Modular tech offers solution to R&D investment woes
Modular technology offers UK manufacturers a cost-effective solution to the risk of investing in research and development.
Many technology firms are concerned about funding innovation because of cost concerns, as evidenced by the Manufacturing Outlook Report from consulting firm Crowe, which found that a total of 54% of UK manufacturers cite “uncertain return on investment” as the primary barrier to investing in R&D.
But modular technology advocate Emma Armstrong says circular electronics with circuit board designs that allow components to be removed without stress or damage can significantly cut the levels of waste associated with new and updated designs.
Emma, the Sustainable Electronics ambassador and group commercial director at leading UK sustainable electronics provider In2tec, adds: “The sector is facing pressure from material scarcity, tariffs, embargoes, labour shortages, skill gaps, and supply chain instability, so businesses – especially SMEs – are understandably looking for cost savings.
“But reducing investment in advancements and modernisation means the UK industry will struggle to maintain its competitive edge and continue to punch above its weight.
“There is, however, a way of reducing the cost of innovation and maintaining R&D activity. Developing products with sustainable technology, such as In2tec’s ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™, allows manufacturers to remove components from existing electronics and reuse them.
“Outdated circuit board designs have a high failure rate and generate significant amounts of material waste with each design iteration. The innovative plug-and-play design of modular technology minimises this waste because components can be recovered and reused in the next stage of development.”
ReUSE® is a suite of materials, processes, and design principles used to manufacture printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), while ReCYCLE™ is the ultra-low energy process for unzipping PCBAs to the original bill of materials (BoM).
Since 2001, In2tec has worked to slash the harrowing environmental, financial, and societal impact of ewaste and provide innovative solutions to the growing problem of throwaway electronics.
As part of this commitment, the company has opened a state-of-the-art ReCYCLE™ facility to meet increasing demand from OEM customers.
The unique £1.5m facility is powered using ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™, allowing In2tec to undertake component recovery and remanufacturing on behalf of customers. The standardised process helps maintain quality, while optimised component placement and alignment reduce variability in production. ReUSE® PCBAs can also be tailor-made to fit efficiently into smaller and more ergonomically designed products.
“Jettisoning limited and obsolete PCBAs is essential for forward-thinking manufacturers that want to maximise profit and meet their environmental responsibilities,” Emma adds.