As a leading contract electronic manufacturer, we understand the significance of reshoring and how it can positively impact businesses. By bringing electronics manufacturing back home, companies can reduce their dependence on overseas suppliers and, consequently, the risks associated with global supply chain disruptions. This ensures greater control and resilience over supply chain management.

Improved quality control

Quality control is a crucial element that is often enhanced through reshoring. When manufacturing is outsourced overseas, maintaining the same levels of product quality can be challenging. By reshoring, companies have greater control over the production process, leading to improved quality standards and product consistency. This results in better customer satisfaction and trust in the brand.

Reduced costs and quicker turnaround times

Despite the initial viewpoint of offshoring being more cost-effective, domestic production can offer long-term financial benefits. Hidden costs such as shipping, customs duties, and quality control issues associated with overseas production can add up over time. 

Then, there is the “Amazon factor”, which highlights the modern demand for quick product delivery. When products are manufactured on the other side of the world, delays can occur, prompting companies to maintain

With rising labour costs in countries like China and India, reshoring manufacturing operations closer to home can result in reduced transportation costs and quicker turnaround times. Reshoring assures design teams that their boards and electronic components are less likely to get delayed in transit on ferries or planes, reducing the risk of missing production deadlines.

Stronger communication

FaceTime, collaboration platforms, and social media will never replace the special bonds established by meeting with your suppliers face-to-face. Regular communication and adequate information distribution build trust. When manufacturing is outsourced to overseas suppliers, a lack of communication and collaboration can cause manufacturers to have less confidence and trust in their suppliers. 

Reshoring closes the gap between time differences and enables electronics manufacturers to build a better bond with suppliers and work more closely and efficiently with them. Well-coordinated teams deliver better results. In times of supply challenges, the advantages of having your production close by outweigh the costs. Being nearby allows for easier communication with local suppliers, effectively enabling collaborative discussions on navigating troublesome periods.

Environmental benefits

Over recent years, there have been concerns about the environmental impact of outsourcing production to overseas production. As products must be shipped long distances to reach their final destination, this can result in high levels of carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.

Manufacturers can significantly minimise their environmental impact by reducing the carbon footprint of long-distance shipping and complex global supply chains. Local production allows for better monitoring and adherence to ethical and environmental regulations.

Strengthened local manufacturing base

Reshoring helps strengthen the domestic manufacturing base. This helps ensure long-term stability for the industry and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, encouraging greater self-reliance and resilience within the national economy.

Get in touch for UK electronics manufacture

While reshoring is here to stay and offers numerous advantages, it’s important to note that it’s only part of the solution. Even when companies bring electronic manufacturing home, the supply chain for crucial components like PCBs and semiconductors often relies heavily on overseas sources. This means the risks of global supply chain disruptions haven’t entirely disappeared.

Our history as a PCB manufacturer, prior to transitioning to a Contract Electronics Manufacturer (CEM), demonstrates the potential that exists within the UK. Companies like FermionX previously operated successfully in this space, highlighting the achievability of local PCB production. This experience, combined with our extensive knowledge in the field, positions us as a valuable partner in navigating the challenges of reshoring and supply chain management strategies. We can help our customers achieve their goals for greater supply chain resilience, cost savings, and local economic impact.

At FermionX, a UK-based electronic contract manufacturer, we welcome any current and potential customers to visit our advanced production facility at any time and meet the team that manufactures their products. 

Get in touch with us today and see the first-hand benefits of working with a UK supplier.

Email: sales@fermionx.com

Phone: 01903 524600

FermionX, a leading CEM in medical device manufacturing, will be exhibiting their cutting-edge services at Medical Technology UK on 13-14 March 2024 at Coventry Building Society Arena.

Visitors are invited to meet our Technical Sales Manager, Gary Rice, and Business Development Manager, Scott Jones, at Stand 87.

What sets FermionX apart from other companies in the field of medical device manufacturing industry?

In a growing market for medical devices, particularly those demanding specialised engineering skills, FermionX stands out from competition by being ISO 13485 certified.

By upgrading our premises and software systems, our certification guarantees the highest quality standards. Reducing product risks, enhancing traceability, and delivering safe and reliable devices. These rigorous quality controls make FermionX a trusted partner for critical environments requiring specialised engineering expertise.

Working with an ISO 13485 certified contract electronic manufacturer (CEM) brings a multitude of benefits. From improved product protection to better traceability and clearer communication, customers can rely on us to handle every aspect of the manufacturing process. 

