Annual Report 2002 Komax – Success through ... - Komax Group

Komax Group
2002 sales by application
18__
Automotive industry approx. 55%
Household appliances approx. 20%
MedTec/Solar Energy/Others approx. 20%
Telecommunication/Electronics approx. 5%
Assembly automation – successful special applications
The Sibos Group achieved considerable success with special applications
for the automotive industry in the year under review. Next-generation
machines have been developed for the production of ABS systems, fuse
and relay boxes and electronic steering assistance. Applications with the
coating of terminal systems and the use of “molded interconnect devices”
(MID) also increased. MID is a process whereby electronic and mechanical
functions can be integrated onto any shape of thermoplastic circuit substrate.
This allows a high function density of the modules and enhances
miniaturization and rationalization. Sibos has designed solutions for all
three applications.
Sales of assembly systems with integrated cable processing have also
developed positively. Thanks to the cooperation between Sibos and
Komax, follow-up orders were acquired for the production of airbag connectors
and data communications cables with high transmission speed.
The further development of standard components was of central importance.
After the Domino and Trimino programs (Pick&Place and reel to
reel) and the LTS transfer system, an important phase in standardization
has been completed with the new standard cell Modulo. Thanks to the
new range of components customers can be offered the desired flexibility,
short lead times can be guaranteed and production costs reduced significantly.
The modules are used throughout the entire Group.
Development & engineering – maintaining our technology lead
Komax invested about CHF 17.3 million or 9% of sales to maintain its
technology leadership (2001: CHF 16.5 million). The focus was on the
development of platforms, the further development of existing products,
the launching of the Zeta 655 assembly robot and solutions for new connection
technologies.
Komax now has four established hardware and software platforms which
are used in all products. In this way the machines can be made more
user-friendly and production costs cut despite additional functions. In the
last fiscal year the Group applied for nine patent families to protect its
know-how.