“Sharing knowledge is not about giving people something, or getting something from them. That is only valid for information sharing. Sharing knowledge occurs when people are genuinely interested in helping one another develop new capacities for action; it is about creating learning processes.” Peter Senge
Altek University was founded by Altek Electronics to share knowledge and lend technical support to customers to enhance their capabilities. A medical device customer sent the first of two groups for Soldering training to work with “Trainer Dave” for an interactive session. Interested in learning more…
You have found a CM that can support your Engineering needs. You have reviewed their manufacturing process and quality assurance checks and balances, so let’s get started!
Getting Started
You have found a CM that can support your Engineering needs. You have reviewed their manufacturing process and quality assurance checks and balances, so let’s get started!
Asking for a budgetary quote early in the process is a great idea. This is where you’ll uncover design and component concerns. You’ll need to supply the following to receive a complete assembly quote:
• Bill of Material, preferably in excel format, including at a minimum: manufacturer, manufacturer part number, quantity and reference designators
• Gerber files
• PCB fabrication drawing including PCB material, finish, silkscreen color (one side or two), mask color (one side or two)
• Assembly drawing (if complete)
• Schematic (if complete)
• Environmental compliance requirements (RoHS, REACh, Conflict Minerals, etc.)
• ITAR status (if used in a defense article, is the item subject to ITAR Control?)
• Requirements to program IC’s
• Functional or in-circuit test requirements
• Quantity, delivery or any special considerations
If you are in need of a PCB Layout, here is a list of some of the information the engineer will request:
• Board type and material requirements
• Bill of material
• Mechanical constraints
• Testing Requirements
• Component Placement restrictions
• End use
• Environmental considerations
You can see our specification form https://www.altekelectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/PCB_Artwork_Request.pdf for guidance.
Most of all schedule a meeting with the CM’s Engineering Team, who can provide support during the development process.
If you are not getting enough support from your current Contract Manufacturer, let us know. We have over 46 years of experience that we can put to work for you. Link to https://www.altekelectronics.com/engineering
Altek’s Chairman and Founder instrumental in making this possible.
UConn officially launched its cybersecurity program on Wednesday, with the opening of a $1 million lab donated by alumni brothers Stephen ’54 and Samuel Altschuler ’50. The curriculum teaches students hacking skills in a controlled environment, so they can use this knowledge to stop real hackers “in the wild.” Read the full Hartford Courant article.
Understanding the process that will be used to manufacture your product can provide insight into the overall quality of your electronic assemblies.
Quality Control
Solder Paste Inspection
All manufacturing processes have opportunities for defects. Ask what type of inspection occurs throughout the process. Does your CM use state-of-the-art equipment, such as solder paste inspection and 3D automated optical inspection? Having paste and optical inspection in the line flags defects before they make it off the line, and helps the CM perfect their process to eliminate defects altogether. Make sure your CM can also provide testing services. Functional and in-circuit test can ensure that your boards will work as intended in their application. A CM with the right engineering resources can design and build custom test fixtures and write code to automate testing and track test results. Is burn-in testing a desirable option for your product? Make sure this is addressed with your CM before your order is placed. A quality CM should ask these questions up-front and make sure they are planned into the job cycle.
Compliance Requirements
RoHS, REACh, ITAR, IPC Class, J-STD – Review your drawings before going to bid and make sure these and other requirements are clearly indicated on the drawings.
Best Practices
Robust Test Department
To maximize ROI, get your Contract Manufacturer involved early in the process. Talk about the following and make sure your CM measures up:
• Engineering expertise
• Quality and On-time delivery metrics
• Six Sigma practices
• Evidence of LEAN and continuous improvement initiatives
• Global Supply Chain Management
• Kanban inventory
• Investment in state-of-the-art capital equipment
If you are a company that has limited resources or are working at capacity, it’s critical to align with a Contract Manufacturer that can provide you with the depth of support you need.
If you are not getting enough support from your current Contract Manufacturer, let us know. We have over 46 years of experience that we can put to work for you.
