Tag: semiconductors

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Electronic Components

Case Study – A Switch to Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness

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Case Study – A switch to Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness

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The Customer

A long-standing USA-based commercial vehicle manufacturer, renowned for their custom-engineered trucks, with a history extending over 120 years.

The Problem: Navigating Increasing Costs and Supply Reliability

The customer was burdened by the frequent price hikes of their original Honeywell switch. These increases were occurring three times annually, posing a serious financial strain.

Faced with the unsustainable costs of the Honeywell switch, the customer needed an alternative that would not only be cost-effective but also ensure consistent quality and supply reliability. They required a switch that could seamlessly integrate without disrupting their manufacturing processes.

The Solution: Lantek's Tailored Sourcing Strategy

The engagement began through a trusted connection. The buyer at the customer’s end, having worked with Senior Account Manager Shannon Mitchell from Lantek in various capacities across different organizations, reached out, confident in Lantek’s ability to provide a viable solution.

Shannon, utilizing her extensive experience and understanding of the industry, leveraged the specifications of the existing Honeywell switch to cross-reference and identify a suitable alternative.

Shannon identified a Nason switch as the best alternative, ensuring this process involved meticulous matching of PSI, size, and other critical specifications to ensure compatibility and functionality.

The Outcome: Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings

The alternative Nason switch sourced by Lantek not only matched the original Honeywell switch in terms of fit, form, and function but also brought a more stable and predictable pricing structure. This was evidenced by only one price increase since the start of the business relationship with Nason, in contrast to the thrice-yearly increases of the Honeywell switch.

Beyond the immediate cost savings and stability in pricing, the new switch also provided the customer with increased supply reliability. Lantek’s ability to hold stock for up to 12 months ensured that the customer had a consistent supply of the necessary components, buffering them against market fluctuations and supply chain uncertainties.

The customer expressed high satisfaction with both the quality of service and the performance of the alternative switch. Lantek’s solution was acknowledged as instrumental in addressing their primary concerns of cost and supply reliability.

Conclusion: Lantek’s Role as a Strategic Sourcing Partner

By providing a cost-effective, reliable alternative to the Honeywell switch, Lantek not only aided the customer in maintaining their production efficiency but also fortified a relationship built on trust and satisfaction.

This case study serves as a testament to Lantek’s expertise in sourcing and supplying high-quality components, tailored to the specific needs of our customers. Our approach – focusing on understanding the client’s problem, strategic sourcing, and delivering customized solutions – positions us as a trusted and reliable partner in the industry, capable of tackling a variety of challenges with efficiency and effectiveness.

Lantek’s ability to provide second-source alternatives, replacements for obsolete components, and significant cost savings showcases our expertise in addressing similar challenges faced by other businesses.

For businesses seeking reliable second-source alternatives and aiming to control costs, Lantek recommends our scheduled ordering service. This service ensures fixed pricing and stock availability for up to 12 months, protecting against price increases and availability issues.

If you are facing similar challenges in your operations or seeking reliable, cost-effective sourcing solutions, get in touch today on +1 973-579-8100 or email sales@lantekcorp.com. Our team is dedicated to providing you with customized solutions that meet your unique requirements.

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Charity/Global

American company runs women in semiconductor industry initiative

The WiSH initiative

Texas Instruments is hosting the Women in Semiconductors and Hardware (WiSH) initiative for the second time.  

The program is aimed at female engineering students in India to encourage them to join the industry. 

The scheme involves a month of mentoring in the semiconductor and hardware industries. The company will host 100 students from 22 colleges.  

According to the Texas Instruments India MD, Santhosh Kumar, only 14% of women end up working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in the country. Kumar added that he hoped the WiSH program could help change the status quo and encourage females earlier in their professional journey. 

Other tech industry initiatives

There are several initiatives to encourage more women in the field of electronics based in the US too. The non-profit ‘Women in Electronics’ was formed in 2017 by Jackie Mattox. The organization is focused on encouraging women in electronics industry leadership roles. It is sponsored by some very big names in the industry, including TTI, DigiKey and Mouser Electronics.  

