World-class defence systems

Client Profile

Electro-Optic Systems (EOS) operate in the aerospace and defence markets with products that focus on the prevention of casualties. EOS products incorporate electro-optic applications based on a wide range of technologies: software, laser, electronics, optronics, gimbals, telescopes, beam directors, and precision mechanisms.

EOS products are often deployed in extreme and harsh environments and are required to be highly compliant and highly reliable. PCB assemblies and sub-assembly systems go through rigorous testing before final product assembly.

On-time delivery is critical for EOS as it allows them to plan and deliver products on schedule to their global customer base.

Industry

Aerospace and Defence

Location

Australia

Involvement

Advanced manufacturing services for a range of PCB assemblies and sub-assemblies inclusive of downstream value added services
Testing of PCBa and Sub systems
Service & Repair services for a range of PCB assemblies and sub-assemblies

The Brief

EOS required a manufacturing partner that could meet their exacting standards. They required a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and our services to develop high-quality and reliable products, all manufactured to IPC Class 3 standards.

Our supply chain was to effectively manage inventory to meet customer requirements for their monthly scheduled orders.

Project goals

Provide EOS with world-class manufactured electronic assemblies that meet the below standards:

Military-spec environment
Exceptional reliability for operation in the harshest of environmental conditions
Compliance with international standards
Demand fulfillment where on-time delivery is critical to downstream client operations

The Outcome

Extel-built products are now integrated into the entire EOS product range.

Business advantages

EOS has gained several critical advantages as an outcome of our products and services.

Technical advantages

Production of highly-complex, reliable and compliant products
Integrated supply chain solutions

Project challenges

Eliminate the risk of counterfeit components being used by having a forensic eye for detail
Sustaining engineering to ensure materials and supply chain are optimized
Clinical first article inspection and in-process control to maintain a zero defect requirement
Optomized supply chain to ensure Extel can react to fluctuation in demand due to match with the end client schedule changes

Addressing the challenges

Dedicated program manager
Regular monthly and quarterly meetings with the client
Extel staff receive on-going IPC training from our in-house master trainer to maintain required standards
Investment in best-in-class Surface Mount and Through-Hole manufacturing equipment
Investment in the latest Quality Control & Quality Assurance equipment, systems & processes
Full traceability on components using the lot tracking function on our ERP/MRP system
At program kick-off, there were regular meetings between our production engineering team and EOS to provide feedback on the manufacturability of the PCB assemblies (DFM)
The regular monthly meeting between the Extel program team and EOS to ensure they are kept up to date with any supply chain challenges
Our component engineering team is in regular contact with the EOS engineering department to identify all last-time-buy and end-of-life items, identifying and recommending suitable alternatives before they become a supply chain issue