Choosing a CM with a strong Engineering Department
Today’s electrical engineers are designing circuit boards that enable technology we didn’t dream about a few decades ago. From driverless cars to smart homes, new applications are changing the way we design and build boards. New products require smaller board sizes and a tighter footprint. This is why board layout is more important than ever. With less real estate, it’s tempting to place components too close together, creating manufacturing issues that can be compounded on panelized products.
Design Review
Some common board failures can be attributed to design oversights. Make sure that your CM’s process includes a DFM review as a part of their normal business practice. For example, they can identify potential issues with blind or buried vias caused by insufficient copper thickness or stacking. Layouts may not allow adequate spacing for proper thermal distribution during reflow or proper space for inspection, testing and rework. In addition to the PCB, the Engineer should analyze the BOM to identify component lifecycle risks, environmental compliance issues, long lead times and obsolete parts. Uncovering design and BOM weaknesses early in the process will significantly reduce your time to market and field failure rate. We can’t stress enough how important it is to involve your CM as early in the process as possible. A manufacturable design is the foundation of a successful product launch.
New Design
Starting from scratch? Identify a CM with a robust Engineering team. Utilize them as an extension of your business unit for new product development. A valuable CM will provide you support from concept to schematic, layout, prototype, and production. Designing with the best manufacturing knowledge on your team will help you avoid design pitfalls and make sure your product moves through production with ease.
Product Support
Overcoming obsolete parts is a stumbling block with legacy products. Make sure your CM’s Engineering team has the ability to perform component engineering services and design custom solutions, such as daughter boards, to replace obsolete parts. Ask for examples of solutions they have provided for their customers.
Having a CM that can provide custom Software Development is a plus for product support. This is a value-added service, keeping your active and legacy products on the market for your customers.
If you are not getting enough support from your current Contract Manufacturer, let us know. We have over 46 years of experience that we can put to work for you.
Altek Electronics will be exhibiting at the SMTA Expo on October 8, 2019.
Hope to see you there!
New England Chapter Expo & Tech Forum – October 8, 2019 – Boxboro MA
Registration is free for attendees, and exhibitor space is available (but not for much longer!). Take a look, and register now! Visit https://lnkd.in/eRDv-dw
Tech Session 1 : The Basics of SIR and ECM
Speaker: Meagan Sloan, Indium Corporation
Tech Session 2: Reliability of Robotics for Electronic Manufacturing
Tech Session 3: Bubba Powers, Weller Professional Tools
Perfecting a Cleaning Process for Hi-Rel Electronics
Speaker: Mike Jone, MicroCare
Keynote: Collaborative Robot UseCases in Electronics Manufacturing
Speaker: Eric Cowan, Stanley Black & Decker
Tech Session 4: Triple Jeopardy – Are you Game?
Speaker: Chrys Shea, Shea Engineering; Dr. Mark Curie, Henkel Electronic; Dr. Neil
Poole, Henkel Electronic
Meet members of the Altek team in Uncasville, CT on April 24 & 25th at the Design-2-Part Show. We can help you solve your manufacturing challenges. Hope to see you there!
Diagnosing the symptoms and discovering the root cause is challenging, however the rewards are well worth the journey.
We all experience pain – Whether you’re feeling Chronic pain or Breakthrough pain with your PCB Assemblies and Box Builds business partner, it should not be overlooked. Sometimes the most difficult task is finding the source of your pain and working through it.
THE SYMPTOMS– What you may be experiencing with your Electronics Manufacturing Services Supplier.
• Missed Delivery Dates
• Unacceptable defect rate
• Unsatisfactory Customer Experience
• Lack of Engineering Support
• Service and Warranty Management issues
• Lack of Flexibility to meet your needs
THE ROOT CAUSE – Finding the source of your Pain with your PCB or Box Build Assembly Supplier.
These are some of the things that we have uncovered that may be the source of your pain: • Contract Manufacturers who lack experience in managing a Complex Global Supply-Chain. • Older technology that is not able to handle the demand for smaller, more densely populated assemblies. • Inability to provide Product Life Cycle Management Services to identify obsolete components. • Capability does not include box builds that arrive to you tested and ready to install. • Your Electromechanical Assembly Manufacturer is not the “right size” to quickly adjust to your production needs. Too large and they can’t adjust – too small and they don’t have the equipment to remain competitive and ensure quality. • Does your Customer Service Representative understand and respond to your needs? • Are they at the forefront of manufacturing innovation? • Do they have a clear engineering vision as part of their core values?
