Feature: Sustainable Solutions


products would be repaired and components redistributed, with recycling as a last resort. Following a take, make, use, collect, refurbish, redistribute, and recycle approach slows and narrows resource loops, as opposed to the typical linear supply chain model. Te secondary market for the


electronics sector promotes circularity by enabling the redistribution of surplus and obsolete components. Here, an electronic manufacturer’s unwanted stock can be redistributed to another manufacturer for use instead of disposal, extending the part’s lifetime value. In many cases, redistributed inventory ends up in entirely different sectors. Some companies may have concerns about


counterfeit components in the secondary market, but by partnering with trusted redistributors like Component Sense, the secondary market is safe and financially beneficial for large OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and EMSs (electronics manufacturing services) Another element of a circular economy is


the right to repair. Tis movement is growing, with many governments implementing right- to-repair legislation, allowing consumers to repair electronics like smartphones rather than replace them. Te secondary market also facilitates the


right-to-repair movement. Suppliers like Component Sense hold on to and adequately care for older components, or ‘legacy stock,’ which can help repair historic machinery. Sometimes, a single microchip over ten years old can repair essential industrial machinery, preventing unnecessary scrapping and costly redesigns.


Conclusion A circular economy maximises the lifetime value of components by ensuring components are used before their shelf life expires. Circularity also positively impacts the environment by reducing unnecessary e-waste. By leading from the front, electronic


manufacturers can inspire change in the industry and even gain favour with consumers,


as people look to support companies that practice sustainable manufacturing. Another added benefit is risk mitigation, as companies that have a circular supply chain rely less on increasingly scarce natural resources


Technology


Absolute EMS Showcases Advanced Flex and Rigid-Flex PCB Assembly Capabilities


Absolute EMS, Inc., a four-time award- winning EMS provider of fast turnaround, turnkey contract electronic manufacturing services (EMS), is proud to announce its advanced capabilities in processing both flexible (flex) and rigid-flex Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs). Operating from a state-of-the-art,


Industry 4.0, closed-loop system facility in the heart of Silicon Valley, Absolute EMS is equipped to handle the complexities of flexible PCBAs. The company’s Surface Mount


Technology (SMT) lines run at an industry- leading speed of 80,000 placements per hour. This high-speed capability, paired with sophisticated inline optical inspection stations, creates an efficient manufacturing environment that allows Absolute EMS to offer globally competitive pricing while keeping production in a “Made-in- America” facility.


“Flexible PCBAs present unique


challenges, which is why many EMS providers shy away from them,” says Doug Dow, COO at Absolute EMS. “But at Absolute EMS, we’ve invested in the most advanced equipment and processes to handle these complex assemblies with precision. Our ability to manage both rigid and flexible PCBAs, particularly those with tight tolerance requirements, sets us apart from competitors.” Absolute EMS excels in producing


both high-reliability rigid, flexible and rigid-flex boards, utilising built-in quality


systems to ensure the highest levels of product reliability. Their manufacturing processes are optimised for precision, allowing for quick-turn prototypes as well as high-volume production, all while maintaining strict adherence to customer specifications. “Our facility was designed with


adaptability and quality in mind,” Dow adds. “Whether it’s high-volume production or small runs, our customers can rely on us to deliver the best possible solution for their PCBA needs.” By offering specialised capabilities in


both rigid and flexible PCBAs, Absolute EMS supports industries with stringent requirements, such as aerospace (AS9100 certified), medical devices (ISO-13485 certified) and automotive sectors, all of which depend on the reliability and precision that Absolute EMS delivers.


www.electronicsworld.co.uk October 2024 37


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