Category: Latest News

Bransys Expands PCB Assembly Capabilities with Pillarhouse Jade MKII Selective Soldering System

Bransys Group, a leading provider of comprehensive PCB design and assembly services, is pleased to announce its recent acquisition of the Jade MKII selective soldering system from Pillarhouse. This investment in state-of-the-art technology reinforces Bransys’ commitment to delivering high-quality assembly solutions to its customer.

The Jade MKII is renowned for its precision and reliability in selective soldering processes. Bransys has opted for several upgrades to enhance the system’s performance, including the inclusion of the flux pump system, top side pre-heat, and a solder bath. These upgrades ensure optimal soldering results while meeting the specific requirements of Bransys’ diverse customer base.

The flux pump system upgrade offers enhanced control over the flux deposition process, ensuring consistent and precise application. With this upgrade, Bransys can achieve improved solder joint integrity and reliability.

The addition of pre-heat for top side capability allows them to further optimise the soldering process, ensuring proper heat distribution and eliminating thermal stress on delicate components. This feature significantly contributes to the overall quality and reliability of the assembled PCBs.

By integrating a solder bath into the Jade MKII system, they can leverage the benefits of both solder fountain and mini-wave soldering technologies. This combination facilitates efficient and accurate soldering of through-hole components, even in challenging applications.

“While the Jade MKII selective soldering system is an industry-leading solution in its standard configuration, we have taken it a step further by incorporating key upgrades to meet our specific requirements,” said Branko Trajkovski, Founder and CEO of Bransys Group. “This investment enables us to deliver even greater precision and reliability in our PCB assembly processes, ensuring superior quality for our customers.”

For more information about Bransys, please visit: Bransys Group – Solution to your needs

To learn about Pillarhouse International’s Jade MKII, please visit: Jade MKII – Handload Selective Soldering System (pillarhouse.co.uk)

Pillarhouse International at Nepcon China 2024

Pillarhouse International will return to Nepcon China, via Pillarhouse China, for the 2024 exhibition, at Stand 1F20 of the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre, from the 24th to the 26th of April 2024.

Pillarhouse China re pleased to be back at the show, exhibiting two of our handload machines, and three of our in-line systems, demonstrating Pillarhouse International’s variety of flexible and modular selective soldering solutions.

Our handload models on display will include our entry-level, benchtop, single point Pilot machine, and our elementary, flexible, single point Jade MKII. Our in-line models will include our high-speed, multi-platform Fusion 3 Compact machine – our flexible, modular Synchrodex line, complete with fluxer, heater, and solder modules – and our enhanced, modular Synchrodex Pro system, complete with a large frame fluxer/heater module, as well as a large frame dual solder bath module.

Attendees from Pillarhouse China will include Penny Zhang – General Manager, Allan Jiang – Sales Manager, and Darren Harvey, who was previously Pillarhouse China General Manager for over a decade before becoming Pillarhouse International Managing Director at the start of this year.

Penny Zhang said, ahead of the show, “We are happy to be back at Nepcon China to see customers and suppliers once again. This is an important show for us, as we are eager to highlight our equipment and have a strong second quarter. We have a good range of machines on our stand, and we welcome everyone to discuss their selective soldering needs with us.”

Darren Harvey said, “During my time as Pillarhouse China General Manager, Nepcon China was a great show for gaining new opportunities. I am sure this will continue, and I am looking forward to assisting the team with their efforts for a productive show.”

Pillarhouse will be at Stand 1F20 of the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre, from the 24th to the 26th of April 2024.

For more information about Nepcon China 2024, please visit: NEPCON China 2024: Shanghai Electronics, Semiconductor, and Automation Fair

To view this event in Pillarhouse International’s calendar, please visit: Events – Pillarhouse International

Pillarhouse USA Continues to Support Long-Standing Cadet Solder Coil Winding Machines

Pillarhouse USA is pleased to illustrate that two of our Cadet solder coil winding machines, purchased in 1993 and 1999 respectively, by a well known manufacturing leader in the New England region, are both still fully operational, despite production of the machine being discontinued in 2016.

The Cadet was a high specification, benchtop, coil soldering machine, which has since been replaced within Pillarhouse’s current product range by the Quadron.

The first of this customer’s Cadet machines was ordered and delivered in the early 1990’s and continues to be used for the soldering of specific solenoid products to this day. In addition to the standard configuration flux bath and solder pot, this system also features a press that drives terminal pins to their finished position after soldering. The customer also later designed their own fixturing to solder axial pin designs.