Another organization founded in 2017 is the Women in STEM group. This focuses on increasing the STEM opportunities for high school girls, while breaking down the stereotypes surrounding women in the STEM industries.  

Some STEM stats

A study by the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission released in July 2022 stated that women made up only 29.3% of STEM positions. This proportion is even smaller in leadership positions, with only 25.9% of STEM leaders being female. Women were found to be 40% less likely to work in engineering, and 92% more likely to work in science over technology jobs. 

These statistics, however, are vastly improved from the US Census data collected in 1970 when only 8% of STEM workers were women.  

Here at Lantek we pride ourselves on nurturing all of our employees, and ensuring everyone receives equal opportunity. It also benefits our customers, who can receive top-class sales support from every single member of our team. 

If you’re searching for electronic components, choose Lantek to supply you. With our huge stocklist and sourcing expertise, we can guarantee the best components for the best price. Call us on 1-973-579-8100 or email us at sales@lantekcorp.com. 

Categories
Electronic Components

Happy Independence Day from Lantek

Happy Independence Day from Lantek

In the United States, the 4th of July is a very special day. 
 

It is the day we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the document that created the United States of America.  

 

The date has been a federal holiday since 1941, which means we here in the US are lucky enough to get a day off! 

 

Independence Day means a lot to us here at Lantek. As an independent global electronic component distributor, independence comes with the territory. Our independence has helped us better serve our customers since the company was founded.  

 

Working with Lantek helps keep you independent too. With our all-encompassing service, you are not relying on multiple companies to fill your requirements.  

 

Many of the values in the Declaration of Independence are reflected in our company’s core values: 

Determination 

Making sure to always go the extra mile to meet your requirements. Whether it is stocking, sourcing or selling, Lantek is here to help. 

Faith 

We can give you assurance that when you buy with Lantek, you are choosing a reliable source with years of experience in sourcing. 

Loyalty 

Your dedicated Account Manager who will be your point of contact for everything that you need, with no unwanted communications. 

Trust 

Our industry-leading quality and component inspection gives you the reassurance that your supply chain is protected with Lantek. 

 

 

Although we are off celebrating Independence Day today, we will be back tomorrow to fill all your electronic component requirements. Email us now at sales@lantekcorp.com and we will get back to you.  

Categories
Electronic Components

Global semiconductor sales increase in April

Global semiconductor sales increase in April

Global semiconductor industry sales were $40bn during April 2023, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association. This is an increase of 0.3% from March’s $39.8bn, but 21.6% less than April last year, which was $50.9bn.

The global semiconductor forecast

SIA President and CEO John Neuffer said the market remained in a cyclical downturn, but hoped the slight month-to-month increase heralded the coming of better times ahead.

The World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization released a spring 2023 global semiconductor forecast, which was endorsed by the SIA. The forecast predicted the annual global sales would be $515.1bn this year. This is down from the $574.1bn achieved in 2022, but the WSTS predicted the market would achieve its highest-ever total at $576.0bn in 2024.

Legacy chip demand

Despite the chip shortage lessening, the new challenge facing the industry is scaling up to the new level of demand. The step-up from the older legacy technology often used in consumer goods to newer, more advanced tech is taking time. And currently, this is causing stockpiles of certain chips while others are scarce.

This is one of the reasons why shortages are persisting in some areas of the industry, while other areas have mostly recovered.

Electronic component supply and demand

Worldwide chip production in general is increasing, alongside investments in new equipment and plants. But there still seems to be inventory for certain products that isn’t decreasing. The automotive and EV market is still seeing persistent shortages. Certain automotive companies are struggling with legacy chip availability, while EV makers are trying to stock new tech iterations.