THE CURE – What to look for in a Contract
Manufacturer
• Make sure your CM provides an Engineering review of your PCB Assembly and Box Builds – making suggestions that will enhance your assembly layout, keeping cost and functionality in mind.
• A business partner that can provided Prototyping as a part of your new designs prior to product launch.
• Look for an onsite lab for testing and unique test fixture development.
• Have thorough product inspection controls throughout the entire manufacturing process.
• Experienced in Logistics and Supply Chain Management with tight inventory management controls and LEAN culture.
• Make sure they are a resource that is “right sized” so they can handle large and small quantities in-plant.
• Provide a dedicated Customer Service Contact to manage your account from quote, through production, and including final receipt.
THE UPSIDE
– How your company will benefit from a
solid partnership
With strategic outsourcing you can align yourself with a CM
that can diagnose your pain and prescribe the perfect solution. This will allow you to focus on your core
business. Altek is not complacent with
the status quo. We continually review
our process and embrace LEAN as a part of our culture.
Our Quality Policy –
“Altek is committed to providing customer satisfaction through open communications
and continuous improvement”
Design for Manufacture has taken on a whole new direction. Keeping up with how the industry is changing and what you can do about it.
Design for Manufacture has taken on a whole new direction. It used to be enough to consider component spacing, orientation, and electronic compatibility. The number of components used in electronic products today has increased significantly, therefore putting a strain on the availability of components in the market place.
MOORE’S LAW
Gordon Moore, Co-Founder of Intel authored Moore’s Law in 1965 – Moore states that the number of components able to fit on a single IC will double every year. In 1985 Moore tweaked his projection to read “doubling every 2 years”. This has continued to hold true for over 30 years. Some say this is coming to an end as components will only get so small; however, the demand for new electronic devices continues to rise adding to the strain on the component supply. The incredible increase in usage – demand outpacing supply, sourcing of raw materials, dealing with trade agreements and tariffs are lengthening our lead times considerably.
A GAME CHANGER
These days the strained availability of components make it a whole new game. Component size has decreased significantly allowing many more parts to be placed within the footprint of today’s smaller electronic devices. The concept of Design for Manufacturability is joined by the necessity of Design for Availability.
Everyone can relate to the general consumer example of the cell phone. Using today’s smaller component package size, mobile devices have decreased in size with a significant increase in functionality. The capability of today’s integrated circuits turns cell phones into mini-computers with email, camera, video, internet access and thousands of apps making today’s product much different than Motorolas’ DynaTAC launched commerically in 1984 with 30 minutes of talk time. This remarkable evolution is also evident in many other products including automobiles, medical devices, commercial and industrial equipment, consumer devices and aerospace applications.
Fun Fact: 1983 – Motorola Dynatac 8000X weighed – 1.75 pounds and was 13″ x 1.75″ x 3.5″. 2018 – iPhone XS Max weighs 7.34 oz and is 3″ x 6.25″ x .33″.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Design Engineers many not have control over the component market, but there are some things we can do to avoid shutting down assembly lines.
• Use smaller packages where possible. For example, replace 1206 and 0805 chip caps and resistors with 0603, 0402, and 0201.
• Verify that specified parts have an active lifecycle status (instead of Not Recommended for New Design, End of Life, etc.).
• Spec at least 3 alternates for each item on the BOM, with a different manufacturer for each.
• Use the lowest rating and widest tolerance range your design can handle. If these parts become unavailable, the same part with a tighter tolerance or higher rating may still be available.
TEAM UP WITH YOUR CM
We’re here to be a part of your solutions team. Getting your CM involved early in the process will add significant value and eliminate build delays. Altek can often assist with recommendations for alternates or suggest custom solutions. We will identify and can handle advance ordering on long lead items. Our excellent relationships with our distributors give us an edge in meeting your needs.