By leaving manufacturing to the experts, medical device manufacturers can focus on their research and development efforts. This saves them valuable time and resources while helping them to get their products to market faster.

Visit us on Stand 87

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to chat with our team of experts during the event. Grab a refreshing drink, snacks, and explore our sustainable merchandise, while discovering how our cutting-edge solutions in medical device manufacturing can grow and optimise your business.

Register for free today.

In the fast-paced and heavily regulated world of medical device manufacturing, choosing the right Contract Electronics Manufacturer (CEM) to outsource to can make all the difference to your success.

The medical device market faces increased pressure to meet rising demand for medical devices, and those intricate devices demand for specialised engineering knowledge and expertise to ensure product success in critical environments. That’s why at FermionX we’re looking to enhance our capabilities and production growth for our customers by being ISO 13485 certified. 

Our ISO 13485 certification serves as a hallmark of our commitment towards delivering the highest quality standards. Reducing product risks, improving traceability and ensuring safe and reliable medical devices that are backed by rigorous quality controls.

But, what are the further advantages of choosing an ISO 13485 certified CEM for your business? 

Enhanced product protection and reduced risks of product recalls and defects

At its core, ISO 13485 is all about ensuring that medical devices are safe and effective for patient use. One key way to achieve this is by implementing strict EPA (Electrostatic Protected Area) protocols, which minimise the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to sensitive components in medical devices.

At FermionX, we have implemented access control testing measures, including badge identification and activity logging. ESD lab coats, shoes, heel straps and wrist protection have been provided to all staff, and visitors must also comply with at least one form of protection to enter the production facility. To ensure climate control, air conditioning has also been put in place in the main production areas of our premises’.

These measures help to ensure that only authorised staff are allowed into the EPA and that all activity is tracked and monitored. By doing so, we can identify and address any risks of defects before they can impact the quality of your products. This not only results in less rework and waste, but also provides you with trust that your product will succeed in any environment.

Improved traceability of components and finished PCBA’s

Common doubts customers can have is knowing whether the CEM they outsource to buys from reputable sources and suppliers, has a controlled build process, and the right information to build the product.

At FermionX, we aim to foster trust and accountability throughout the manufacturing lifecycle by investing in a new ERP/MRP system to enhance overall quality processes, traceability, and reporting. This system spans the whole business and plans out production timelines and provides transparency in sourcing components and their origins. 

You can be confident that components and materials used in the production process are of the highest quality and reliability, thanks to our solid relationships with suppliers. Not only can our team stay updated on the latest information, but they can provide you with evidence on where exactly we are with supply.

Clear communication

As a manufacturer, it’s important to keep customers informed about their production status. However, with the increasing complexity of supply chains, it can be challenging to provide real-time updates. 

Customer satisfaction is the driving force behind our commitment to delivering high quality products. Therefore, we can provide you with a complete overview of your production status, from start to finish. 

Customers can easily gain key information, such as where their job is within production. As you will always be in the loop, you can trust that your production is on track – while we can focus on delivering the highest quality standards.

Customers can focus on their core competencies while leaving the manufacturing to the experts

If you’re in the medical device industry, you know that manufacturing can be a complex and time-consuming process. But what if you could channel your efforts into your core capabilities – like research and development – while leaving the manufacturing to us?

We understand that not everyone has the resources or expertise to handle the intricacies of medical device manufacturing. That’s why we offer our services to companies looking to outsource their manufacturing requirements and scale up their production. With our experience and expertise, we handle every aspect of the manufacturing process, saving time and resources while helping to get products to market faster.

Increased customer confidence

By partnering with an ISO 13485 certified CEM that is committed to strict protocols and process controls, you can have complete peace of mind knowing that uncompromising quality, traceability, and safety are guaranteed in every product delivered. 

As the certification ensures that our manufacturing processes are up to international standards, this can provide you with broader market access and collaboration opportunities globally.

Our team is dedicated to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. With proper maintenance and aftercare, we can ensure that your products will succeed in any environment and continue to operate for years to come.

We’re dedicated to providing high-quality support to the demands of the medical manufacturing industry. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our commitment to quality and how we can support your needs.

sales@fermionx.com

01903 524600

Visitors can connect with our sales team, including Technical Sales Manager, Gary Rice, and Business Development Manager, Scott Jones at stand J50, where they’ll get the chance to learn more about our commitment to continuous improvement and increased customer satisfaction.

Further to our PCB assembly and box build services, FermionX is working towards obtaining the ISO 13485 certification by the end of 2023. By working with a ISO 13485-certified partner, new and existing customers can rest assured that all the products manufactured for critical environments such as medical devices, meet the highest quality standards and are traceable and safe.