Some predict there will be another chip shortage, despite the introduction of the CHIPS Act. Influencing areas of development, including AI, IoT and 5G will affect demand, but the uncertainty is to what extent it will be affected. Another uncertainty is the likelihood of geopolitical events or natural disasters, which cannot be predicted. This may shut factories or affect transportation, and change the semiconductor output overnight.

Continuing demand

We’re all aware that there are shortages of both everyday components and obsolete electronic parts. Lantek is the perfect partner in times like these, so get in touch today. We’ll be there every step of the way, from your first inquiry until your order is fulfilled. Call us on 1-973-579-8100 or email us at sales@lantekcorp.com. 

Categories
Electronic Components

New CHIPS Act guardrails proposed

New CHIPS Act guardrails proposed

The US Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has asked Commerce for more flexibility for recipients with facilities in “foreign
countries of concern” in the CHIPS Act.

The SIA published comments on 22 May, asking for a revision on a Proposed Rule of the CHIPS Act, which they say would “unduly restrict
ordinary business activities”. They also believe the Rule is much more restrictive than the goals originally set by Congress.

These “guardrails” are being introduced to prevent the improper use of CHIPS Act funding.

Funding limitations

The Act sets out that any recipients of funding are limited to how much they can invest in “foreign countries of concern”. Existing legacy
manufacturing facilities or equipment were made exempt from these regulations. The Act also states any “significant renovation” to these facilities going forward means they no longer qualify.

The SIA’s comments express concern over the new Proposed Rule’s definition of a significant renovation. Unlike the original rules put
forward, it says, the revised definition could hamper the maintenance and running of these facilities.

One of the reasons for the Act was to ease the US’s reliance on Chinese-produced semiconductors. However, according to the SIA some of the
restrictions will hold CHIPS Act recipients back from competing against other industry players.

The SIA’s response

In the SIA’s comments it says the guardrails should allow companies to maintain the “basic competitiveness” of their facilities. As it is
now, it believes the Proposed Rule would leave companies unable to even maintain facilities.

Among other recommendations, the comments also list changes to how often capacity is measured and revisions to the definition of a legacy
semiconductor.

In a statement released alongside the comments, the SIA said it looked forward to continued engagement and partnership with the Commerce
Department.

 

In comments published separately to those on the guardrails, the SIA also published comments on the advanced manufacturing investment credit regulations proposed by the Treasury Department. Both press releases are available here.

Stay on top of the latest news

Alongside Lantek Corporation being one of the best electronic component distributors around, we also keep you up to date with the latest industry news. Check out other posts on our blog here.

Categories
Electronic Components

Robots in automotive manufacturing

Robots used in automotive manufacturing

The automotive industry is one of the most highly automated supply chains in the world. Of course, robots alone can’t manufacture vehicles, but you can find them in every step of the process.

Welding

Every car needs a large amount of welding, so it makes sense to automate these steps where possible in manufacture.  Welding is a hazardous job, with extreme temperatures, chemicals and weld flash. Taking the human element away from this will not only benefit manufacturers, but will also keep workers safe.

Welding is a job that requires a high degree of accuracy so repeatable, high accuracy welds without human error are also desirable. As the industry progresses and lighter cars are required, and tighter welds that are only possible because of robots.

Painting, coating and sealing

Similarly with welding, painting cars is a job that releases toxic flames and puts workers undertaking it at risk. It also allows the painting to be inhumanly even and perfectly distributed. The same robots can often prime and seal a car body too.

Internal logistics

Just in case you weren’t aware, cars are pretty heavy. Robotics keep the assembly line going by moving heavy loads between stages.

Additionally transporting incoming and outgoing goods can be optimised by swapping the usual manually-operated forklifts for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). These AMRs can navigate without help to different areas of a facility depending on their cargo. They can also easily deal with awkwardly-shaped objects where a forklift may not.

Assembly

Just as with larger components, smaller car parts can also be assembled by robots. With components like motors that are potentially too small for human hands, automation can be useful.

There are plenty of other areas in the car manufacturing process that are improved with automation. These include removal of material, fixing other machines and dealing with molten metal.

