News

Agilent Technologies' Automated X-Ray Inspection System Selected by Plexus


SANTA CLARA, CA, January 29, 2008

Agilent Technologies (NYSE: A) announced that Plexus, a global electronic manufacturing services provider, has selected the Agilent Medalist x6000 Automated X-ray Inspection System as part of its test and inspection strategy for new products.

The Agilent x6000 reduces manufacturing conversion costs without compromising the defect-detection capability required on Plexus' complex boards. It more than doubles the throughput of market-leading 3-D solutions while using full 3-D capability to find defects.

"The addition of 3-D X-ray completes our portfolio of production test and inspection equipment," said Gary Simpson, engineering and manufacturing manager at Plexus. "This enhancement to our existing 2-D X-ray capability provides the automated solution we need to serve our customers.

"Demands for high reliability with long MTBF rates in medical and high-end industrial markets drive ever-tighter process control and inspection strategies. Agilent's X6000 will enhance our overall capability in both areas and allow efficient volume processing," added Mr. Simpson.

The Agilent x6000 finds defects in solder joints, resulting in higher end-product quality and lower warranty repair and scrap costs. The system achieves more than 90% defect coverage while meeting or exceeding line beat rates.

"Electronic products across various industries are becoming increasingly complex, and at the same time, customers throughout the entire product supply chain are demanding higher quality," said Jim Benson, product manager of Agilent's Measurement Systems Division. "These challenges are driving manufacturers to seek better test and inspection solutions that can deliver the level of defect coverage necessary to ensure that only reliable and defect-free products are shipped."

Further Information and Availability

More information on the Medalist x6000 is available at www.agilent.com/find/x6000.

About Plexus

Plexus is an award-winning participant in the electronics manufacturing services industry, providing product design, test, manufacturing, fulfillment, and after-market solutions to branded product companies in the wireline/networking, wireless infrastructure, medical, industrial/commercial, and defense/security/aerospace industries. Information about Plexus is available at www.plexus.com/.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies is a premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences, and chemical analysis. The company's 19,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $5.4 billion in fiscal 2007. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com/.