In The News: Q&A with Tom Krol, Director of Strategic Accounts at ThermOmegaTech’s Electronics Division for PCB Directory

PCB Directory: Could you give us a brief overview of ThermOmegaTech’s Electronics Division?

Tom: ThermOmegaTech’s Electronics Division is a leading provider of Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) services, catering to diverse market segments, including aerospace, defense, and commercial electronics. The division was established through strategic acquisitions, beginning in 2018 with IMET Electronics Corporation, a local PCB contract manufacturer. In 2019, ThermOmegaTech® further expanded its expertise by acquiring TJM Electronics. In 2023, both companies were integrated into ThermOmegaTech® as the Electronics Division, enhancing the company’s capabilities and market reach.

ThermOmegaTech® has invested heavily in advanced equipment, modern processes, and stringent quality controls, earning the Electronics Division AS9100D certification for aerospace and defense manufacturing. Backed by years of combined experience among its talented workforce, the division is committed to delivering reliable, top-tier PCB assemblies that meet the highest industry standards.

Can you tell us about the PCB Services that you offer? What is your area of expertise within the broad range of PCBA services?

Tom: ThermOmegaTech’s Electronics Division offers a comprehensive range of Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) services, from prototyping to full-scale manufacturing and assembly.

Our core areas of expertise include:

  1. Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Assembly: High-precision automated placement of components for both simple and complex assemblies.
  2. Through-Hole Assembly: Skilled assembly for high-reliability applications, including aerospace and military products.
  3. Mixed Technology Assembly: Expertise in combining SMT and through-hole components in a single assembly.
  4. Prototyping & Low-Volume Production: Fast, flexible services to support product development and early-stage production.
  5. Prototype to Production Scaling: Flexible prototyping services to accelerate development cycles. Seamless transition from prototype to total production without compromising quality.
  6. Testing & Evaluation: Functional testing and automated optical inspection (AOI).

 

What Market Segments / Sectors do you cater to? Which one is the largest for you?

Tom: ThermOmegaTech’s Electronics division manufactures PCB assemblies for the aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, LED lighting, and non-commodity consumer electronics markets. Aerospace and defense are currently our largest markets.

 

What common issues arise in the prototyping/evaluation phase, and how does ThermOmegaTech® address them?

Tom: We collaborate closely with customers on the front end, building first articles and meticulously evaluating documentation to ensure all the data is there to build the best product possible, especially during those initial phases where the engineers evaluate designs. Our onboarding process – the NRF process – ensures we have everything we need from the start, allowing us to identify and address any issues early on, particularly with newer designs.

 

Can you tell us about your LED PCB Assembly Services? What is the difference between assembling LED PCBs?

Tom: ThermOmegaTech® provides custom LED PCB assembly solutions, including AC and DC LED modules, custom designs, and large LED PCB assemblies compatible with commercial IoT controls. We can handle various shapes and sizes of LED boards, up to 460 mm wide and 1,200 mm long. Our automated SMT assembly lines ensure high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective production. Partnering with ThermOmegaTech® guarantees professional support, innovative designs, and top-notch final LED board assemblies.

Can you tell us about the High-Reliability Printed Circuit Board Assemblies that you work with? What are some of the key parameters that you need to consider when developing High-Reliability PCBs? 

Tom: ThermOmegaTech’s Electronics Division specializes in high-reliability PCB assemblies for aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial equipment industries. These assemblies are built to perform under extreme conditions, withstanding high temperatures, vibration, and environmental stress.

Our PCB Prototyping services allow customers to evaluate their PCB designs thoroughly. We ensure that each prototype adheres to the specific design requirements provided by our customers, followed by comprehensive testing to guarantee functionality, precise component placement, and environmental durability.

With our AS9100D-certified quality management system, we emphasize stringent quality assurance throughout the prototyping process. ThermOmegaTech® combines advanced equipment and technical expertise to deliver high-quality prototypes that meet the highest industry standards.

 

How do you differentiate yourself from other PCB Assembly companies?

Tom: What genuinely sets ThermOmegaTech® apart from other PCB assembly companies is its dedication to exceptional customer service and technical problem-solving. We are highly technical and committed to helping customers from R&D through prototyping and production. We focus on building long-term relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction at every step.

 

What strategies has ThermOmegaTech implemented to expand its presence in the global market?

Tom: Looking to the future, ThermOmegaTech® aims to leverage its expertise in PCB assembly to explore niche markets and deliver solutions tailored to critical systems. By focusing on targeted market segments and maintaining a flexible approach, the company seeks to drive innovation and meet the evolving needs of its diverse clientele.

 

What advancements or innovations do you foresee in the field of PCB assembly, and how is ThermOmegaTech® preparing to adapt and stay ahead of industry trends?

Tom: ThermOmegaTech® continually seeks ways to enhance product miniaturization and performance. We constantly explore new applications and advancements that allow us to create even smaller, more efficient products.

ThermOmegaTech® is dedicated to adding value to customers’ products. We review each project on a case-by-case basis, from high-density projects to low-to-high-volume production; our goal is to deliver the best PCBAs.

ThermOmegaTech’s evolution into a premier PCB assembly provider reflects its unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. With a solid foundation in PCB assembly and a strategic vision for the future, the company is for continued growth and success in the dynamic electronics industry.

 

About Tom Krol:

Tom Krol is the Director of Strategic Accounts at ThermOmegaTech’s Electronics Division in Warminster, Pennsylvania, United States. Tom has been a part of ThermOmegaTech for years and has over 24 years of industry experience. He completed his BSEE degree in Electrical Engineering from the College of New Jersey in 2002 and has been a member of IEEE since 1998. Tom has been sharing his knowledge of building successful businesses by working with local manufacturing alliances and mentoring several local start-up companies.

 

About ThermOmegaTech

ThermOmegaTech® leads in custom PCB and electro-mechanical assembly for industries including aerospace and defense, medical, industrial, LED lighting, and specialized consumer electronics. The company focuses on responsiveness and precision by employing modern methodologies, real-time communication, and employee training and empowerment commitment.

Over the past four years, ThermOmegaTech® has heavily invested in its Electronics Division, leveraging years of employee experience to better understand the industry and customer needs. The division has also streamlined processes and improved communication, upgrading to the latest technology and enhancing processes, which enabled it to achieve AS9100D certification.

By combining its mechanical design and manufacturing expertise with electrical manufacturing capabilities, ThermOmegaTech® has expanded its offerings, opening new opportunities to better serve customer needs. Contact us here.

 

This feature ran on October 23, 2024, on PCB Directory and can be found here.

 

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