Unmatched brings SMD production in-house with a fully automated line from Smd-Tec

For the fast-growing technology company Unmatched from Aalter, outsourcing printed circuit board assembly was a matter of course for a long time. But as the complexity of the products increased and the need for flexibility and quality assurance grew, a strategic choice became necessary: taking SMD production into their own hands.

 From outsourcing to control over the entire production process

Unmatched develops software and hardware solutions aimed at the healthcare sector and embedded systems, where reliability and quality are crucial. Outsourced assembly increasingly led to limitations: longer lead times, dependence on third parties, and less scope to quickly implement design adjustments.

“By bringing production closer to our R&D, we can react much faster,” says Kevin De Gryse, R&D Team Leader at Unmatched. “Manufacturability is now already taken into account in the design phase. This results not only in better products, but also in lower production costs.”

A future-oriented investment

The decision to produce in-house was not taken lightly, as there was little in-house experience and know-how regarding SMD production. A decisive factor was Smd-Tec's experience in supporting start-up assembly companies throughout the entire process, including machine and process training.

Smd-Tec supplied and integrated a fully automated SMD line at Unmatched, tailored to both current and future production volumes. The installation includes, among other things:

• a loader and unloader for automatic loading and unloading of the production line
• a fully automatic stencil printer and reflow oven from Autotronik
• a flexible and versatile Fox pick-and-place from Essemtec
• Integrated component storage for optimal logistics from Arcadia
• a Pillarhouse THT selective soldering machine for mixed-technology assemblies

This combination enables Unmatched to efficiently and cost-effectively produce both small series and growing volumes at the highest quality.

Measurable benefits: time, cost, and quality

Since the commissioning of the SMD line, Unmatched has seen clear improvements:

• Time saving: shorter lead times and faster link between design and production
• Cost reduction: lower logistics costs, no unexpected price increases from external partners
• Higher quality: full process control and direct quality assurance
• More flexibility: respond quickly to changes without dependence on third parties

Moreover, the close link between R&D and production makes it possible to continuously optimize products, leading to cheaper production with higher and more consistent quality.

Accelerated time-to-market

In markets where speed is a competitive advantage, in-house SMD production plays a key role. New designs can be validated and scaled up faster, without waiting times at external assembly partners.  

“Our time-to-market has improved enormously,” according to Filip Gelaude, owner of Unmatched. “We decide today and can produce tomorrow. That was unthinkable in the past.”

Investment that pays for itself

According to Unmatched, the investment in the SMD production line is one that pays for itself in the long run. Not only through direct cost savings, but also because in-house production allows the company to channel growth in a controlled and sustainable manner.

“This step gives us the technical clout to grow further without compromising our quality standards. We are particularly pleased with the collaboration with Smd-Tec and with the solution, which today perfectly aligns with our ambitions,” concludes Kevin De Gryse.

A success story of strategic feasibility

The project at Unmatched demonstrates how investing in in-house industrial electronics production is more than an operational decision. It is a strategic choice that leads to greater autonomy, better products, and a stronger market position.

“It has been my mantra for many years: an in-house SMD production line guarantees greater flexibility, higher quality, and a shorter time-to-market,” says Tom Van Tongelen, owner of Smd-Tec. “With this realization, Smd-Tec once again confirms its role as a partner for companies that want to organize their electronic production in a future-oriented way.”

More information about Unmatched and Smd-Tec via www.unmatched.eu  and  www.smd-tec.be .