Northfield, Minn. – Northfield Automation Systems recently published its periodic “News and Notes” company highlights for fall 2012:
“The work we’re doing right now is really exciting,” said Darin Stotz, director of sales and marketing. “We continue to work closely with those in the consumer electronics industry, helping them to refine, improve and add onto their existing systems to maximize manufacturing efficiency. Our expertise with smart sensors – combined with our ability to seamlessly integrate extraordinarily precise vision inspection and electrical test activities – allows us to bring tremendous value to the table when working with a customer.”
Stotz continued, “In addition to our work in the display industry, we’re currently tackling projects for large-format panel material handling and work in the glass-panel arena. And, of course, the flexible battery and solar industries also continue to show promise.”
ON THE FLOOR: We’re putting the finishing touches on a number of projects right now, from complete turnkey systems (that incorporate vision inspection, electrical test and laser ID bar coding) to numerous laser systems, lithography and chemical process lines (for activities such as etching, plating or cleaning).
WHEN YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS ANYTHING: Several of our recent projects – including those on our floor right now – have made use of sophisticated vision inspection systems. Utilizing 12K or even 16K line-scans, our systems are able to locate and identify minute defects on a surface … even through challenging new material sets. Quite simply, we don’t miss a thing. Want to see more? Watch NAS Principal Engineer and Co-Founder Gary Larsen in this video.
MATERIALS EXPERTISE: At the core of designing and building highly customized automation equipment is a complete understanding of the materials that will be run. From ITO (indium tin oxide) and other transparent conductive oxides to emerging materials (such as R2R glass) that require even more precise handling, NAS has the knowledge and expertise to ensure that your product is run effectively and efficiently.
ON THE ROAD: Our engineers are on the road across the country and around the world conducting several installs, including multi-module systems, vision and electrical test systems and a sophisticated project for a customer in the solar industry.
OUT AND ABOUT: We’ll be attending several upcoming industry conferences and shows, including Printed Electronics USA (Dec. 5-6, Santa Clara, CA), 2013 Flex Tech (Jan. 29-Feb. 1, Phoenix, AZ), 2013 ICE USA (Apr. 9-11, Orlando, FL) and the 30th International Battery Seminar and Exhibit (Mar. 11-14, Fort Lauderdale, FL).
CONTINUING EDUCATION: NAS continues to work with educational partners from across the country to ensure we remain at the forefront of technological trends and emerging practices in manufacturing. We’ve worked closely with some of the premier educational centers for manufacturing, including Penn State, SUNY Binghamton, MIT and the University of Minnesota. What’s this mean for our customers? It means a progressive approach to providing custom automation equipment, and a commitment to considering the best, most current technology in doing so.
CUSTOMER SURVEY: Thanks to those of you who have taken the time to complete our online customer survey. As part of our newly implemented client satisfaction program, we’ve invited customers give us direct feedback on where we’re excelling and where we’re falling short. Haven’t taken the survey yet? Do so, and we’ll make a donation to your favorite charity. It’s a great deal … you help us, and we’ll help others.
FROM OUR PRESIDENT, Mark Wegner: “It’s been a busy year for us here at NAS. Our sales have been strong, the range of work we’re doing is expanding and our team has grown. All of these are good things. But what I’m most proud of is that – even with this growth and activity – we’ve kept our eye on constantly providing our customers with solutions that maximize their return on investment. This reflects our entire approach to doing business … we see you as a strategic partner and work diligently to provide you with the tools you need to be successful.
I overheard a colleague of mine the other day as he described Northfield Automation Systems. He said, ‘When it comes to custom automation, we shine … we truly have a leg up on our competition.’ I couldn’t agree more. And I believe this is true because of our unwavering, day-in-and-day-out focus on understanding the objectives and goals of our customers, and then working to exceed them.”
Founded in 1992, Northfield Automation Systems, Inc., designs, engineers and fabricates automation machinery for OEMs and high-volume, custom manufacturers. Our engineers provide consultative support for streamlined manufacturing processes with turnkey, integrated equipment. Our vision is to be the global leader in web-based, high-precision, roll-to-roll processing of thin-film applications, including flexible electronics, display, solar, flexible battery and organic electronics. Northfield Automation Systems has nearly 75 years of combined experience in roll-to-roll thin material handling, and can work from lab scale to high-volume production. The company is located in Northfield, Minn., which is 35 minutes south of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.