Altus Axis' Goes Live!

Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment for the electronics manufacturing industry, has partnered with Kentec Electronics Ltd., a UK-based OEM of life safety control panels, to deliver a new standard in through-hole inspection using Magic-ray Technology's advanced AOI solutions. From its Dartford facility, Kentec designs and manufactures fire detection and extinguishant systems supplied to over 90 countries. While many electronics manufacturers focus on SMT automation, Kentec continues to invest in through-hole technology (THT), a critical element in its product designs. As part of its long-term production strategy, the company looked to enhance inspection capabilities and expand automated processes. Dave Humphrey, Production Engineering Manager at Kentec said: "Through-hole components are still a significant part of our designs and by investing the way we have across these processes, we make our production much more resilient for the future.” Following previous investments in conventional assembly, Kentec approached Altus for guidance on high-performance THT inspection. After extensive evaluation at Altus' Redditch demonstration facility which included programming, debugging, and real-time production testing, the Magic-ray V5300 was selected for its ability to provide accurate dual-sided inspection in a single pass. The V5300 combines high-resolution cameras with Magic-ray's proprietary algorithms to identify defects such as bridging, blow holes, pin bending, and missing pins. With support for FOVs up to 40×40mm and resolutions down to 10μm, it delivers precise inspection even on odd-form components. Altus also supported trials of other Magic-ray systems, including the V320 and V5200, to explore inspection before and after wave soldering. However, it was the post-reflow performance of the V5300 that offered the greatest operational advantage. "We are delighted with the Magic-ray unit and it's great to see it now onsite and inspecting effectively," said Dave. "This was our first project with Altus and involved a brand-new process we hadn't used before, so we wanted to ensure we did thorough homework and pre-sales preparation. Altus was very accommodating in helping to build confidence that our first investment with them would be beneficial for both parties." Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: "Kentec is a great example of a UK-based OEM with end-to-end control of its production. We're proud to support them and pleased to see another Magic-ray system in the field. Our aim is always to build long-term relationships, so detailed validation and open communication are essential from the outset." This is the first Magic-ray system at Kentec and the start of what both companies expect to be a long-term working relationship. www.altusgroup.co.uk

Altus Group, a leading distributor of electronics manufacturing equipment in the UK and Ireland, are this month installing two PROMATION Quick 9544CJ PRO robotic soldering systems at Alan Anderson Manufacturing, a rapidly growing contract electronics manufacturer. This significant investment will optimise their through-hole soldering operations, increase production throughput and reducing operator risk in a traditionally labour-intensive process. Alan Anderson Manufacturing has big ambitions and a focus on the possibilities of growth in the future, and this investment in new equipment marks the second tranche of recent process optimisation, after the investment in their brand-new Koh Young 3D AOI. This investment activity demonstrates their ongoing commitment to driving value for their customers, by making strategic process enhancements that elevate the production capabilities they can offer their end customers. The PROMATION Quick 9544CJ PRO offers a large 500mm by 500mm gantry workspace, enabling efficient handling of a wide variety of assemblies and fixtures without the need for repositioning. Its nitrogen-ready 180-watt soldering iron delivers precise temperature control with rapid thermal recovery, which is critical for lead-free and heat-sensitive assemblies. To maintain consistent soldering quality, the system features dual solder tip cleaning stations that allow operators to choose between non-contact compressed air or nitrogen cleaning and a rotating brass brush system, optimising tip maintenance for different applications. In addition, the system integrates an automated solder tip adjustment device, the QUICK 9036, which measures tip wear and automatically adjusts soldering offsets to maximise tip life and maintain uniform quality with minimal manual intervention. Safety and environmental considerations are addressed through localised fume extraction ports that effectively remove soldering fumes and can be connected to existing facility extraction systems. Quality control is further enhanced by an HD process viewing camera kit, which provides real-time, magnified video of the soldering process on a 9-inch LCD display. Phil Bray, Managing Director at Alan Anderson Manufacturing, said: “The units will enable us to take a significant step forward in modernising our approach to THT soldering and assembly, allowing us to produce larger quantities at the highest standards while mitigating some of the inherent risks associated with manual labour. I am very excited to see them on site and operational soon!” Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, added, “Robotic soldering is increasingly recognised as a critical solution for manufacturers responding to rising production demands and quality expectations. Our collaboration with Alan Anderson highlights how the integration of advanced automation can deliver tangible improvements in efficiency and process reliability.” With installation and operator training underway, Alan Anderson Manufacturing is positioned to benefit from enhanced throughput, process reliability, and streamlined operator involvement, reinforcing its status as a leading contract electronics manufacturer in the UK.