THE MORAL OF THE STORY
As Ben Franklin said in 1736 “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. This still holds true today. Design for Availability activities will mitigate lead times and get your product to market on time.
In addition to being the founder of Altek Company, a manufacturer of can testing equipment for the food and beverage industry under the name of Tech® Products, Steve is also the founder of Altek Electronics. Stephen graduated from UConn with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, and earned a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Yale University. Earlier in his career, Mr. Altschuler was Vice President of Computer Dynamics (1963-72) and Manager of Quality Assurance for Adage Inc. (1959-63). He served on the Board of Trustees for the University of Connecticut from 1986-93 and is the former Director and Vice President of the Northwestern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. In 1972 Steve established Altek, and for 50 years worked to create and maintain a business culture that emphasizes customer satisfaction. Stephen has worked successfully with his team to: create a loyal customer base; maintain a profitable business operation that pays its bills on time; and earn a solid reputation in the industry.
David Altschuler
Chief Executive Officer
David graduated with a B.A. from The George Washington University where he interned at National Public Radio. After working for Public Television for several years, first in the home office in Alexandria, VA, then for Channels 10&36 in Milwaukee, David worked in the computer software sales field for a short time before joining Altek Company in 1992. While working at Altek, David supplemented his business knowledge in the MBA program at the University of Hartford. David has held several key positions including leading administration, IT, materials and customer service. In 2003 David was promoted to Vice President of Finance and Administration. David played a key role in facilitating the company’s move to our current location, and has the sales responsibility for one of Altek’s largest customers.
Sabrina Beck
Advisor
Sabrina graduated from Quinnipiac University with a B.S. in Business Management and began her career in the financial services industry. During the twelve years she worked for corporate America, Sabrina gained experience in sales and marketing, and earned two prestigious professional designations. She joined Altek in 1998, and immediately began the process of learning the family business. Sabrina earned the IPC-610 and 620 certifications, a Six Sigma Green Belt, participated in CFM training, and has taken business classes in UConn’s MBA program. Having dedicated 25 years to Altek’s business development, she is currently spearheading projects aimed at fostering expansion, streamlining operations, optimizing insurance and benefits strategies, and conducting risk assessments. Sabrina serves as Treasurer of the Surface Mount Technology Association Nutmeg Chapter and previously held the position of President for the Smaller Manufacturers Association. She has participated with the New Haven Manufacturers Association, APICS, Women in Manufacturing, IEEE, the Society of Women Engineers and has served as a board member for the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board, and the Warner Theatre.
Kevin Bair
Director of Finance & Administration
Kevin Bair is Altek’s Director of Finance and Administration. With extensive experience in electronics manufacturing and finance, Kevin comes to Altek from Winchester Electronics where his managerial role focused on finance, accounting and production support for two facilities. Prior to that Kevin worked in managerial roles for Westinghouse Electronics and Teradyne, Inc. Kevin began his career as a Mechanical Design Engineer for Kimball Electronics Group and also worked as a Manufacturing Engineer for Johnson Electric. Kevin earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and an MBA in Finance from Babson College. Additionally he received training in LEAN and Toyota’s Systematic Leadership principals. Kevin is currently serving on the Economic Development Commission for the Town of Burlington, CT. In his role at Altek, Kevin is responsible for the management of all finance, human resources and information technology activities.
Travis Benningfield
Operations Manager
Travis graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Maryland. He brings a solid manufacturing background as an operations manager from Pratt and Whitney and Turbine Controls, Inc. He was certified in Raytheon Technology’s CORE Operating System (Customer Oriented Results and Excellence) in lean manufacturing. Travis is a U.S. Air Force Veteran having served over 20 years. He oversaw highly skilled aircraft technicians performing repairs on multi-million-dollar military aircraft. He was stationed abroad in Asia for over 10 years, and in countries such as Japan and South Korea. In his role at Altek, Travis is responsible for the management of all manufacturing operations, production engineering, process document control, shipping and receiving, and facilities comprising a total of 130+ employees.
