One of SMT Supplies’ customers was facing a specific challenge with one of their new products, which required a specific in-process production function. They needed to move critical items that were susceptible to ESD (static) sensitivity from receiving into and through production, but they were unable to find a good solution for this. They tried many different options, including building their own wood containers. However, none of these solutions were successful.
The customer reached out to SMT Supplies after they could not find a successful solution on their own. The SMT Supplies team recommended using In-Plant Handlers from one of their suppliers, Protektive Pak. However, frustrations continued once both SMT and their customer realized that not only would two separate handlers be necessary for maximum efficiency, but also that the standard sized In-Plant Handlers would not fit the dimensions of their product.
The customer felt stuck - the only solution seemed to be a costly custom one and they felt as though they had run out of options.
SMT Supplies knew there had to be a better solution. Custom does not always mean costly; in fact, in most instances the proper protection of your products far outweighs the additional costs of custom handlers. SMT Supplies wanted to ensure that the customer was getting the best solution that would save them money and stress in the long run, not just short term savings.
SMT Supplies used their expertise and knowledge to work with the Protektive Pak design engineers to create a simple, elegant, and practical solution with custom-made handlers. This solution met the required specifications of the customer's product and not only met but exceeded the efficiency requirement.
Within a couple of weeks, the customer's engineers had the first article in hand, which was quickly put through the production process and approved. Their Quality Manager, commented “One concern was the life of the double-walled corrugated construction, but the custom handler has far out-lasted the expectations and the original boxes are still used everyday.” The entire team has been pleased with the results of their custom ESD solution and are able to move forward with the production of their new product with no additional frustrations.