Juki Automation Systems Corporation, Japan, has been pushing forward organisational reform with the intention of transforming the entire Juki Group into a world-class manufacturing organisation. Being the supplier and manufacturer of surface mounting technology machines, the company has continuously been strengthening its position in the electronics assembly, test systems, apparel systems and equipment domains, along with its industrial sewing machines that form its core business. Going forward, the company is also focusing on improved customer relationships. It continues to provide products and services by taking its customers needs and desires strictly into account. The company has been creating value together with its clients by learning directly from them Juki also promotes environmental concerns and has acquired iso14001 certification. The company has 12 offices in major cities across India, and offers post and pre-sales services with its own set of engineers. To know more on its plans, LED World came in contact with Praveen Madaan, Country Head India (SMT division), Juki India Pvt. Ltd. very precisely; Madaan shared his insights on the current happenings and future course of actions. Here are the edited excerpts:
What is the current state of India’s SMT in view of the growing complexities of the electronic systems?
SMT equipment is ready to handle the growing complexity of electronics systems. Customers need to be educated to select the right machine and process for their products. Availability of comparatively cheaper products from China has created a bit of price pressure, which sometime attracts and induces customers to compromise and buy cheaper SMT equipment without knowing the implications afterwards in terms of quality of the product.
What are the factors driving India’s SMT industry? Is India’s requirement different owing to the weather conditions?
Lots of products are being converted from ‘Thru Hole’ to SMT to get advantage of mass production, automation, reliability, miniaturisation and cost.
How important is SMT in LED lighting industry? How has SMT evolved with the advent of LED in lighting?
SMT in LED lighting is very important with clear advantage in terms of ease of manufacturing, reliability, and cost. It has nowadays been rapidly emerging as a cottage industry. It has actually been revolutionised due to clear advantage of Green product manufacturing.
Since PCBs are specifically developed for LED lighting. Is the mounting process any different in this case? Please explain.
Mounting process is same for LED or any other SMT PCBA assembly. In the case of PCBs for LEDs, it is rather a simpler one.
How has been JUKI placed, when it comes to contributing to the growth of country’s SMT/PCB industry?
Juki has a major share in LED lighting industry. Juki products are very popular in LED lighting industry due to it’s clear advantage of price performance and handling of all kind of LED’s and SMT Components handling reliably.
Which all machines do you have on offer, specifically for LED lighting industry?
We offer JX350, RS-1 and FX3RAL mainly for LED lighting industry.
Which is the most selling model and why?
JX350 is very popular in LED industry because of it’s capability to handle up to 1500mm length of PCB, besides facilitating to process full range of LED components and mounting of certain special components which the competitors or the competing models from other suppliers are not able to handle.
What is Juki’s USP? Why should one opt for Juki’s association?
Juki provides complete line solution and guide new customers for the initial set up and process to be successful.
What is the contribution from LED lighting segment in the company’s total revenue?
As of now, 60% of Juki’s revenue comes from LED lighting industry.
How has been India’s PCB industry moving nowadays?
There is not enough domestic capacity to meet the demand of PCB industry in India. Customers are still depended on import to meet the demand.
With rapidly changing SMT scenario how do you see the prospect of PCB industry with special reference to LED lighting?
PCB industry will definitely going to grow in time to come. It has lots of potential to cover all segments.
