Valtronic is a full-service global provider of engineering, industrialization and manufacturing for medical devices and related high-reliability products from microelectronics to complex system integration. Headquartered in the Valley de Joux in Switzerland, the company is strongly supported by its U.S. and Moroccan facilities, and works closely with customers across the globe.

Valtronic’s customers are leading global suppliers of medical implants and devices, diagnostic imaging equipment, and sensitive aerospace and industrial assemblies. For more than 30 years, Valtronic has helped hundreds of companies develop and produce Class II & III medical devices and advanced miniaturized electronic assemblies from its worldwide facilities.

The Valtronic USA facility is 68,000 sq ft of top-rated, innovative technologies 

With a focus on becoming a worldwide recognized partner for innovative personal healthcare devices the company aligns itself with forward-thinking, experienced, reliable partners. So when the U.S. facility, based in Solon, Ohio, expanded and increased its space from a 25,000 sq ft facility to a state-of-the-art 68,000 sq ft facility, JUKI Automation Systems partnered with Valtronic to assist the company in its commitment to manufacturing innovations.

“We analyzed several competitors and it became evident that Juki provided the equipment with the placement rate and quality to support the current and future growing business needs while keeping us ahead of our competition,” said Jay Wimer, Valtronic president.

Jay Wimer, Valtronic USA president, believes that the JUKI systems will help advance the company’s positioning 

While this is the company’s first JUKI purchase, Valtronic has had a relationship for more than 20 years with JUKI’s independent sales representative, David Trail of Horizon Sales. The company purchased two lines for surface mount technology (SMT), which were installed at the end of April 2014. Each line includes a precision JUKI K3 fully automatic screen printer, a JUKI high-speed flexible parts placer KE-3020 VLN and a JUKI RS800 eco-friendly reflow oven.

The K3 screen printer will use patented mathematical calculating algorithms to maintain the machines’ highest accuracy print alignment achieving 01-005 (0402 metric) printing. The printer was designed to handle requirements of different pressures on the front and rear squeegees and of the squeegee’s leveling stability. These features will prevent solder paste leakage. Additionally, the K3 offers a 2D solder paste inspection system that immediately identifies any solder paste deposition defects at critical locations.

JUKI’s newest model, the KE-3020 VLN, offers the optimum flexible placement system for high-density placements. From placing a wide range of components such as 01005s (0402) and ICs to odd-forms, this leading technology is built for accuracy and speed. Placement speeds range from 17,100 to 2,200 CPH: IC (vision centering/effective tact). The multi-nozzle laser head includes six nozzles plus one high-resolution head. Component sizes range from 01005 to 47 mm sq components.

The eco-friendly RS series Reflow Oven includes an Independent Air Velocity Controlling System that allows for flexible processing control. The efficiency of this machine provides energy savings while lowering carbon emissions. By filtering air or N2 back to its oven chamber, the reflow oven reduces thermal loss while getting better flux reclamation.

Valtronic purchased the line to help accomplish three goals:

• Quality: the line will enable the company to keep its core competency in miniaturization, offering quality-driven products from a state-of-the-art line of equipment
• Repeatability: the line will allow Valtronic to recognize cost savings compared to its current equipment
• LED Lighting Business: The line will provide the ability to handle size requirements necessary to enter the LED lighting business. Wimer added, “The LED lighting market is an emerging market with only around 2 percent of the market being covered in the United States and, therefore, providing high growth potential.”

Installation of the JUKI lines at Valtronic USA

Valtronic is a rare company in that it stays flexible and changes its focus to meet the current needs of the industry, so looking into the LED lighting segment is on par for the company. It has a history of doing this and has experienced much success. For example, in 1999, Valtronic re-examined its current positioning and began looking at different opportunities. Before the move to medical, Valtronic USA had a substantial history in the telecom business. After researching the medical industry, it was evident that Valtronic needed to establish themselves in the growing medical field. Valtronic shifted marketing and sales focus to drive medical sales, specifically electronic device miniaturization as a core competency.

Valtronic Production Floor 

Because not many manufactures deal with bare die technology in the form of miniaturization. Valtronic recognized the increased demand and changes in requirements for some medical implants and embarked on installing a cleanroom. The clean environment is a particulate-controlled environment and just another reason that the company stands out from its competition.

In addition to the cleanroom in the U.S. facility, in 2013, Valtronic added a BioBurden ISO Class 8 Cleanroom to handle demands for specific customers’ products. The 288 sq ft modern facility qualifies temperature, humidity and contamination controls. It provides Valtronic with the ability to package electronic and mechanical assemblies in a pouch ready for Ethylene Oxide (EtO) sterilization. It completes the production chain for customers’ products, and allows Valtronic to provide a complete contract manufacturing solution for active implants. Valtronic Morocco also has an ISO7 and ISO8 cleanroom.

Wimer said, “Our success has been achieved by organic growth due to our presence and performance as a valued supplier over the years.” The company’s exceptional quality of product, knowledge of miniaturization and the fact that Valtronic is FDA registered add to the success.

Looking to the future, Wimer adds that he expects an increase in integration of the supply chain as customers continue to demand more service from contract manufacturers, which includes quality management of suppliers (regulatory compliance from suppliers). As for technologies/product offerings, LED lighting will become a definite addition to our portfolio, and we will heavily continue down the path of personal healthcare devices in the medical market.

Regardless of the industry segment, Valtronic’s customers are global, leading suppliers of highly advanced and sophisticated devices and equipment. They come to Valtronic because they expect to receive world-class standards in product design and development, industrialization and production. “Failure is not an option,” concluded Wimer. The JUKI lines will help Valtronic continue exceeding their customers’ needs while enhancing quality of life through its technologically-leading solutions.

For more information about Valtronic, contact Jay Wimer, president, at” target=”_blank”> or Monica Gasbarre, marketing representative, at ” target=”_blank”>. Valtronic USA is located at 29200 Fountain Pkwy., Solon, OH 44139; 440-349-1239; Web site: www.valtronic.com.