Marlborough, MA September 17, 2001 - EKRA America announces the release of their newest innovative product, the Auto Pin Guidance Tooling System. The APG system combines the speed and dexterity of operators with the repeatability of the machine's vision gantry. It incorporates a vision-mounted laser pointing system for guiding where to place the pins for supporting double-sided assemblies. For process control feedback, it uses the vision system itself to recognize the pins and verify they are in the correct position. Pin locations can easily be taught via the vision system or off line using CAD data. The APG system provides cost, speed, and reliability advancements over competitive systems.

"The release of the Auto Pin Guidance system is consistent with EKRA's goal of providing "Useful Technology" that provides real process benefit to the market place." Says Steven Hall, General Manager of EKRA America.