Product

Industrialisation

May 5, 2011

In our NPI (New Product Introduction) Center prototypes are produced by our highly qualified staff on our dedicated manufacturing line. We deliver fast and with a strong focus on quality and cost. We also have a model-building workshop capable of constructing complete prototypes.
 
Our customers’ development projects benefit from our expertise in design for manufacturing, testing, component engineering and environmental requirements. We employ the leading test development experts in Scandinavia and deliver complete solutions for the efficient testing of electronics products.

Protype manufacturing

We can offer our customers the best possible service, we have dedicated staff and a dedicated manufacturing line for the production of prototypes.

Our highly skilled purchasing staff are able to draw on a wide network of suppliers and have a comprehensive knowledge of the components market worldwide.
 
Our manufacturing line consists of a dedicated SMD line, AOI and X-ray. We also have workers skilled in the assembly of "complete" prototypes.
 
Many years of manufacturing professional electronics for a number of demanding customers have given us expertise in areas such as moulding, gluing, mechanics and, of course, electronics. If modifications are required at short notice, we have a separate model-building workshop equipped to create or adapt the prototype part.
 
We work closely with our customers. Each project is allocated a dedicated technical project manager and staff. Each project is conducted in accordance with Kitron’s project model and in close cooperation with the customer.
Evaluation of new products

Our experts are available to prepare product reviews. These reviews are based on standards, best practice and national/international requirements. Customers receive a written report with comments and recommendations, as well an oral presentation of our experts’ findings.

We offer five service packages:

• DfX – Design for Excellence. Here we evaluate all the aspects and requirements for an efficient and cost optimized manufacturing process for your product. Test methods, Cost Optimization, Environment, Quality and Manufacturing techniques. DfX includes: DfMA, DfT, DfC and DfE
• DfMA – Design for Manufacturing and Assembly. Here we evaluate all aspects of manufacturing and assembly requirements for your product. This review will contribute to the most efficient manufacturing and thus the lowest manufacturing costs. We also consider, and suggest component solutions to improve the producibility
•  DfT – Design for Test. Test tools and test methods are evaluated to obtain the best test coverage and reliability. Layout and design are evaluated to improve testability and decrease test time during production.
• DfC – Design for Cost. Evaluation and guidance of components to find the most cost efficient components, suppliers  and supply chain channel for your product. We also run Life cycle analysis of components and Bill of materials to prevent design with not recommended components
• DfE – Design for Environment. In cooperation with our partners we evaluate the product’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. Standards applied include ROHS and REACH. Energy consumption is also assessed. Kitron is committed to making an active contribution to our common environment. We are currently undertaking R & D activities aimed at further developing DfE product evaluation

Component engineering and database

To make a good decision you need the right information.
 

This is why we have developed our component information system (CIS). Which now makes it possible also for you as our customer – to search for and process information about current components rapidly and simply for new projects.

Different search functions allow you to  find the right component by considering factors such as function, properties and price. You can also rapidly compile information and data for your BOM  and transfer the information you need at any time to other user systems.
 
Our component engineering group is also available for you to discuss component solutions regarding technology, logistics and manufacturing aspects

Test development

Kitron develops state-of-the art test systems for automated testing in production.
 
Over the last 30 years this department has worked on a wide range of projects within the following segments: Defence, Offshore, Medical, Industry and Telecoms.
 
We continuously update the test methods available in the market, while at the
same time endeavouring to advance the development of testing and test
philosophy. Kitron is a key member of the Nordic Test Forum (NTF), giving us
access to leading international experts in our field.
 
Services include:

• Analysis of test reliability of new products; guidance for customers in choosing optimal test strategy
• Improvement of product design with regard to producibility and test reliability
• Maintenance, development and optimization of existing test systems
• Development of test procedures for self-developed test systems and for customer-supplied test systems
• Start-up of new systems for production and testing
• Technical support
• Development of test solutions (SW/HW) based on customer’s specifications and/or our own suggested specifications with regard to optimal rationality and quality

 
Areas of expertise include:

• Function testing
• Boundary scan testing
• In-circuit testing
• Environmental testing
• Construction of HW interface between Unit Under Test (UUT) and test equipment

Design and build of high level assembly lines

Efficient manufacfuring lines are the key to success. Our trained staff design, build and optimize manufacturing lines for your products. We work according to lean manufacturing and have a high focus on quality and efficient manufacturing processes.
 
In our standard HLA lines we produce several types of low volume products. For new high volume products we design and build HLA lines tailored to the product and customer requirements. The introduction of new products are organized as projects according to our project model. The NPI projects are closely linked to our customers R&D projects, product management and to Kitron manufacturing.
 
A typical project for building HLA lines may include the following experts: process engineers (lean manufacturing), production technology, planning, logistics, sourcing/purchasing, quality, test, IT and craftsmen to build the line.
 
We produce a wide range of products and have a continiously focus on improvements. The experiences we have gained from working with several demanding customers are assets we bring into your products manufacturing lines.

Environmental durability testing

The market’s expectations regarding the quality of all products are constantly increasing. Customers are not satisfied with products that merely fulfil their specification at the time of delivery and during the warranty period: all products should work without failures throughout their entire expected lifetime. Kitron has the resources to help you reach this level of quality performance.

Reliability testing

Our experienced supervision and environmental testing ensures the reliability of products, structures and processes. Kitron can provide a highly skilled team as well as its own laboratory, fully equipped to carry out a variety of environmental durability tests.
We have the knowledge and experience to test your product to ensure that it will fulfil its reliability requirements in its final application. With our extensive experience of the testing of industrial, medical, automotive, data/telecoms and military products, we understand and effectively apply the full range of application requirements and standards in product testing.

We perform complete product testing, including mechanical and climatic tests, in our own environmental testing centre. Our range of mechanical and climatic test equipment can be combined in different configurations to create a wide variety of environments for product testing. 

If you wish to discuss product testing while your product is still at the design stage – the amount/severity of testing required and other matters to do with product qualification  –  please contact us and we will be happy to assist.

Quality and failure analysis

At our Quality Analysis laboratory we analyse materials and components as well as manufacturing process performance. Our services also include assisting our clients with assuring the quality of any specific materials included in the product before starting mass production.

 We also perform advanced process analysis of production processes. With the whole electronics industry currently converting to lead-free materials and soldering processes, the need for such analysis is now greater than ever.

If you are unfortunate enough to experience urgent quality problems or to receive unexpected field returns, we are here to help you with failure analysis throughout the entire breakdown investigation.