This production tweak resulted in the purchase of their second Cadet machine in 1999, which is still used for the soldering of axial terminal pin solenoids. Originally tooled for a bespoke product manufactured by the customer, this additional system was configured with simply a flux bath and solder pot. However, the flexibility of the platform allowed them to design other tooling, which has enabled them to expand the variety of products they can process.

Testament to the longevity and reliability of Pillarhouse’s machine design and service processes, we are delighted to confirm that these Cadet machines have never required on-site attention from our service team and continue to run smoothly, in conjunction with stellar upkeep and maintenance by the customer.

A source at the New England-based customer, said, “We are fortunate to be self-sufficient when it comes to keeping these machines operating, and we have never needed Pillarhouse to provide in-person assistance. We keep these machines clean and free of flux and solder build-up, as all manufacturers should, and this has been helpful in their continued productivity.”

The source continued by saying, “Whenever we have needed spare parts or technical support, Pillarhouse has always provided great phone service and responded quickly to our requests. Larry Hall and Luis Munoz are two Pillarhouse engineers who helped us resolve the few electrical issues we have had over thirty years of maintaining these machines.”

Other than low-level control board issues experienced several years ago, the customer’s Cadet machines have held up well and run strong ever since, with minimal wear and tear effects.

For more information on Pillarhouse International’s contemporary coil soldering system, the Quadron, please visit; Quadron (PLC) Coil Winding (pillarhouse.co.uk)

Pillarhouse International at APEX 2024

Pillarhouse International will once again be exhibiting at the APEX 2024 Exhibition, at Booth 733 of the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, USA from the 9th to the 11th of April 2024.

For over 40 years, Pillarhouse International has been designing and manufacturing specialist soldering equipment for the electronics industries, offering an extensive range of selective soldering solutions from low cost, flexible, standalone, benchtop entry-level systems through to advanced, high speed, integrated in-line production cells.

At APEX 2024, Pillarhouse International will be exhibiting a range of existing, and upcoming, handload and in-line selective soldering systems. The handload systems on display will include our best selling machine – the Jade MKII – as well as our all-new Jade MKV. The in-line systems will include our high-speed, multi-platform Orissa Fusion, and our flexible, modular Orissa Synchrodex Pro, including our upcoming Stacker Convection Heater module.

The Jade MKV will serve as an enhanced rotary, or fixed table, single point selective soldering system. With a PCB handling size of 510mm x 460mm, and a programmable, adjustable nozzle pitch in the X axis, this platform has 6.8A stepper motors with built-in encoders, replacing the less powerful stepper and servo motor systems on our current index handload offerings.

The Stacker Convection Heater is an enclosed convection pre-heat module, which will serve as a standalone, or in-line configuration, with the capability to simultaneously heat up to 16 PCBs, and programmable speed to balance production line throughput.

Both the Jade MKV, and the Stacker Convection Heater, will be available for purchase later this year.

Jonathan Wol, President of Pillarhouse USA, said ahead of the show, “We are excited to show the U.S. manufacturing market our upcoming Jade MKV and Stacker Convection Heater machines, which will be available later this year, as well as showcase our most successful machine, the Jade MKII, and two of our in-line options with the Fusion and Synchrodex Pro. We are committed to pioneering new technology, and we welcome visitors to Booth 733 to discuss all things selective soldering, at APEX 2024.”

Pillarhouse will be exhibiting at Booth 733 of the Anaheim Convention Center, from the 9th to the 11th of April, for APEX 2024.

For more information about APEX 2024, please visit: Homepage | IPC APEX EXPO 2024

To view this event in Pillarhouse International’s calendar, please visit: Events – Pillarhouse International

Pillarhouse International at Smart SMT & PCB Assembly 2024

Pillarhouse International will be represented at Smart SMT & PCB Assembly 2024, via our official agent Unotech, at Stand C120 of the Suwon Convention Centre, Suwon, South Korea, from the 21st to the 23rd of February 2024.

Smart SMT & PCB Assembly has redefined South Korean assembly systems, through the integration of electronics manufacturing applications and automation systems. Accommodating companies in automation, medical, military, and other electronics manufacturing sectors, Smart SMT & PCB Assembly offers electronics manufacturers a huge opportunity for visibility amongst customers and competitors.

At the 2024 edition of the show, Unotech will be exhibiting two Pillarhouse selective soldering machines – the Jade MKII, and the Orissa Synchrodex.