“We are particularly proud of our dedication to obtaining the ISO 13485 certification. This will ensure that our medical devices, and all products for different industries, are manufactured to the highest quality standards and expertise,” says Technical Sales Manager, Gary.

“For both new and existing customers, this certification brings numerous benefits, such as improved product protection, better traceability of components and finished PCBA’s, and clearer communication. By entrusting manufacturing to the experts, customers can focus on their research and development efforts. This saves them valuable time and resources while helping them to get their products to market faster.”

Visit FermionX’s stand at J50 to find out more about our investment in existing corporate plans and how they have been implemented. Grab a drink, and chat to our sales team about how we can help take your project to the next level.

Since networking can be thirsty work, we will also be providing complimentary drinks and refreshments throughout the event. High-quality, sustainable merchandise will be given out as a token of their appreciation.

Explore the future of manufacturing and electronics at the Southern Manufacturing Show.

Our Technical Sales Manager, Gary Rice, and our Business Development Manager, Scott Jones, will be on hand at Stand K7 to discuss your electronics manufacturing needs, and explore how our solutions can support your next project and optimise your production capabilities.

When asked about his thoughts on the upcoming show, our Business Development Manager, Scott said, “We’re excited to meet new people and businesses and show them how FermionX can not only help with their manufacturing needs, but also offer a valuable and seamless customer journey through our support services.

We’re also looking forward to seeing what other companies are bringing to the table, and as part of my self-development I’d like to grow my knowledge base by learning about new technologies and trends in the industry.”

We are bringing new materials with refreshed branding to the show, from QR code business cards to revived sales packs, along with offering free high-quality and sustainable merchandise to show our appreciation for the connections we make. We hope to make the event more memorable for everyone.

And of course, we know that networking can be thirsty work. That’s why we will be providing complimentary refreshments and drinks throughout the event. 

We have some exciting corporate news to share, so come and visit our team at Stand K7, grab a drink, and let’s chat about how we can help take your project to the next level.

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the unveiling of the Blue Plaque dedicated to Tommy Flowers, who invented the world’s first programmable computer, the Colossus. This ground breaking machine emerged as a pivotal tool during World War II, wielding the power to swiftly decode encrypted German messages. The event was a reminder of the importance of recognising and celebrating the contributions of every individual involved in a project. 

While the recent film “The Imitation Game” put Alan Turing in the spotlight for constructing Colossus at Bletchley Park, it was Flowers who was the true mastermind behind the project. He was an engineer who, according to General Eisenhower, shortened the war and saved millions of lives. Though he stands as one of the unsung heroes of World War II, his name remains unheard to many.

The top-secret project, built and assembled at Dollis Hill, was closely supervised by Tommy. Without Tommy’s contributions, Turing’s theoretical idea for a programmable computer would have never come to fruition. His innovation involved reimagining Turing’s idea and using a telephone exchange to direct data instead of telephone calls. He even went as far as funding the project out of his own pocket, leaving himself in debt.

The impact of Flowers’s work on Colossus extended beyond the war, and laid the foundation for modern computing as we know it. The event was a powerful reminder of the value of collaborative innovation, the importance of recognising individual contributions that have a tendency to be overlooked. At FermionX, we foster an environment that welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varied perspectives, knowledge, and experience. Each person has something unique to offer, and by working together, we can achieve great things.

It was inspiring to see Flowers finally getting the recognition he deserved with the unveiling of the blue plaque. We should always remember the people who have come before us and paved the way for the technology we have today. My hope is that one day, Tommy Flowers will be recognised as the true inventor of the computer and the modern age.

Working with an electronics manufacturer that offers a conformal coating PCB service can provide numerous benefits. But to begin with, what is conformal coating? High quality conformal coating offers a protective layer to printed circuit boards (PCBs) to safeguard them against environmental factors. These include moisture, dust, salt, chemicals, temperature changes and abrasion. Without conformal coating, PCBs are at risk from corroding which can result in product malfunction.

Here are some of the benefits that come with working with an electronics manufacturer that offers a conformal coating PCB service:

A good electronics manufacturer with a conformal coating PCB service will be able to handle the complexity of the work

A conformal coating PCB service is one of the more challenging and complex electronic manufacturing services offered in-house. One of the factors is the delicate nature of the component parts used on a conformal coated PCB. These components may need more careful handling. Care also needs to be taken when oven curing the coating, to confirm that the heat will not damage components.

