Count On Tools, Inc. (COT), a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, will exhibit in Booth #2801 at the 2016 IPC APEX EXPO, scheduled to take place March 15-17, 2016 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Company representatives will celebrate COT’s 25-year anniversary with several promotions and giveaways. Additionally, the IPC APEX EXPO will mark the official launch of the QWIKTRAY program for the U.S. market.

The new QWIKTRAY system has been developed to provide low-cost, custom matrix trays for many types of electronic components. The QWIKTRAY platform allows surface mount components to be picked up in a repeatable method when tape-and-reel is not available and standard JEDEC trays do not exists. Customers no longer have to place these components by hand.

Utilizing the latest in machining and additive manufacturing technologies, QWIKTRAY will develop a custom pocket design matched to your component specifications and machine it into a finished matrix tray. QWIKTRAYs can be designed for almost any component, including QFP, BGA, hybrid, assemblies, sockets, pins, connectors, LEDs, switches, buttons, transformers and more.

Each QWIKTRAY is CNC machined to the specific configuration for your component and ships ready to load and install in the equipment. Each QWIKTRAY includes CAD drawings, containing pocket dimensions, first part location, spacing, and other programing details. QWIKTRAYs come standard in non-ESD black acrylic (ESD-safe and other materials are optional).

The QWIKTRAY program provides rapid turnaround on the design and production of any quantity of custom matrix trays. Standard lead time is 7-10 days with optional expedited service in as little as 24-48 hours (additional charges may apply). The system is designed for any application requirements, from prototype to high-volume processes. With the QWIKTRAY platform, there is one flat fee per tray with no minimum orders and no additional charges for design, programing, molds, setup, etc. Volume discounts also are available.

Count On Tools, Inc. (COT), a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, is pleased to announce the company’s 25-year anniversary. In 1991, Curt Couch, President of Count On Tools became a U.S. distributor of PB Swiss Tools, formerly known as PB Baumann Hand Tools. This business led to his further research in the surface mount technology and electronics manufacturing industry, and ultimately, the creation of Count On Tools Inc.

“I feel honored at the thought of where I started and where Count On Tools is today as a company, commented Curt Couch, President of Count On Tools. “We came from humbled beginnings, but strived for excellence. This, combined with many other factors, has allowed us to continue to grow year after year. I am proud of our 25-year track record of organic growth and sustained profitability while delivering global solutions for SMT nozzles and consumables to this industry.”

The market and electronics industry as a whole continues to push the boundaries of design and innovation, which provides constant motivation for Count On Tools to evolve. This has fueled the team’s passion to not only offer products, but create solutions for everyday problems in the industry. “It has always been exciting to develop new ideas with my team here at COT. We have such great people employed here, and I am honored to work with them. COT is an exceptional company because we handle adversity so well. We are never afraid of change and we are able to quickly adapt to most circumstances, including new challenges from customers.”

Count On Tools manufactures high-quality, low-cost pick-and-place nozzles and associated components for the SMT and electronics manufacturing industries. Proven engineering expertise, coupled with the company’s commitment to manufacturing excellence and investment in the latest production equipment, ensures that innovation and competitiveness is applied to all of its extensive product range.

“Our success is a result of positive attitude, hard work, patience, learning from failures and above all, being fair to customers,” Couch continued. “Our company's culture really reflects the fundamental rule, which is treating people more important than business itself with an unwavering commitment to meeting our customers’ needs. We will continue to focus on excellence while building strong working relationships between our employees, customers, vendors and partners, and producing quality products with the best value in mind.”

Count On Tools continues to offer original rework services as well as custom tooling/nozzle design services and new nozzle offerings. Each year, the company produces thousands of custom nozzle designs for an array of components, from LEDs to connectors and switches.

Couch added, “We are forward focused on the next evolution of our company and have plans to continue to develop and deliver additional value to our clients and innovation to the industry. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the loyal support of our customers, partners and vendors. These first 25 years have been a journey and I feel quite honored to say that we look forward to 25 more.”