Cogent Bolster Product Traceability
Joseph Booth • 7 June 2022
Investment in new Laser Marker and BGA Inspection System
“For a medical device manufacturer such as Cogent Technology, traceability of sub-assemblies is vitally important to both the client and the internal Cogent QMS processes.”
Paul Harrison-Rowe, Cogent Technology Engineering Manager.
Background
Established in 1985, Suffolk-based Cogent Technology manufactures cutting-edge medical devices and instrumentation for industry.
A trusted global leader in MedTech, GreenTech, and key sectors like telecoms, diagnostics, security, industrial, instrumentation and control; Cogent Technology occupy a pioneering 80,000 sq. ft. facility with two Class 7 cleanrooms and a 7,000 sq. ft. biological room.
With one of the largest smart factories in Europe, manufacturing for international distribution, Cogent Technology ensures all devices are produced to the highest quality standards and continually enhance their capital equipment investment to guarantee production runs effectively.
The Challenge
As technology advances, printed circuit boards (PCBS) are becoming smaller and more complex to manufacture. Therefore, it is important to have equipment and machinery to handle the shrinking size and density challenges.
With business continuing to grow, Cogent Technology was looking for a solution for the traceability of miniaturized PCBs.
“For a medical device manufacturer such as Cogent Technology, traceability of sub-assemblies is vitally important to both the Client and the internal Cogent QMS processes,” said Paul Harrison-Rowe, Cogent Technology Engineering Manager.
“At the moment, serial number labels are printed and fitted by hand. This was suitable for a low volume batch build process; however, this is now hindered by an ever-increasing demand for volume products, and an ever-decreasing size of printed circuit board and associated available space for labels.”
The Solution
Cogent Technology contacted Altus to discuss possible solutions that would address traceability. Following consultation, it was advised that the YJ Link YLM Laser Marker would meet the challenge.
As the production of highly advanced electronic assemblies increases, the importance of traceability has never been more important. High-tech manufacturers like Cogent Technology are looking for ways to implement processes to improve manufacture which can also integrate seamlessly into a ‘lights-out’ production plan. Aligning with these processes is the YLM Series Laser Marking solution from YJ Link.
Paul said: “In some circumstances, PCBs are either too small, or their specific operational requirements prohibit the use of serial labels. This meant that Cogent needed to find alternative solutions to:
- Double-sided PCBs require the same serial label to be applied on both sides of the PCB to cater for manufacturing equipment constraints.
- Position of the serial number on the PCB, as later full product assembly may require the serial number to be in an exposed readable position so that it can easily be scanned. This is not always possible with a client’s design, as due to the size of a serial number label, it may have to be placed in a specific location.
- Being able to apply serial numbers to very small PCBs.
- Being able to apply serial numbers to PCBs whose operational constraints would not allow a sticky label.
- Reducing the material and labour cost of applying labels, especially considering double side PCBs with 50 or 100 up panels requiring the same serial number on both sides.
“The solution to all of these problems was to invest in a Laser Marking machine that could internally flip over the PCBs and mark the same serial number to both sides, as well as speeding up the application time and reducing cost. Also, since the Laser Marker effectively reduces the size of the serial number real estate, a serial number could now be applied on PCBs where previously it was not possible.”
Meeting the Challenge
The YLM range addressed all of the challenges that Cogent Technology was facing. As one of the most affordable and technologically advanced laser markers available in the marketplace today, it is easy to operate and efficient with fast cycle times to ensure manufacturers meet high production targets with ease.
Integrating a top of the range Panasonic laser solution as standard, fiducial recognition, and an internal flipper, the YLM laser marker helps to achieve a 20% cost saving. There is also a keymark camera helping to prevent the wrong PCB from coming in and hold-down clamping to ensure the correct position is held to maintain marking distance and stop mis-alignment.
Once installed at Cogent Technology it will offer capabilities making it an ideal investment.
“The Laser Marker will allow some other new features to be introduced, such as marking the work order number onto the waste material of the PCB panel or having the ability to be able to mark logos, dates etc. as required,” said Paul .
Investing in Inspection
Cogent Technology made further capital equipment investments with the selection of an Optilia BGA Inspection System. With parts no longer available for their existing machine, the Optilia platform had the modular features that would fit in with the company’s demanding requirements.
