Metryx develops specialist mass metrology systems for semiconductor manufacturers. Its Mentor range is an in-line process monitoring solution that helps fabs identify production wafer trends and excursions by measuring mass change after process steps.

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THE CHALLENGE

Metryx first approached Cubik in 2014 for a design alteration to an existing product, together with a prototype run of the PCBs used in that product. The success of this initial design work led to Cubik supporting a wider set of projects, including the up-issue and ongoing batch build of 13 different PCBs.

In early 2016, Metryx needed to scale another area of production: the procurement, assembly and test of electrical and mechanical products that had previously been built in small quantities in-house or by another supplier. The requirement was for a reliable partner that could support larger assembly batches while maintaining the quality needed for equipment used in high-value semiconductor manufacturing environments.

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THE SOLUTION

Because Cubik was already supplying Metryx with PCB assemblies, the team understood the product requirements and was well placed to extend its support beyond board build. Cubik took on procurement, assembly and test for the electrical and mechanical product set, including AC distribution units and supporting PCB assemblies.

The work combined practical electronic manufacturing capability with mechanical assembly and test support. This gave Metryx a more robust route for recurring batch manufacture and reduced the reliance on small-volume, ad hoc assembly routes.

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THE IMPACT

Cubik has delivered more than 60 complete assemblies, alongside ongoing PCB support across 13 different board variants. The partnership gave Metryx a dependable manufacturing route for specialist assemblies, allowing its team to focus on the continued development and application of its mass metrology technology.

Metryx technology is used in volume production to help fabs monitor process performance, identify excursions and optimise wafer production. Cubik support helped strengthen the manufacturing path behind that technology, creating the basis for an ongoing partnership between the two businesses.

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The project drew on Cubik's ability to support both PCB build and electromechanical assembly, helping Metryx move from small-volume assembly towards a repeatable batch process.

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