Surface Mount Technology is a foundational capability at IPS Assembly, and it remains an area of continued investment as customer requirements evolve and product complexity increases. Our focus is on maintaining an SMT operation that scales reliably while delivering consistent quality and repeatable results.
New Pick-and-Place Machines Integrated into Production
We have completed the integration of new pick-and-place machines into our SMT production floor as part of ongoing equipment refresh and process improvement efforts. IPS Assembly operates six pick-and-place machines, delivering over 100,000 component placements per hour at full utilization.
This updated equipment supports:
- Improved placement accuracy and throughput
- Better line balance across multiple concurrent jobs
- Stronger support for both high-mix and repeat production
The result is a production environment that remains flexible while sustaining consistent output across a wide range of build requirements.
Expanding Programming Depth
SMT performance depends heavily on preparation and program maturity before production begins. We continue to invest in expanding and maintaining our program library.
Each year, more than 25,000 new part numbers are added to our programming ecosystem. These validated components help:
- Reduce setup and changeover time
- Improve placement confidence across builds
- Lower risk during engineering transfers and repeat orders
As this library grows, repeat customers benefit from faster setups and more predictable production outcomes.
Internal Systems Supporting Execution
Alongside equipment and programming, we continue to develop internal systems aligned with how we manufacture. These tools are designed to support our workflows and quality standards.
Our systems enable:
- More efficient job setup and verification
- Consistent process controls across new and repeat builds
- Continuous refinement based on production feedback
Each completed order contributes to improving the next by strengthening planning, programming, and execution.
Capacity Planning and Rapid Onboarding
IPS Assembly continues to invest in new equipment and additional SMT lines as required. Just as important, we intentionally maintain open capacity margin to support rapid onboarding.
This approach allows us to:
- Bring on new customers quickly, often within a week or less
- Absorb demand spikes without disrupting existing programs
- Support builds at virtually any volume, from early prototypes to full production
Capacity planning is treated as an ongoing discipline, not a reaction. That discipline ensures we are ready when customers need to move immediately.
Built for Consistency and Long-Term Reliability
Our SMT investments are centered on dependable first-article results and repeatable production performance. Through continued upgrades to equipment, programming infrastructure, internal systems, and capacity planning, IPS Assembly strengthens its ability to support customers with confidence and consistency.
Whether supporting a new product introduction or an established production program, our SMT operation is structured to perform reliably today and evolve alongside future requirements.