Optilia Instruments’ high definition optical BGA inspection systems with its larger Field-of-View can see beneath low stand-off BGAs. It makes hidden balls and rows more visible to find micro-cracks, cold solder joints, whisker, scaling, excess flux and other soldering issues that high-priced X-ray systems cannot detect. In addition, the system features small optical probes and 5.0 megapixel digital image cameras to produce high-resolution pictures of the extremely low-clearance areas beneath BGAs, μBGAs, CSP and FlipChip packages.
Top-view attachable varifocal lenses with built-in LED lighting provide maximum inspection capability and offer flexibility in magnification, probe tip size and in lighting adjustment.
The Future
Joe Booth, Altus CEO said: “ Cogent has been a joy to work with on this project and it is brilliant news that they chose to partner with Altus Group Ltd and in doing so, have bolstered their product traceability and automation significantly. Cogent is a renowned player in medical device manufacturing sector where ensuring product quality is paramount and I am pleased that we can play our part with the YLM Laser marking series for YJ Link and the BGA inspection system from Optilia, both stand out processes from our portfolio. Optilia is the BGA inspection process's originator, and YJ Link is a market leader with its latest YLM laser marking capabilities. I hope this is a start of a long and fruitful partnership and look forward to seeing the units being implemented. ”
Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment for electronics manufacturing in the UK and Ireland, has highlighted the customer benefits of YJ Link’s continued global growth, as the manufacturer of SMT board handling equipment, laser marking machines and routers expands its manufacturing capacity and strengthens its international install base. YJ Link, a long-term Altus partner, has continued to scale its global operations, with a new production facility in Bengaluru, India, forming part of its wider manufacturing expansion. According to YJ Link, the facility is intended to strengthen global market responsiveness, improve response speed for customers and support overall supply chain stability. For customers, this wider growth is expected to support faster lead times, improved availability and greater project flexibility. Altus also expects YJ Link’s increasing scale and larger global install base to support more competitive pricing, a broader product portfolio and continued product development for demanding electronics manufacturing environments. Joe Booth, CEO at Altus Group, said: “YJ Link’s continued growth is very positive for customers in the UK and Ireland. As manufacturing capacity increases, we are better placed to support local projects with shorter lead times, while also benefiting from the efficiencies that come with greater economies of scale. “This is particularly important as more electronics manufacturers look to automate production, improve line efficiency and invest in flexible equipment that can support both current and future requirements.” The new India facility will form part of YJ Link’s four-pillar global production system, alongside existing manufacturing operations in Korea, Vietnam and Mexico. Once completed, it is expected to add up to 500 units per month, increasing YJ Link’s total global monthly production capacity to 1,500 units. Altus will continue to support manufacturers across the UK and Ireland with local access to YJ Link’s equipment, backed by technical advice, installation support and after-sales service from its experienced engineering team.
Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, has supported Prism Electronics Manufacturing in its investment in advanced X-ray component counting and smart storage technology to enhance traceability and efficiency at its Cambridgeshire facility. Prism Electronics Manufacturing, a leading UK contract electronics manufacturer, has invested in strengthening its component management capability to support continued operational efficiency and competitiveness. Building on existing Altus-supported systems at site, Prism selected the Scienscope AXC-800 III X-ray Component Counter together with two modular Scienscope Smart Storage Racks. The Scienscope AXC-800 III delivers high-speed, high-accuracy counting, scanning four 7-inch reels in under 10 seconds with very high repeatability and integrated barcode verification. The Smart Storage Racks provide automated reel tracking, LED-guided multi-kitting and full traceability, with integration into ERP and MES systems enabling real-time inventory updates and improved stock control. Joe Booth, CEO, Altus Group, said: “As we supply a complete range of component management solutions, including storage racks and scanning tables, we are not limited to a single product. This gives us a strong understanding of system integration, which is critical to the success of any project. Scienscope has established a leading position in the UK and Ireland for component management, not only in X-ray counting but increasingly in smart storage and scanning solutions, giving customers like Prism confidence in both the technology and the long-term support behind it.” Cheyenne Rowe, Managing Director at Prism, said: “This is one of a number of strategic investments we are making to modernise and improve our offering to customers. It is great to see the systems on site, and we are really happy about modernising our approach to component management and traceability. This investment will significantly increase our level of component traceability and automation of information capture streamlining the way we manage stock.” The system was installed and operational within weeks of purchase, with full integration into Prism’s existing production infrastructure, supported by Altus’ local technical expertise including for ongoing customer support.