They are not alone

Robots cannot function without human counterparts. The machines need to be programmed, controlled and maintained by staff. So, instead of robots replacing workers, workers and robots have to work together to successfully run a manufacturing facility.

Supplied for you

Lantek can provide a substantial range of electronic components, and we’re experts at sourcing hard-to-find components when others cannot. If you’re looking for components, whether they’re obsolete or day-to-day, choose Lantek as your supplier. Contact us now on 1-973-579-8100, or send us an email at sales@lantekcorp.com.

Disclaimer: This blog is purely for informational purposes and is not instructional. 

Categories
Electronic Components

CHIPS Act Statements of Interest

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CHIPS Act statement of interest

The Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Act Program Office has received more than 200 Statements of Interest (SOIs) since February.

NOFO

The first Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was released at the end of February this year. The NOFO detailed some of the incentives for semiconductor and equipment manufacturing facilities laid out in the CHIPS Act.

Over 50% of the statements show interest in the first NOFO, but the rest indicate interest in upcoming funding opportunities for 
semiconductor suppliers and R&D facilities.

Applicants include leading-edge fabs, legacy chip facilities and packaging facilities. The Department is evaluating applications based on whether they will advance the US economy and protect national security.

Statements so far

The CHIPS Program Office Director, Mike Schmidt, and Chief Investment Officer, Todd Fisher, were recently interviewed by Bloomberg.

During the interview Schmidt mentioned some issues that were repeatedly coming up in SOIs, including what federal state local permits were required, and what the NIPA (National Income and Product Accounts) review process would be.

Schmidt made it clear that, although the US has a share in the global semiconductor R&D industry, it is lagging behind in leading-edge logic and advanced chips. They also both stressed they were aiming for supply chain resilience, rather than a purely financial return.

Supporting the industry workforce

Some critics have questioned the relevancy of certain areas covered in the CHIPS Act, including the childcare clause. The Act’s first NOFO set childcare requirements that manufacturers would have to fulfil to qualify for funding. Some question whether this is relevant or necessary to the Act, however Fisher and Schmidt said it was.

Schmidt stated that workforce concerns are at the top of many companies priorities lists. He said that adding a childcare clause is an aide to attracting a larger, more diverse workforce down the line. Fisher added that in the last 20 years the domestic semiconductor industry lost a third of its workers while the industry tripled globally.

The two also cited companies such as Samsung, TSMC and Micron who all have successful childcare policies in place.

A class act

 

Despite the fast-paced nature of the electronics industry, Lantek Corporation is a safe, reliable choice to source all your electronic components.
With an extensive stocklist, global network, unrivalled on-time delivery and dedicated account management team, we’re able to provide a rapid response to our customers’ urgent needs and dynamic market conditions. Contact Lantek today at sales@lantekcorp.com, or call us on 1-973-579-8100. 

Categories
Electronic Components

We’ve moved!

Lantek team
Lantek team in their new office

We've moved!

Welcome to the new Lantek HQ

This month we had the official opening of our brand new facilities. With more than 10,000 square feet of warehouse space and beautiful offices, this moves marks a key milestone in Lantek’s history.

Lantek has been trading for nearly 30 years, and we haven’t slowed down for a second. From our humble beginnings we have become a serious competitor in the electronic component industry. The new facilities play an integral role in servicing our customers, improving our efficiency and expanding our capacity. This will in turn help us deliver on our on-going commitment to providing the highest levels of customer service and support.

We’ve been very busy this week with the move, but some of our staff took a second to tell us what the new offices meant to them.

Lantek new facilities building work in progress
The warehouse while construction was underway
Lantek new facilities ribbon cutting
The official ribbon cutting
Lantek new warehouse
Lantek new warehouse space
Lantek team
Lantek team in their new office
Categories
Electronic Components Environment

Increase in lithium battery recycling

Increase in lithium battery recycling

The Department of Energy (DOE) is making further investments in lithium battery recycling.

