Citation
(2008), "New start for Precision Micro", Microelectronics International, Vol. 25 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/mi.2008.21825bab.010
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
New start for Precision Micro
Article Type: Industry news From: Microelectronics International, Volume 25, Issue 2.
Precision Micro, the Birmingham-based precision component manufacturer, has relocated to a new, purpose built manufacturing facility near Fort Dunlop (Figure 2), close to the M6 and claims to have taken the opportunity to upgrade its manufacturing processes and efficiencies to the ultimate benefit of its customers.
Figure 2 Precision Micro's new, purpose built
manufacturing facility in Birmingham
The new 44,000f2 plant, completed on time and within budget is thought to be the only purpose built photo-etching facility in Europe. The entire project was focussed on providing a better, more efficient and more cost effective service for customers. To this end, substantial further investment has been made in new, state-of-the-art manufacturing machines and equipment to take the photo-etching process to new levels of precision and repeatability.
Environmental aspects were also a key priority in the design and build of the new plant. An ion-exchange water recycling system reduces effluent disposal by up to 90 per cent while the gravity fed fluid handling system reduces power usage.
Extensive research and development facilities enable new chemistries to be developed to process the exotic, corrosion resistant materials used widely in the aerospace and chemical processing industries.
The increase in capacity to over 25 tonnes per week, combined with the introduction of 25 per cent more “start points” has significantly improved the flexibility of the business and thereby its ability react quickly and efficiently to customer requests. This is complemented by a dedicated “fast track team” of experienced operators for very high-priority components.
New Class 10,000 cleanroom facilities (with Class 1,000 zones) incorporating tight humidity and temperature control, allow improved film registration, lifting tolerance capabilities to new levels while improving repeatability.
Further efficiencies have been achieved by the introduction of “customer specific” cells where process line equipment and personnel are dedicated to individual, high-volume projects. Having the facility to adopt such an approach, which offers enhanced precision and repeatability, is reported to be seen as a huge benefit by major customers.
For further information, please visit, web site: www.precsionmicro.com