Altus Group, a distributor and service provider of capital equipment for the electronics manufacturing industry, has supported the development of a multi-system 3D AOI inspection strategy at Custom Interconnect Ltd (CIL), which is described as the UK’s largest outsourced semiconductor packaging and test provider. The collaboration reflects a long-term partnership aligned with CIL’s increasingly complex manufacturing requirements. Since 2019, Altus has supplied Seven Koh Young 3D AOI systems to CIL, supporting the staged expansion of inspection capability. The partnership began with standalone Koh Young Zenith 2 systems for high-mix, low-volume production. This progressed to inline deployment as production requirements evolved and CIL’s revenue grew from £15 million in 2021 to £37 million in 2024. Supplied and supported by Altus, Koh Young Zenith Alpha HS+ systems have since been introduced across higher-volume SMT lines, with inspection now deployed across multiple lines and facilities to support a mix of high-mix and higher-throughput manufacturing environments. Joe Booth, chief executive officer at Altus Group, said: “This has been a relationship that has developed over time. As CIL’s manufacturing requirements have changed, our focus has been on supporting inspection capability that fits how their production operates in practice, working closely with the team both before and after installation to ensure they continue to get value from their systems and have the right support in place as requirements evolve.” As inspection requirements evolved, the relationship moved beyond individual system installations to include longer-term planning and technical support, with Altus supplying and supporting Koh Young AOI systems while acting as the technical interface between CIL and the manufacturer. Jason Reid, operations manager at Custom Interconnect Ltd, said: “Altus will always help us to look at what’s next and what we can do with our current equipment. What do we need to learn? What do we need to be thinking about? Because there are things that we’ll look at that we’ve probably not even tried yet, and that’s what they’re there for. They’re there to support us to do that.” The partnership has also benefited from continuity of technical expertise. In 2023, Paul Freeman joined CIL as head of PCBA engineering following his previous role as senior applications engineer at Altus, further strengthening the relationship and alignment between inspection technology, process knowledge and production requirements. Altus continues to support CIL with application support, inspection optimisation and longer-term planning as product complexity and customer expectations continue to evolve and CIL’s production capacity continues to grow.
DDJ Expand Territory Coverage Into Benelux
Altus Group, distributor of capital equipment for the electronics manufacturing industry, has supported Ei Electronics, Ireland’s largest manufacturer of home life-safety devices, with the installation of an LPKF CuttingMaster 2240 laser depaneling system to enhance PCB singulation and support growing production volumes. From its integrated manufacturing facility in Shannon, Ei designs and produces smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms supplied to markets worldwide. With new product variants progressing through NPI and increasing demand across several lines, the company reviewed opportunities to strengthen its depaneling process as part of wider investments in automation and advanced manufacturing. David Keating, Group COO Ei said: “As part of its ongoing drive toward advanced manufacturing and product excellence, Ei Electronics is transitioning from manual PCB breakout to laser singulation across its production lines. This strategic move is designed to enhance precision, consistency, and product reliability.” Following evaluation, the LPKF CuttingMaster 2240 was selected for its non-contact, high-precision cutting process and clean, stress-free PCB separation. “Laser singulation eliminates these risks by using a non-contact, high-precision cutting process, ensuring cleaner edges, minimal debris and significantly reduced mechanical strain,” said David. Although Ei’s new system is the standard CuttingMaster 2240, the company played a role in LPKF’s early development of the Cx platform concept after placing its first order in 2022. That collaboration helped inform the inline, fixture-free handling approach now widely adopted across the market. The system now acts as the first stage in Ei’s backend assembly and test flow, supporting stable cycle times and consistent throughput as production ramps up across multiple alarm variants. David continued: “The adoption of laser technology supports greater automation and scalability. By integrating laser singulation into its state-of-the-art SMT environment, the company achieves higher yields, improved quality assurance and enhanced throughput.” Gareth Fenton, sales manager at Altus Group, said: “It has been a pleasure to be part of this exciting project. Ei Electronics is an impressive organisation, and it’s a source of great pride to see a semi-automated production line now in operation.” With further systems scheduled for late 2025 and early 2026, the investment marks the next phase in Ei’s long-term manufacturing strategy.
Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment for electronics manufacturing in the UK and Ireland, has announced the return of its ‘Factory of the Future’ event for 2026. Taking place from 22–24 September in Buckinghamshire, the three-day event will once again bring together leading manufacturing technologies and suppliers from across the electronics industry. Following two successful events hosted at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, this year’s Factory of the Future will introduce a new format, and take place inside a customer’s manufacturing facility. The site has recently invested in one of the most advanced SMT lines in the UK, giving attendees the opportunity to see a real high-performance production environment. Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: “Factory of the Future has always been about giving manufacturers the opportunity to see complete production solutions and technologies working together across the full assembly process. “For 2026, we wanted to take that concept even further by hosting the event inside a customer manufacturing facility, giving attendees the opportunity to see how advanced SMT technologies are implemented within a real production operation. “The event also comes at an important time for the UK and Ireland manufacturing sector. We continue to see strong levels of investment in capital equipment, driven by increasing production demand, major programme opportunities, and manufacturers preparing for future growth.” The host company, which will be revealed closer to the event, is a UK-based OEM developing and manufacturing a high-technology product range with significant market potential and ambitious production forecasts. The facility serves as the company’s key technology centre and will offer visitors the opportunity to learn more about an important future-focused technology and how it is manufactured at scale. The SMT line on display will represent a full turnkey assembly solution delivered by Altus in partnership with Fuji, highlighting Altus’ capability as a complete manufacturing solutions provider. The line will feature a broad range of SMT processes, including board handling, laser marking, screen printing, solder paste jetting, SPI, pick-and-place, vacuum reflow, and 3D AOI inspection. Alongside SMT assembly technologies, the event will also showcase conventional assembly solutions supporting through-hole automation, back-end processes such as conformal coating and cleaning, component management systems designed to improve traceability and handling efficiency, and a broad range of manufacturing consumables, further highlighting Altus’ turnkey manufacturing offering. Registrations for the event will open soon. For more information, visit www.altusgroup.co.uk
Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment for the electronics manufacturing industry, has supported CEM, Prototype Electronics, with the installation of a Scienscope X-ray inspection system, strengthening non-destructive inspection capability for complex electronic assemblies. As assemblies increasingly incorporate bottom-terminated devices and dense multilayer PCB structures, Prototype Electronics identified the need to extend inspection beyond surface-level techniques. X-ray inspection enables verification of hidden solder joints and internal connections, providing additional assurance where conventional optical inspection is limited. Following a competitive evaluation process involving demonstrations, sample validation and formal scoring against multiple suppliers, Prototype Electronics selected the Scienscope Xspection 3000, supplied and supported by Altus. The system was specified in the 130kV close-tube configuration, incorporating a micro-focus X-ray tube, high-resolution flat panel detector and fully programmable motion control. Flexible inspection geometry, including oblique viewing angles and a rotating inspection table, supports detailed analysis of dense, multilayer PCB assemblies and complex components, with zero tube maintenance requirements. Daniel Ryland, Engineering Manager at Prototype Electronics, said: “We chose the Scienscope Xspection 3000 for its advanced imaging capabilities, user-friendly interface, and reliability in detecting hidden defects within complex assemblies, critical for maintaining the high standards our customers expect. Its high-resolution X-ray technology provides clear and accurate inspection results, which significantly enhances our quality control processes. “We chose to partner with Altus Group for the supply of the Xspection 3000 because of their excellent industry reputation, responsive support, and in-depth technical knowledge. Their guidance throughout the selection and installation process was invaluable, and their commitment to customer service gives us confidence that we’ll continue to receive the support we need as we integrate this technology into our operations.” Anthony Oh, Technical Sales and Project Manager at Altus Group, said: “It has been encouraging to see the steady growth of UK-based installations of Scienscope batch X-ray systems over recent years, and to secure another competitive project against our market peers. We believe the balance of capability and price point makes us a strong partner for UK CEMs, supported by our experience in inspection and customer support. I am pleased for Prototype and glad to see the system already delivering value on site.” Altus Group has partnered with Scienscope for over eight years, supporting X-ray inspection installations across the UK and Ireland with dedicated technical and application support.