Sometimes, only certain areas or components on the board require coating. This is where a selective conformal coating machine comes in. Being able to use a machine in house to do this allows for improved accuracy, without the need for masking. 

Once conformally coated, it is difficult to re-work boards so it is important to prepare carefully for a job in order to get it right the first time. When the conformal coating is added to protect the board there is a risk of sealing in foreign items. To avoid this boards must be washed beforehand, and dried properly to ensure no moisture or dust is trapped. FermionX uses a PBT Super Swash III Twingo supplied by Blundell to ensure boards are cleaned.

Always make sure you are working with an electronics manufacturer with a conformal coating PCB service who has good experience and knowledge.

An electronics manufacturer with a conformal coating PCB service will use the most suitable material for your job

The first step is to research and understand the most suitable coating material, whether that be silicone coating or acrylic resin coating. Making the right choice for the job ensures the best output. All of the conformal coating that we use and supply at FermionX have been previously put to the test in harsh environments. These include offshore oil rigs where they have to withstand moisture, salt and heat.

Working with an electronics manufacturer with a conformal coating PCB service will save you money

While there is an additional cost associated with conformal coating, it can ultimately be cost-effective due to the increased reliability and lifespan of the products that use PCBS.

Successful conformal coating will protect electronic components from external factors, preventing corrosion and extending the lifespan of the products that use them. This can reduce the need for costly repairs and replacement.

The accuracy of a human, yet the fast output of a machine, is how an accurate conformal coating machine should work. When undertaking larger scale jobs the gain in time savings is significant, and simultaneously this is translated into a saving in labor costs.

Conformal coating machines can offer faster, more competitive and more accurate results. So it is more beneficial to go to an electronics manufacturer that has an automated conformal coating service like FermionX.

A good electronics manufacturer with a conformal coating PCB service will take the time to fully understand your business needs

A good manufacturing partner will plan ahead and take the time to fully understand the needs of the customer. They will also support the customer as much as possible in the unlikely event of errors occurring after coating. At FermionX we are proud to have a dedicated Sales & Aftercare team who will follow up with customers. This way, we make sure we are offering the best support that we can.

At FermionX manufacturing, we will offer a free prototype to send to the customer to confirm it meets requirements before rushing into the job.

Working with an electronics manufacturer that offers conformal coating services allows for customisation of the coating to meet specific needs. This can include selecting the type of coating material, thickness, and application method.

We will not simply build to specifications, but rather support the customer through the process. This is especially important if they have not coated boards before. By ensuring that conformal coating is done right we protect our customers from long term problems.

To find out more about how FermionX can help with your conformal coating project, get in touch:

sales@fermionx.com

01903 524600

FermionX are proud to be expanding our PCB inspection services with a Nordson DAGE Quadra 3 X-ray inspection system, manufactured by Cupio Services Group. 

As we expand our production scale and take on larger board grid arrays, X-ray PCB inspection technology will become an essential part of our manufacturing inspection services.

Until recently, X-ray inspection was outsourced when required. Due to company growth, we invested in bringing this service in-house, therefore offering more flexible support to our customers. 

The new X-ray PCB inspection service will improve our operational efficiency. Furthermore, it will allow us to expand our support of military and defence customers, due to the greater security provided by bringing this service in-house.

Why is X-ray inspection so important for a contract electronics manufacturer?

Problems that need to be highlighted include voiding (air bubbles) in the solder joints that, if not spotted, can cause product failure. With X-ray PCB inspection the machine will see voiding and can inspect the soldering work even when the solder joints sit underneath the device. This allows us to re-calibrate our oven profiles, if we see any problems at our first off stage, before running a full production batch.

As well as being able to handle a larger board grid array and allowing us to scale up our production, X-ray PCB inspection is also essential for miniaturisation. Miniaturisation is a trend in manufacturing ever smaller electronics products and devices. As the components and boards within these devices become necessarily smaller, manufacturing issues become harder to identify without X-ray technology.

To find out how our in-house X-ray PCB inspection could help with your project, get in touch at sales@fermionx.com or phone us on 01903 524600.

The surface mount line is used daily. Setting up the surface mount line is the second step in the PCBA process after kitting (selecting the components) and setting up the reels of components onto the surface mount feeders. When new jobs arrive the SMT needs to be programmed according to the electronic design for manufacture blueprint. The technician sets up the machine to register the size of the components and any new parts. For repeat jobs the previous settings are saved.

What does a typical day look like on the surface mount line?