Altus Group, a leading distributor of electronics assembly equipment in the UK and Ireland, is supporting Scienscope in the launch of its latest AXC-830 X-ray component counter, building on years of accelerating success in component management solutions. Together, Scienscope and Altus have established themselves as the UK market leader in X-ray component counting, combining Scienscope's strong technological capability and ongoing investment in innovation with Altus Group's reliable after-sales support and customer service. The most popular unit in Scienscope's range has been the AXC-800 III, a batch-loaded system now in its third generation. Units supporting semi-automation and full inline automation have also seen increasing adoption across their customer base. Listening closely to customer feedback, Scienscope has developed the AXC-830, taking another step forward in their portfolio based on direct input from users in the field. The AXC-830 is a manually loaded unit that utilises all of the core technology of the AXC-800 III range, including software and the bulk of the hardware. However, it now integrates an automatic drawer instead of a manual one. This automatic drawer allows operators to open and close it simply by pressing two buttons on the front of the unit, with the drawer completing each stage of the process automatically. Sensors within the drawer enable automatic label printing for one to four reels as they are removed, a feature that has proven highly valuable for existing adopters of Scienscope technology. The response to the new unit has been immediate, with Altus already receiving orders for the AXC-830 and first installations scheduled shortly after the summer. Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: "Our partnership with Scienscope has made us the market leader in the UK for X-ray component counting solutions. Scienscope continues to be a very proactive supplier, quickly adapting and iterating their products based on market feedback. “The AXC-830 builds on the strong foundations of the AXC-800 III, adding automation that improves efficiency while maintaining the accuracy and reliability our customers expect. This allows us to offer solutions for a wide range of throughputs and budgets, from low-volume manual operations to high-volume inline systems. We're looking forward to seeing the first AXC-830 units installed in UK facilities soon." For more information on the AXC-830 and other Scienscope solutions, visit www.altusgroup.co.uk.

Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, has appointed Sam Todd as Junior Application and Service Engineer, marking a significant milestone as he becomes the third son to follow in his father's footsteps within the company. Sam joins his father Mike Todd, Senior Operations and Planning Manager at the company, continuing a proud tradition at Altus Group of bringing the next generation into the business. He now joins CEO Joe Booth, whose father Richard Booth is founder and chairman of Altus Group, and Sales Engineer Steve Leake, whose father Tony Leake was a Service Engineer for many years, both of whom have worked their way up through the business to senior positions. Sam joins the After Sales team, bringing fresh perspective from his previous experience in another sector. His appointment reflects Altus Group's strategic approach of investing in emerging talent while maintaining their reputation for having some of the most experienced engineers in the industry to deliver the highest quality support. Joe Booth, CEO at Altus Group, said: "I am delighted for Sam to get the opportunity to join Altus and I hope, just like his father, he has a very bright and long career with the company. It's particularly meaningful to see this generational tradition continue - we now have three sons following in their fathers' footsteps, which speaks to the culture and values we've built here. In what we do, and especially on the support side of the business, mindset and values are critical-technical experience can be learned. Sam is eager to learn and take this opportunity with both hands. I really look forward to seeing how he develops and watching him in the field taking on customer challenges." Based in Redditch, Sam is ideally positioned to support Altus' expanding installation base across the Midlands and South. He is currently undergoing extensive training, including internal courses, supplier accreditation and shadowing experienced team members, with field deployment anticipated soon. The appointment demonstrates Altus Group's commitment to establishing themselves as the partner for the future by investing in it. By combining seasoned expertise with emerging talent, the company continues to strengthen their position as leaders in support excellence while supporting the industry's long-term development. www.altusgroup.co.uk.

Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment for the electronics industry in the UK and Ireland, has reinforced its commitment to support excellence by investing extensively in training and upskilling its engineering team. Central to Altus’ strategy is delivering value-added support across the full electronics assembly process not just at the point of sale. By maintaining the largest technical team in the region, Altus ensures customers benefit from accessible, responsive, and knowledgeable service. This year, the company has invested significant time and resources into enhancing the team’s technical capabilities through a wide-ranging training programme. Engineers recently completed refreshed IPC training delivered by Advanced Rework Technology (ART), ensuring alignment with the latest industry standards. This builds on ongoing internal cross-training, supplier-accredited sessions, and application-based development. Additional training in areas such as conformal coating and oven profiling further supports Altus’ ability to deliver deep process knowledge and robust technical insight to customers. Mike Todd, Senior Operations and Planning at Altus Group, said: “We’ve dedicated a substantial portion of the past year to upskilling our team, and it’s something we’re extremely proud of. It’s a significant investment, but the benefits are clear, both for our engineers, who gain greater job satisfaction and personal development opportunities, and for our customers, who work with a more capable and knowledgeable support team. This broader understanding of manufacturing processes helps us improve new installations, resolve breakdowns more quickly, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction.” Investing in professional development allows Altus to provide customers with more than just equipment it also enables value-added support across the full electronics assembly process, delivered by engineers with practical, up-to-date knowledge. For more information, visit www.altusgroup.co.uk

Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, has successfully supported Phoenix Systems UK Ltd in its investment in robotic soldering technology to further enhance its through-hole technology (THT) assembly processes. Phoenix Systems, a Contract Electronics Manufacturer (CEM) based in Fareham, Hampshire, delivers electronic manufacturing services across several high-reliability industries including aerospace, defence, and industrial. With a commitment to serving both low and high-volume production requirements, Phoenix Systems identified THT assembly as a key area for automation to increase production output and at the same time improve efficiency. Following extensive evaluation, Phoenix Systems selected the Promation 9544CJ Pro Robotic Soldering system, partnering with Altus for its implementation. The advanced system features a robust hot iron soldering setup with a closed-loop temperature sensor, ensuring precise and stable tip temperature control. With a large 400 x 400 mm working area, the system provides flexibility for evolving manufacturing needs. Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group said: “Robotic soldering was one of our most popular processes in 2024 as many sites are struggling with the same issues around this traditionally highly manual process. This project moved quickly, including air shipment into production, so getting Phoenix up and running was our top priority at the start of the year.” Promation 9544CJ features a heated nitrogen soldering kit for lead-free applications, an automatic solder feeder, and a dual-tip cleaning station. Its advanced solder wire feeding mechanism reduces defects like solder ball and flux splatter, ensuring consistent quality. Localised fume extraction and precision control via Colour CCD ‘Witness Cameras’ further enhance efficiency. “With any new customer, ensuring smooth implementation is key,” said Joe. “The Phoenix team’s technical expertise and preparation made the process seamless.” Since installation, Phoenix Systems has seen significant improvements in THT soldering. “It’s exciting to integrate this technology into our facility. The unit enhances consistency and quality while reducing the skill level required for operation,” said Mark. With Altus’ support, Phoenix Systems has strengthened its manufacturing capabilities even further and enhanced long-term efficiency with the Promation robotic soldering system. www.altusgroup.co.uk.

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment and service support for the electronics manufacturing sector in the UK and Ireland, and its sister company Danutek, which serves Central and Eastern Europe, are expanding their technology offering through an enhanced partnership with LPKF, a specialist in laser-based manufacturing solutions. Following the success of their collaboration on depaneling systems, the companies will now support LPKF’s high-precision laser plastic welding technology across their respective regions. LPKF's laser plastic welding technology is a highly precise and environmentally friendly solution for joining plastic components, offering a clean, repeatable process that does not involve solvents, chemicals, or mechanical stress. It works by passing a laser beam through a laser-transparent upper plastic layer that is then absorbed by a lower layer, creating a controlled weld. The technology creates joints as strong as the material itself with clean finishes and completely sealed, precise weld seams. The partnership expansion comes when the market is seeing an increased adoption of laser-based technologies across manufacturing sectors. LPKF's continued technological advancements have positioned them as pioneers, offering cutting-edge solutions that address growing industry demands for precision, reliability, and sustainability. Richard Booth, Founder and Chairman of Altus Group and Danutek said: "LPKF is a high-quality supplier, and we have been very impressed with their support and infrastructure for PCB laser depaneling. This has enabled our team to achieve early success in identifying and implementing projects across our region and to build significant confidence in our partnership. “Expanding our relationship into another exciting business unit is a natural progression. With laser plastic welding, LPKF already has established connections with many of our existing customers and many references we can build upon. We anticipate the same success with this product line as we've experienced with their depaneling solutions." The technology is compatible with a wide range of thermoplastic materials, making it versatile for various applications. LPKF offers several system configurations, from standalone workstations to fully integrated production solutions, allowing manufacturers to select the ideal setup for their specific requirements. A key advantage of LPKF's systems is their integrated online process monitoring capability, ensuring continuous quality assurance throughout production. This flexibility and monitoring capability give manufacturers greater control over their joining processes while maintaining consistent quality. As part of this expanded offering, Altus and Danutek will provide local service support, building on their successful track record of assisting customers with LPKF's laser depaneling products. The teams will be equipped with the necessary training and expertise to offer first-line support, pre-sales activities, and raise awareness of the benefits of laser plastic welding technology. Boban Stepanovic, Sales Director at LPKF, said: "This is an exciting step forward for LPKF. We have developed remarkable technology for the market, and partnering with companies like Altus Group and Danutek will give us additional bandwidth to share our innovations with a wider audience. We are strongly aligned in our commitment to high-quality pre-sales support and customer education, which helps mitigate customer risk and ensures long-term success. Having partners so focused on aftersales support can only enhance our reputation going forward." By adding LPKF's laser plastic welding technology to their portfolio, Altus and Danutek continue to expand their ability to meet diverse manufacturing needs across the UK, Ireland, and Central and Eastern Europe. For more information, visit www.altusgroup.co.uk.

Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, has promoted Steve Leake to Sales Engineer, strengthening the company's technical sales capabilities across north England. The new role builds on Steve’s four years of experience with Altus as an Application and Service Engineer. During this time, he has worked closely with customers post-installation, delivering training, conducting maintenance, and providing on-site technical support. He has also played a significant role in pre-sales activity, carrying out equipment demonstrations and sample validations to help identify the right solutions for customer applications. Steve recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the Open University, adding to his strong technical foundations. In his new role, he will combine account management with dedicated pre-sales support, offering a technically informed approach that aligns with Altus’ commitment to support excellence. Joe Booth, CEO at Altus Group, said: "I am delighted for Steve to move into this new role and one in which I think he will have great success. Steve has a great communication style with customers, leveraging presentation and coaching skills from his background in teaching. He is also a fast learner with a strong real-life understanding of the solutions we support from his experience working with them in the field. Our sales approach is technical and consideration-based, and our customers appreciate having a trusted technical soundboard in their projects, which is something Steve might do better than many in the industry, given his background and technical knowledge. I'm looking forward to Steve getting underway and celebrating his first successful implementation." Steve will serve as a key point of contact for new and existing customers in the north, ensuring a consistent and high-quality pre-sales experience, from consultation to application validation. Steve Leake said: "I am excited about this new role and step in my career. I am under no illusion that it won't come with its own learning curve, but I have a great team around me to learn from and support in developing my skills. I believe we have the best range of suppliers and processes of any of our peers. The largest and most knowledgeable after-sales team in the market, and both of these aspects speak for themselves when our customers are looking for partners. Hopefully, my enthusiasm and energy can help us spread the word and will result in even more new and returning customers." With his strong technical background and customer-focused approach, Steve's move into sales engineering aligns perfectly with Altus Group's 'Focused on support excellence' mantra, which guides every customer interaction from first contact to after-sales support. www.altusgroup.co.uk.

Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment for the electronics industry in the UK and Ireland, has supported Contract Electronics Manufacturer (CEM) FermionX in upgrading its Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) system to meet the increasing demand for enhanced precision and faster production cycles. As FermionX expanded its operations, the company recognised that its legacy 2D AOI system, while effective, had limitations including extended programming times and frequent false calls. With high quality production being core to their values, FermionX identified the need for a more advanced solution that would offer enhanced accuracy, streamline production, and support their growth trajectory. After discussing options with Altus, FermionX selected the Koh Young Alpha HS+, a state-of-the-art True 3D Automated Optical Inspection system. This solution leverages advanced light metrology and artificial intelligence to deliver superior performance with highly accurate 3D measurements and high-speed inspection capabilities. The system also integrates Koh Young's KSMART platform, providing real-time data insights for process optimisation and continuous improvement. Will Patrick, Managing Director of FermionX, said: “We are pleased to secure this latest investment from Altus, which takes our inspection capabilities to the next level. This system ensures we are not only producing the highest-quality PCBAs for our customers but also harnessing the power of data to enhance our process improvement decisions through the system’s advanced software and Statistical Process Control functionality.” Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: “Having spent time with Will and his team throughout this project and its implementation, it’s clear to see their passion and determination to take FermionX to the next level. We are delighted to secure our first project with FermionX using Koh Young, undoubtedly our strongest supplier, and I look forward to many more opportunities to work together in the future.” Since implementation, FermionX has seen impressive improvements in production efficiency and inspection accuracy. The new system has enabled them to optimise production lines and enhance overall manufacturing processes, driving increased customer satisfaction and positioning the company for continued growth.