In late February the DOE loaned battery recycling company Li-Cycle $375 million to build a plant near Rochester, New York.

This followed several other recycling companies’ announcements about lithium battery recycling facilities, including Ecobat and Redwood Materials.

The latest facility will be Li-Cycle’s fifth in North America.

Significant investment

Many facility announcements have come as production and popularity of EVs grows in the US. Not only in recycling, but also lithium battery production. Earlier this year the DOE announced a $700 million loan for a processing facility at the Rhyolite Ridge lithium deposit in Nevada.

The company in charge of the facility, Ioneer, states there will be enough lithium produced from the site to build 400,000 EVs each year.

The goals

The US is aiming for 500,000 EV chargers and 50% of all new light-duty vehicle sales being electric by 2030. They are further hoping to be a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.

Sales of EVs in the US were 630,000 in 2021, according to the International Energy Agency. This would need more than 7,560 tonnes of lithium. To reach the goals stated by the Biden Administration, 90,000 tonnes of lithium would need to be produced. This is 1700% more than the lithium currently mined in the US.

Slow and steady

A lithium mine takes between four and 20 years to begin commercial production. Although there are several projects underway in the country, there’s no telling when these might become steady sources of lithium.

Lithium mining is a concern due to the water consumption and toxic chemicals that can leak into the environment. There are also lithium shortages predicted as soon as 2025. Recycling would make the production of lithium batteries more sustainable and potentially mitigate future shortages.

The cost of recycling these batteries can be high. There are additional risks with lithium batteries, demonstrated by the 245 fires across 4 waste facilities caused in the past. The process is pretty time-consuming too. Consequentially, the price of running safe recycling facilities is quite high.

There is hope, though, that it will be worth it in the future. 

Guaranteed

Lantek is a distributor with decades of experience in the electronic components industry. Whether you’re looking for new shortage components or obsolete ones, trust Lantek to provide what you need. Call us today on 1-973-579-8100 or send us an email at sales@lantekcorp.com.

Categories
Electronic Components Technology

The Chips Act childcare clause

The Chips Act childcare clause

Semiconductor manufacturers will have to provide affordable childcare for their workers, according to a clause in the Chips Act.

New regulations will mean that companies are required to provide day-care facilities near to their manufacturing sites. They could also provide subsidies to workers so they can pay for childcare separately.

This clause only applies to companies applying for $150 million or more in funding, but other applicants are also advised to put these measures in place.

The NOFO

These measures were released in the First Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on February 28th. It covers not only childcare provisions, but other measures to improve support for the workforce and their community.

Secretary of the Commerce Department, Gina Raimondo, praised the inclusion of a childcare clause. She has said in the past that a lack of childcare provisions prevented people from returning to work post-pandemic.

According to Raimondo, manufacturers and unions need to work with the department towards some grand goals. She hopes they can hire and train another million women in construction in the next ten years. This, she said, will help meet demand not only in the chip industry but across other industries.

Other requirements

Other provisions in the first NOFO require applicants to show their understanding of the Chips Act’s objectives. They also have to demonstrate partnerships with local governments, a plan for workforce training and supply chain risk and intellectual property theft mitigation plans.

Both the NOFO and the original legislation in the Chips Act will bring any foreign investment under a microscope. While foreign companies can apply for certain manufacturing incentives, there are stipulations. This include ineligibility if the country is listed as a ‘foreign entity of concern’, or if the application is funded by one.

There will be two further NOFOs released further down the line. The second NOFO will be based around semiconductor materials and equipment, and the third will be for R&D facilities.

Act now

Despite all the changes to chip legislation in the US, Lantek is not going anywhere. We will continue to do the best for our customers and make sure all their electronic component needs are met. Whether you’re based at home or internationally, we will harness our global network to ensure you always have what you need. Call us today on 1-973-579-8100, or email us at sales@lantekcorp.com to change your supply chain for the better.