phone : +49 (0)6107 / 68 42 – 000

email : fec_info@fuji-euro.de

SERVICE-HOTLINE

Technical Service

Phone +49 6107 6842-237

Fax +49 6107 6842-220

Spare parts

Phone +49 6107 6842-160

Fax +49 6107 6842-210

Monday to Friday

7.00–18.00 clock

SMT Equipment

Sites

FUJI WORLDWIDE

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