The company is driven by customer demand. MA3 Solutions responds to manufacturers of micro-system products for new types of assembly process. MA3’s own in-house R&D specialists do the development work required to achieve the target. This might involve devising new processes, machines or products. All work is carried out in close co-operation with the customer. MA3 specializes in the multi-disciplinary approach to micro assembly and micro dispensing issues. When possible, use is made of ‘proven technologies’, which results in State of the Art production equipment, including among others the production of biosensors, micro-arrays, print heads en miniature lenses for mobile telephones. In this respect, the company carries out its own product development. MarketSince micro-systems are used in a variety of industries, the company operates on many, diverse markets. Life Science / Medical and ICT / Telecom are just two fields that spring to mind. In the Life Science market, MA3’s work to date has concerned actuators. Well-placed in the Southeast Netherlands, the company has been able to find international business abroad and close to home; 80% of its turnover is earned in Europe. This is a relatively new market in which MA3 has surged ahead of its competition. While no industry standards exist, MA3 is already working with de-facto standardized processes that enables it to provide tailored solutions. It is also a member of more than one body seeking industry standards. Key productsMA3 offers tailored assembly and dispensing solutions for micro-systems at a range of levels, from the ‘ramp-up’ of production for one customer to an automated turnkey assembly system for another. By replacing traditional production methods with an MA3 solution, a customer can shorten the production cycle by up to half. The solution comprises a number of key stages. A Quick Scan is always the first step. This determines whether the requirements fall within MA3’s field of work and whether room for improvement can be identified. Next comes a feasibility study that focuses on the risks involved. If those are found to be acceptable a pilot series follows. This could range from 2,000 to 3,000 units and gives the customer a clear idea of the developed assembly method. During this phase rapid prototyping and standard process devices are used and once the ‘go’ decision is taken, an assembly cell will be created for volume production that could output as much as ten million units a year. |
