"Made in Germany" against dependency

Until now, the electronic assemblies required for in-house production were supplied by EMS service providers. With its own SMD line, SSE has taken a further step towards vertical integration and now also produces its own embedded computer boards "Made in Germany".

Prototyping thanks to a holistic line concept

SSE is also increasing its vertical range of manufacture and gaining additional flexibility in order to respond even better to customer requirements. The integrated line concept enables prototyping and the production of medium-sized products. The first product was manufactured in February 2022. Since then, assemblies in the five-digit quantity range have been produced to the highest quality at the main site in Neuhausen ob Eck.

SSE equalizes dependency

SSE's products, hardware and software, are developed and produced in Germany. The procurement of printed circuit boards has repeatedly proved problematic in the past. The situation regarding the availability of materials for electronic products remains tense. With its own production line for electronic assemblies in Neuhausen ob Eck, SSE is eliminating this dependency, positioning itself for the future and taking a further step towards "Made in Germany" as part of its sustainable corporate management.

Development and production move closer together

In-house prototypes can be produced more quickly and, if necessary, adapted more easily. This also drives forward the production of in-house computer board developments. Since the start, a wide variety of electronic assemblies and component shapes have been implemented. The BK Mikro control units are now 100 percent Made in Germany and are produced in Neuhausen ob Eck. The sensor systems from BK Mikro are established globally in mechanical engineering and in the machining industry. Individual components of the modular and highly flexible Prime Cube brand industrial PCs, such as the USB EEPROM module, the SD card reader and the USB hub, are also manufactured on the line. The latest Prime Cube i.mx8 ARM computer boards are also produced exclusively in-house.

Prototype production of a computer board

A prototype is currently being produced under the code name "ardmore", a computer board developed by SSE, which is assembled from two sides and is to go into series production. In addition, various assemblies from the parent company Gerhard Schubert Verpackungsmaschinen, based in Crailsheim, also run on the SMD line. In order to complete the electronics production alongside the fully automated SMD line production, a semi-automatic selective soldering system is to be added. This will enable the few but still necessary wired components to be optimally soldered. Schubert System Elektronik is currently in talks with various manufacturers regarding the automation of the THT process (Through Hole Technology).