In an electronics manufacturing environment defined by high-mix complexity, large-format builds, and accelerating timelines, Emerald Technologies continues to excel as a trusted partner in high-reliability production. From the beginning, we have focused on technically demanding printed circuit board assemblies, delivering precision and consistency through disciplined process control and close collaboration between engineering and manufacturing teams.
That long‑standing strategy recently reached an important milestone at our Saline division with a major upgrade to our primary SMT line. The addition of two Fuji AIMEXR high‑speed placement systems, alongside our existing Fuji AIMEX II flexible placement platform, has significantly increased throughput, efficiency, and manufacturing agility, and strengthened our ability to support aerospace and defense, medical, industrial, and other performance‑driven markets.
Built for High-Complexity Electronics
Emerald was founded to support customers whose assemblies exceed standard EMS limitations, including:
- Large-format PCB assemblies up to 24" x 32" (610mmX1068mm)
- High-density and high-layer-count designs
- Tight process control environments
- Close Engineering-production collaboration
- Complex component packages and evolving technologies
Our manufacturing strategy has always centered on flexibility, precision, and scalability. Equipment decisions are never transactional; they are strategic investments aligned with long-term customer needs.
A Strategic SMT Upgrade to Support Growth
As customer designs continue to increase in size and complexity, Emerald Technologies has prioritized SMT platforms capable of scaling to meet those demands. The recent upgrade at our Saline facility reflects this approach by combining the high-speed placement performance of the Fuji AIMEXR with the versatility of the AIMEX II, enabling efficient, high-mix production without sacrificing accuracy or reliability.
Together, these systems replace multiple legacy machines and deliver immediate, measurable results.
Performance Gains
- 30%+ improvement in overall line efficiency
- Faster program execution
- Continuous component replenishment via nonstop splicing
- Highly reliable feeder systems
- Reduced downtime and fewer line interruptions
Operational Efficiency
- Replaced two legacy machines
- Reduced required trolley count
- Reclaimed approximately 10 feet of valuable production floor space
- Higher throughput in a smaller footprint
In manufacturing operations, uptime and space are strategic assets. This upgrade allows us to maximize both!
Confidence for Our Most Demanding Assemblies
The enhanced performance of the AIMEXR–AIMEX II platform has enabled Emerald Technologies to confidently assign our most complex and technically demanding assemblies to this SMT line.
The combined capabilities deliver:
- Consistent placement accuracy
- Stable, repeatable output quality
- Reduced variability across complex builds
- Predictable production performance
For our customers, this translates into greater manufacturing confidence, particularly for programs that fall outside standard SMT comfort zones.
Capacity Expansion Without Premature Capital Investment
One of the earliest indicators of success was the impact on production scheduling. Jobs began completing significantly ahead of forecast, prompting adjustments to our planning model.
By staging multiple jobs in advance, we are now able to fully leverage the increased capacity while maintaining smooth workflow and high utilization. These gains enable Emerald Technologies to:
- Support growing customer demand
- Defer the need for an additional SMT line
- Maintain capital discipline while expanding output capability
This is scalable growth executed responsibly, without compromising flexibility or performance.
Reliability That Protects Delivery Performance
Reliability remains a cornerstone of our manufacturing strategy. Over several years of operating our current SMT platforms, including the AIMEX II and AIMEXR systems, we have achieved exceptional equipment stability, directly contributing to consistent uptime and on-time delivery.
Automation features that reduce manual intervention have further improved process consistency and repeatability, addressing long‑standing maintenance challenges common in high‑mix SMT environments.
For our customers, reliability isn’t a feature; it’s an expectation. Our investments are made with that standard in mind.
What This Means for Our Customers
- High mix, high complexity SMT programs supported by AIMEXR high speed placement
- Large format PCB assemblies
- Tight tolerance, high reliability applications requiring stable, repeatable processes
- Products that benefit from scalable, future ready production platforms
More broadly, these investments reflect our continued focus on:
- Advanced automation
- Operational excellence
- Scalable manufacturing infrastructure
- Long term readiness for evolving product demands
As our customers continue to innovate, Emerald Technologies invests carefully and intentionally to ensure our manufacturing capabilities evolve right alongside them.
Emerald Technologies is Ready to Engage!
For complex manufacturing programs that demand precision, adaptability, and proven expertise, Emerald Technologies delivers.
To read the full front-page article featured in US Tech’s April / May edition, click HERE:
Ready to Move Your Most Complex Builds Forward?
For more information or to discuss an upcoming program, contact the Emerald Technologies team today!