The Jade MKII is a single point selective soldering system, designed to meet the needs of the small/medium batch manufacturer who requires high levels of flexibility, offering uncompromised selective soldering quality at a very low cost. This is our most successful machine, selling over 1,200 units globally to date.

The Orissa Synchrodex is designed as a modular system, with a range of in-line equipment offering the ultimate in flexibility with the ability to upgrade to high-speed throughput when multiple modules are placed together.

Unotech combine their knowledge of first-class selective soldering, with their extensive network of clients across South Korea, to provide a universal guarantee of quality soldering solutions and satisfied customers. Offering the complete Pillarhouse selective soldering range for over 15 years, Unotech are a firm and valued member of Pillarhouse’s global sales team.

Unotech Assistant Manager, Ted Kwon, says, “We have represented Pillarhouse International in South Korea for many years, and we will continue to promote their great selective soldering machines with high levels of commitment. Our market is competitive, which renews our determination to clearly be the best choice for customers and for Pillarhouse. The exhibition gives us a chance to show this, so we welcome everyone to our Stand C120 to talk about how we can help your soldering needs.”

For more information about Smart SMT & PCB Assembly 2024, please visit: Home | SSPA 2024 (smartsmt.kr)

To view this event in Pillarhouse International’s calendar, please visit: Events – Pillarhouse International

Pillarhouse International at Southern Manufacturing 2024

Pillarhouse International will once again be exhibiting at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2024, at Stand G125 of the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, from the 6th to the 8th of February 2024.

For over 40 years, Pillarhouse International has been designing and manufacturing specialist soldering equipment for the electronics industries, offering an extensive range of selective soldering solutions from low cost, flexible, standalone, bench top, entry-level systems, through to advanced, high-speed, integrated in-line production cells.

At Southern Manufacturing 2024, Pillarhouse will be exhibiting the upcoming Jade MKV handload system. Available later this year, in either a fixed table or rotary table configuration, the Jade MKV has a PCB handling size of 510mm x 460mm, with a programmable, adjustable nozzle pitch in the X axis. This platform has 6.8A stepper motors with built-in encoders, replacing the less powerful stepper and servo motor systems on our current index handload offerings.

The Jade MKV is controlled by a PC, through PillarCOMM.NET, a Windows based ‘Point & Click’ interface with PCB image display. Additionally, PillarCOMM.NET has an offline package which allows the operator to produce programs independently from the machine using Gerber data.

Speaking ahead of the exhibition, David Johnson, Sales Manager, said, “Southern Manufacturing remains Pillarhouse International’s priority in terms of domestic trade shows. We always look forward to connecting with the UK manufacturing market and we encourage everyone to visit us at Stand G125, to see our upcoming Jade MKV machine, as well as discuss their selective soldering needs.”

Pillarhouse will be at Stand G125 of the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, from the 6th to the 8th of February 2024.

For more information about Southern Manufacturing 2024, please visit: Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2024 (industrysouth.co.uk)

To view this event in Pillarhouse International’s calendar, please visit: Events – Pillarhouse International

Pillarhouse International at Nepcon Japan 2024

Pillarhouse International will be represented at Nepcon Japan 2024, via our official agent Alpha Electronics, at Booth E4-8 of Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan, from the 24th to the 26th of January 2024.

For over 40 years, Pillarhouse International has been designing and manufacturing specialist soldering equipment for the electronics industries, offering an extensive range of selective soldering solutions from low cost, flexible, standalone, bench top, entry-level systems, through to advanced, high-speed, integrated in-line production cells.

Alpha Electronics was established in 1983, to bridge the gap between manufacturers of electronics machinery and customers, as well as supply components and materials for those within the industry. Alpha Electronics offer the full range of Pillarhouse International selective soldering and coil winding systems in Japan.

Nepcon Japan serves to bring together manufacturers and trading companies with engineers and key decision makers on behalf of electronics producers. Throughout the exhibition, presentations and meetings allow for new products and technology to be introduced, technical consultation between manufacturers and engineers, and the formulation of sales and business arrangements.

At Nepcon Japan 2024,  Alpha Electronics will be exhibiting two Pillarhouse International handload selective soldering platforms. These include our entry-level, benchtop Pilot machine – and our elementary, flexible, single point Jade MKII machine. Alpha will also be showcasing Pillarhouse’s nitrogen generation machine, the PillarGEN.

Jun Yoshino, Alpha Electronics CEO, stated, “We are looking forward to connecting with our manufacturing market at Nepcon Japan once again. Our selective soldering partners, Pillarhouse International, produce world class equipment, and have helped support us for a long time here. Please visit us at Booth E4-8 where we can show you their Pilot and Jade MKII machines and provide you with the best selective soldering solutions.”