The average schedule on the surface mount line can vary. FermionX manufactures across a range of industries including medical, industrial control and aerospace. Complex PCBs need components to be soldered on each side of the board. How the SMT is programmed all depends on the complexity and specification of the PCB.

Some boards require not only surface mount assembly but also need additional components to be added via conventional assembly. FermionX provides electronic manufacturing solutions for companies manufacturing anything from thermometers to helicopters and with three surface mount lines have the capacity to help customers manufacture at a larger scale.

Surface Mount Technician

What does the average day look like for a surface mount technician? The average day on the surface mount line can vary, depending whether the surface mount technician is setting up a new or previous job. The day will always start with kitting and programming the SMT. Technicians then apply solder paste to the boards using a printer. 

Creating the “first off”

The most essential part of running the surface mount assembly is correctly setting up the “first off”. What is the “first off”? The “first off” process runs a small batch of boards through the SMT and inspection to detect defects or errors. The first off operates both as a trial run and also sets up a master board. The master board, or “golden board” sets the standard for accuracy and consistency. This helps avoid common mistakes e.g. putting boards in the wrong way round or errors in programming.

Correct oven profiling is also an essential part of running the “first off”. We run boards through the convection oven with probes and profiler attached. Both travel through the surface mount line  and take a record of what is happening to the board as it travels through each oven zone. The surface mount technician will then take this board through inspection. This will allow the surface mount technician to decide on the optimum temperature and conveyor belt speed for each convection oven zone. (FermionX also have a vapour phase oven which is able to very gently heat up very large components with a high thermal mass and produce very consistent, predictable results.)

How many components can the surface mount line process in a day?

A surface mount line has the technical capability to get through 23,000 components a day, according to their manufacturers’ estimate. However, good manufacturers will average 14,000 a day in reality. The SMT line (SMT) is complex, involving time consuming tasks such as kitting, feeding, programming and oven profiling. 

How accurate is the machine compared to conventional assembly?

Compared to conventional assembly, the benefits of surface mount assembly are manifold. Conventional assembly is still accurate but a human could never place 14,000 components in a day. The SMT can handle great complexity at great speed. This is why it is the heart of  production capability at FermionX.

To find out how our surface mount assembly can help your project get in touch today:

sales@fermionx.com

01903 524600

Staff wellbeing has always been important for companies to provide – it reduces sickness, increases motivation and morale, but hasn’t been on the top of many companies’ agendas for too long. 

Luckily things are now improving and attitudes changing, but there is still a long way to go.

During the pandemic it highlighted the urgent need for businesses to understand the importance of having a happy and healthy workforce. 

What are FermionX doing to support staff wellbeing?

I have been with FermionX for 2 years now and I am happy to say we have brought in lots of new measures with regards to staff wellbeing. This has been easy to implement as I have had full support from all the Directors and the Management Team. 

Recently we’ve introduced a number of simple measures, including free fruit boxes, offering flu jabs to staff, as well as providing an on-site gym. 

To allow our team to have an active voice in how we develop and progress, an employee suggestion scheme has been introduced. As a result of this, we now offer a “Cycle to Work Scheme”, as well as an enhanced Maternity and Paternity package.

To support our teams’ physical health, firstly we offer Wellbeing MOT’s with Adur and Worthing Wellbeing Team. Secondly, we provide access to Occupational Health and Annual Health Surveillance. This ensures our employees do not develop or exacerbate existing medical conditions. 

To thank the staff for their continued support and hard-work year on year, we organise regular treat days as well as Christmas and Summer social events. 

What other plans are in place?

We’re still continually seeking ways to improve staff wellbeing and the package we offer and are working on the following:

• All Managers are undertaking a Level 2 Award in Mental Health Workplace Responder. This will provide our team with the knowledge and understanding in relation to mental health conditions and episodes  
• An Employee Assistance Programme
• A staff volunteering Scheme
• Becoming a Disability Confident Employer

For me, it’s important to understand that wellbeing isn’t just providing benefits. The way that staff are treated is the most important aspect of being a responsible employer. If staff are happy and content in their work, they suffer with less physical and mental stress. Therefore they have an improved work-life-balance and increased emotional wellbeing. 

This is achieved through all aspects within the employee lifecycle, such as training and development and performance reviews. Furthermore, we will be focusing hard on improving employee communications by introducing quarterly business updates. In addition to this, we have introduced an Employee Representative Forum. As well as regular meetings with managers to communicate updates to the wider team.

I’m excited for the future of FermionX. And I’m so proud of how far we’ve come in such a short period of time.