Batch-of-One Assembly

Abstract

In 1982 Martin Marietta began a technology modernization (TechMod) program to reduce hermetic chip carrier and assembly costs through the implementation of state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. The original concept was that of an automated production system to assemble the HCCs and other components on PCBs for certain military systems. Shortly thereafter, a proposal was made to implement a second program which would take advantage of the latest computer-aided manufacturing concepts. It could be shown by cost benefit analysis that each step would be well justified by reduction in direct labor, the major cost to be addressed.