Altus Group, a leading distributor of capital equipment in the UK and Ireland, has supported Cambertronics, an ambitious contract electronics manufacturer, in upgrading its SMT production with the installation of a Koh Young Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) system. Looking to further enhance first-pass yield and reduce the chances of costly rework, Cambertronics partnered with Altus to implement the advanced Koh Young KY8030-3 3D inspection solution. The KY8030-3 system features dual-projection 3D technology that eliminates shadow-related measurement errors, real-time PCB warp compensation, and delivers inspection speeds of 91.2 cm² per second. These capabilities enable precise volumetric measurements of solder paste deposits, allowing for the detection of issues such as bridging, insufficient solder, and misalignment at an early stage. Jasper Whitefield, Electronics Manufacturing at Cambertronics, said: “It is exciting to get the Koh Young unit into our facility, a significant enhancement to ensuring the highest quality output for our customers. More importantly, it allows us to keep our first-time right as high as possible, minimising time spent on rework and enabling us to focus on value-added internal activities. “In a competitive market, we strive to achieve maximum success, and making these strategic investments is crucial to reaching that goal. We had heard a lot about Koh Young beforehand and their market-leading position, so having this technology in our facility shows our intent to maintain those high standards.” Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: “We are always pleased to welcome another Koh Young user, especially one that recognises the critical role of SPI in process control. Unlike AOI, which detects defects after they occur, SPI helps address root causes, making it a vital investment. Cambertronics’ decision to select the KY8030-3 was a very astute one.” With Altus Group’s support and Koh Young’s cutting-edge technology, Cambertronics continues to enhance its quality and process control capabilities to meet the evolving demands of the electronics manufacturing industry. For further information, visit www.altusgroup.co.uk.
Altus Group, a leading distributor of electronics manufacturing equipment in the UK and Ireland, has expanded its Aftersales operation to its largest size to date with the appointment of new engineer, David Wissam, to bolster coverage across the South East of the UK. The appointment reflects the company’s continued investment in service capability as its customer base continues to grow. David brings with him a strong background in customer experience and manufacturing support. He most recently worked at Paxton Access, a well-established electronics manufacturer, giving him first-hand insight into the realities of production environments and the support expectations of electronics manufacturers. Mike Todd, Aftersales Manager at Altus Group, said: “It is great to see David joining the team and bringing his experience and energy into the business. Having come from a significant UK manufacturer, he understands customer challenges first-hand and can apply that knowledge to ensure we continue to support our customers to the highest level. We are proud of the size and experience of our pre-sales and Aftersales teams, and David’s appointment further strengthens that capability.” David Wissam said: “I am really pleased to be joining Altus and excited to begin my journey with the team. I have been a customer for many years and have always admired the company not just for its equipment portfolio, but for the strength and knowledge of its people. Altus has clear momentum, and I am looking forward to supporting both new projects and the existing customers the team works with.” David becomes the third team member to join the Aftersales department in the second half of the year, taking the team to its largest size to date. This expansion reflects Altus' focus on building engineers with experience across complete manufacturing lines, enabling more effective on-site support and practical, process-led problem solving. The Aftersales team has grown in response to sustained business development over recent years. Altus has added more than 100 customers along the South Coast in the past five years, as manufacturers increasingly look for long-term partners offering both advanced equipment portfolios and dependable service. In response, Altus has prioritised local engineering coverage to deliver faster, more resilient support while reducing inefficiencies associated with extensive national travel. www.altusgroup.co.uk.
Altus Group, a leading distributor of advanced electronics manufacturing equipment in the UK and Ireland, will return to Southern Manufacturing & Electronics from 3-5 February 2026 with a strong line-up of advanced process technologies from leading global suppliers. The exhibition remains one of the most significant events for the electronics manufacturing sector, bringing together equipment innovators, engineers and production specialists from across the industry. Altus will present a selection of systems that reflect the company’s commitment to improving quality, efficiency, and process control. Demonstrations will include Koh Young’s 3D Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) technology, which delivers exceptional precision and data-driven insight for quality assurance. YJ Links’ conveyoring will highlight the next step in intelligent line integration, while PVA’s latest conformal coating and dispensing equipment will demonstrate consistent performance across complex applications. Visitors will also be able to find out more about ASSCON’s vapour phase soldering technology, designed for high-reliability production, and see Scienscope’s newest innovation, the AXC-830 X-ray component counter, making its UK debut at the event. Completing the line-up is the Essemtec FOX 2 modular pick-and-place platform, offering the flexibility and scalability required for high-mix production environments. Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group, said: “Southern Manufacturing remains a key date in the Altus calendar. It’s the perfect platform to engage directly with manufacturers and show how the right technology can transform production. For 2026, we’ve chosen a cross-section of solutions that address real customer challenges, from inspection accuracy and process traceability to automation and throughput.” Visitors can meet the Altus team on Stand J80 from 3–5 February 2026 at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre. If you would like to arrange a meeting at the show, please get in touch with the Altus team in advance, or simply visit the stand to speak with a specialist during the event. www.altusgroup.co.uk.