Pillarhouse will be represented at Nepcon Japan 2024 by Alpha Electronics at Booth E4-8 of Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan, from the 24th to the 26th of January 2024.

For more information about Nepcon Japan 2024, please visit: NEPCON JAPAN – January 24-26, 2024 at Tokyo

To view this event in Pillarhouse International’s calendar, please visit: Events – Pillarhouse International

Pillarhouse International and Minerva Exhibitions at Productronica 2023

Pillarhouse International would like to extend our sincere thanks to Minerva Exhibitions, who successfully undertook the design, manufacture, and installation of our stand at Productronica 2023.

Having worked with us on our stand at Productronica 2019, Pillarhouse’s relationship with Minerva was altered during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the decrease in attendance of trade shows globally. This resulted in the downsizing of our exhibition stand spaces, minimising design and equipment requirements, and ultimately a temporary move away from the grander offerings of Minerva’s catalogue.

Productronica 2023, however, represented a return to normality for much of Europe’s electronics manufacturing companies, with regards to exhibiting and large-scale presence at industry events. This is why Pillarhouse International reached out to Minerva Exhibitions to collaborate once again.

David Johnson, Pillarhouse International Sales Manager, reflected on Minerva’s involvement by saying, “Minerva were a great help in assisting our vision for Productronica 2023. The larger stand allowed us to showcase new machinery and demonstrate the new concepts we are bringing to market in 2024. Minerva’s expertise and efficiency meant we could commence with engaging visitors upon arrival. Their design was smart and clean, and we’re glad we could call on them once again.”

Joe Davies, Minerva Exhibitions Founder, said, “We’ve been looking forward to working with Pillarhouse again since Productronica 2019, and it was so incredibly satisfying to see the end result in Munich. It’s a fantastic event, and the Pillarhouse team are a pleasure to work with, so we’re counting down the days until the next show in 2025!”.

Pillarhouse International would once again like to express our gratitude to Joe, Hanka, and the build crew at Minerva Exhibitions for their work on our stand design and build at Productronica 2023.

For more information on Pillarhouse International’s visit to Productronica 2023, please visit: Productronica 2023 – Pillarhouse Exhibition

For more information on Minerva Exhibitions, please visit: minervaexhibitions.com

Pillarhouse International at Productronica 2023

Pillarhouse International will once again be exhibiting at the Productronica 2023 Exhibition, in Hall A4, Stand A4.220, at the Messe München in Munich, Germany, from the 14th to the 17th of November 2023.

For over 40 years, Pillarhouse International has been designing and manufacturing specialist soldering equipment for the electronics industries, offering an extensive range of selective soldering solutions from low cost, flexible, standalone, bench top, entry-level systems, through to advanced, high-speed, integrated in-line production cells.

At Productronica 2023, Pillarhouse will be exhibiting the latest addition to our selective soldering platforms, the Orissa Synchrodex Pro – complete with fluxer and solder modules – as well as with our upcoming Stacker Convection Heater module. This module will allow for up to 16 PCBs to be heated simultaneously.

Also on display, will be our upcoming new handload machine, which will be available with either a fixed table, or rotary table. This machine will serve to replace several of our current handload offerings and enables us to streamline our product range to an even greater degree.

The Stacker Convection Heater, and the new fixed/rotary table handload machine, will be available for purchase in 2024.

Productronica presents the entire range of technologies and solutions for electronics production and provides in-depth insights into the latest trends in practice-oriented forums and live demonstrations. Every two years, the world of electronics production meets in Munich. Exhibitors and visitors from around the world make Productronica a source of inspiration for the industry.

Nigel Monk, Pillarhouse International Managing Director, said, “We are certainly looking forward to this year’s Productronica show. A lot has changed since the last show in 2021, including new products and machinery, which we are bringing to the forefront this time around. One thing that hasn’t changed, is Productronica’s huge value to Pillarhouse’s European ambitions, and we are extremely confident this will continue in 2023, to bring us a successful show.”

Pillarhouse International will once again be exhibiting at the Productronica 2023 Exhibition, in Hall A4, Stand A4.220, at the Messe München in Munich, Germany, from the 14th to the 17th of November 2023.

For more information about Productronica 2023, please visit: productronica | Trade fair electronics development production

To view this event in Pillarhouse International’s calendar, please visit: Events – Pillarhouse International