Robotic Process Systems Inc., of Spokane Valley, has introduced a smaller, less expensive robotic system designed to solder connectors and other components onto circuit boards for automotive, aerospace, and other commercial uses.


Larger soldering systems built by Robotic Process Systems can perform similar functions faster and on bigger circuit boards than the new Rhythm Selective Solder System, says Jess Baker, the companys president. Yet, the new system will appeal to smaller manufacturers, he predicts.


In terms of revenue, I think this will be our biggest product ever, says Baker. The system was introduced earlier this week at an assembly technology show in Chicago. It injects molten tin or lead into the end of a pencil-like device that the robot maneuvers to attach connectors, which range in diameter between one-100,000th of an inch and five inches, to other parts that stick through the circuit board, Baker says. He says theres practically no room for error in the placement of those connectors.


The company says the rhythm solder system is well-suited for applications where the printed circuit board is manufactured in small or large lot quantities with high product mix.


While other robotic systems the company makes often sell for $150,000 to $225,000, the rhythm solder machine will sell for less than $60,000, he says. Its only four feet long, which is tiny compared with the large systems the company sells.


Tony Goltiani, a production scheduler for Robotic Process Systems, says the company currently employs 20 people, but hopes to expand that number if sales of the rhythm solder system warrant adding workers.


The other products that the company manufactures include seven models of selective soldering machines, three solder-testing machines, and a laser marker that puts identifying information on circuit boards, he says.


Goltiani says much of the companys business comes from selling equipment that solders connectors and other components after circuit boards have emerged from a reflex-oven process during which small surface-mount parts are soldered with hard plastic. Robotic Process Systems equipment then solders parts that cant withstand the high temperature of the reflex oven, which reaches up to 455 F.


Without the selective soldering equipment manufactured by Robotic Process Systems and a small number of other companies, that soldering would have to be done by hand, says Baker.


The company occupies about 16,000 square feet of leased space in the Spokane Business & Industrial Park, at 3808 N. Sullivan Road.


Robotic Process Systems launched in Simi Valley, Calif., in 1985, and moved to Spokane in 1993, Baker says. In 2005, the company had revenue of $2 million, he says.


Contact Rocky Wilson at (509) 344-1264 or via e-mail at rockyw@spokanejournal.com.