Andrew Zaharek
Electronics Engineering Manager
Andrew originally started with Altek as a student working through the Oliver Wolcott Technical High School Work-Based Learning program. He went on to pursue a degree in Engineering and soon thereafter graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he double majored, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering as well as Computer & Systems Engineering. Andrew’s professional career started in the hydrogen fuel cell industry with internships at UTC Power and continued with an electrical engineering role at Plug Power. Andrew rejoined the Altek team in 2012 as a Test Engineer. Since then he has taken on additional positions and roles such as QMS Auditor, Project Engineer, and ultimately Electronics Engineering Manager, including Test Engineering and Document Control. Andrew works closely with customers to support legacy products, as well as assisting in the development of new products. Andrew’s group is responsible for the mitigation of issues related to component obsolescence & availability, providing Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback, as well as various engineering support and verification activities, and test fixture maintenance and development.
Jeffrey Van Stone
Director of Business Development
Jeff joined Altek in June of 2023. Although new to the PBCA business, he has an impressive background spanning over 20 years at Thomaston Safety Group, where he steadfastly supported Connecticut manufacturers. He earned his BS in Management Information Systems and Services from Post University and brings experience in developing customer relationships, marketing, safety, and customer satisfaction. Jeff heads up business development efforts while also overseeing Altek’s Customer Service and Estimating teams ensuring a cohesive experience for our customers. Jeff is a valuable resource for our safety team and brings a wealth of safety experience to the table. Since 2015, Jeff has been a member of the Smaller Manufacturers Association of Connecticut. He was elected to their board of directors in 2019 and is the Co-Chair of SMArt which supports the development of young professionals promoting Connecticut’s rising talent in manufacturing. Jeff is also currently a member of the SMTA, an international network of professionals who build skills, share practical experience, and develop solutions in Electronics Manufacturing. In his free time, you will likely catch Jeff on the sidelines cheering on his two daughters, Hannah and Lily, regardless of what sport is in season.
Brian Johnston
Operations Manager
Brian joined Altek in February of 2025 as the Operations Manager.
He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering & Material Science from the University of Connecticut and decades of engineering and manufacturing experience. This includes over 12 years of Operations Management, mostly within the medical device and medical device component manufacturing industry. Brian has knowledge of ISO13485 (Medical) and IATF16949(Automotive) Quality Management Systems. Brian’s passion in all aspects of life is Continuous Improvement; Making processes/products better each day. In his free time, he enjoys auto sports/racing, gardening, and travel with his wife and family.
Surface Mount Equipment and specifications:
Board Size Min = 50 mm x 50 mm (2” x 2”)
Board Size Max = 410 mm x 460 mm (16” x 18”)
2 - EKRA X4 screen printers
2 - EKRA Serio 4000 volume printers
2 - Parmi SigmaX Blue solder paste inspection
2 - Samsung SM481 placement systems
1 - Samsung SM482 placement system
2 - Samsung SM421 placement systems
1 - Samsung SM485 placement system
1 - Samsung SM411 placement system
1 - Samsung SRF70i123 reflow oven
2 - BTU Pyramax reflow ovens (models 98 & 125)
Ball Grid Array and Advanced SMD’s
BGA’s (BGA placement up to 55mm² 1.0mm pitch)
ERSA HR600/2
µBGA (0.5mm pitch)
Ultrafine pitch components (0.4mm pitch)
QFN/MLP
LGA
CSP
01005 chip components
Odd Form components
Large Connectors (up to 72mm diag.)
Wave and Selective Soldering – Lead or Lead Free (RoHS)
Wave Soldering Equipment
Board Size Min = 50 mm x 50 mm (2” x 2”)
Board Size Max = 400 mm x 510 mm (16” x 20”)
Electrovert Vectra Elite
Vitronics Soltec Delta 5
ERSA Powerflow
Selective Solder Equipment
ESRA VERSAFLOW 3/66 (2.5” x 5” min) (24” x 24” max)
Apollo Seiko L-CAT 4540 Robotic Solder System
1 - Seho Selectline C Soldering Machine
Board Size Max = 500mm x 500mm (19.68” x 19.68”)
We invest in Technology that keeps Altek’s facility running efficiently, allowing us to consistently provide the best possible product to our customers.