APR avoids production bottlenecks by choosing Europlacer

Many electronics assembly companies recognize this situation.

Your machinery is still running. But not as efficiently as it should.

Changeovers take a lot of time. The speed of the machines no longer meets demand, and as the systems age, the availability of support and service decreases.

This was the situation facing APR Elektronica Productie in Zevenbergen (NL).

The reality: too little flexibility

APR had an existing line that had run reliably for years. But in an environment with an increasing number of PCB variants and frequent changes, it became clear that extra flexibility was needed to continue growing.

Larger production runs took a relatively long time because the production line’s output could no longer keep pace with demand. Miniaturization required additional preparation, and last-minute changes put pressure on the schedule, with a direct impact on capacity and delivery reliability.

For APR, this was a clear signal: to continue serving their customers optimally in the future, it was time to take the next step.

The challenge: speed without chaos

APR looked beyond mere speed and sought above all a way to gain even better control of their production and prepare it for the future.

A production line that adapts to variation. That simplifies setup. And that supports operators rather than slowing them down.

Not working harder, but producing smarter.

That question marked the start of their benchmarking process.

The comparison

APR benchmarked three brands. Not based on specifications alone, but on how the machines perform in daily production.

Europlacer was the deciding factor.

The combination of extensive feeder options and a well-thought-out software approach provided a clear advantage. The machines align better with the way APR operates, with high variation and frequent changeovers.

The choice of a European player also played a role. Long-term certainty and a partner that is close by are becoming increasingly important.

The Solution in Practice

With the Europlacer ii P7 and ii-N2, operations on the shop floor changed noticeably.

The ii P7 is a high-accuracy stencil printer. Thanks to linear encoders with a resolution of 1 micron, APR can efficiently process various PCB and stencil types without compromising on accuracy.

The ii-N2 is a flexible pick-and-place machine, designed for maximum versatility in high-mix environments. With a very high feeder capacity (264) and support for a wide range of component and feeder formats, this machine is ideal for environments with high variation and frequent changes.

Result: production that works for them again

Today, APR has a production line that supports them rather than holding them back.

They combine speed with flexibility while maintaining control over their process. In a market where some components are scarce and supply reliability is crucial, that makes all the difference.