Optiprint from Berneck, Switzerland, has invested heavily in recent months. Capacities and technological capabilities have been expanded with new machines and systems, and the level of automation has been increased. A lot has also happened in terms of personnel resources.
Gerhard and Alexander Popp, who is gradually taking over his father's sales responsibilities as Senior VP SalesCEOHans-Jörg Etter informed the PLUS editorial team about the company's current situation and the measures taken in recent months to secure its future. 2024 was a good year. Shortly before the end of the year, turnover was above plan, which is why additional employees were hired, among other things. 2025 will be more challenging. This is because incoming orders are currently moderate and it is uncertain how the global markets will develop given the political situation. It is difficult to predict how this will affect the PCB market and our own business. Optiprint is well equipped for the challenges ahead thanks to its constant investment in new machines and systems and the continuous expansion of its workforce.
During a tour of the company, the new machines and systems were shown and details of their capabilities and use were explained.
A new electroplating system from Galvabau is used to apply the final surfaces ENIG (electroless nickel - immersion gold), ISIG (immersion silver plating and partially autocatalytic gold plating) and, in future, DIG (direct immersion gold).
The new InfinityLine cleaning system from Schmid is used for the final cleaning of printed circuit boards for medical technology, whereby even thin products up to a minimum thickness of 0.1 mm can be cleaned.
Two new drilling and milling machines from Schmoll Maschinen's Multi-X series will increase processing capacity. They can be used flexibly as all-rounders, as they can run at up to 300,000 rpm, offer a wide range of parameterization and optimization options and can be equipped with up to 1,400 drilling and milling tools in the magazine.
The new PicoµFlex laser system from Schmoll Maschinen is equipped with a picolaser, which prevents carbonization and improves the quality of the end product. In addition, the beam width (from 13 µm to 60 µm) and beam shape can be adjusted so that the laser system can be used for a wide variety of processing tasks.
A new HORST robot from the manufacturer 'fruitcore robotics' is now used to automatically unload the pressed sheets from the brushing system.
The new permanganate line from Schmid further improves borehole cleaning.
In addition, the PV system on Optiprint's roof areas has been expanded, doubling its output to 100 kWp, which benefits the environment. Because this is also part of sustainability. Optiprint is well equipped for the future thanks to its sustainability-oriented investment and personnel policy.
New permanaganate system
New drilling and milling machines from the Multi-X series
New InfinityLine cleaning system
New electroplating system from Galvabau
The new PicoμFlex laser system
New HORST robot
