Apollo Seiko Interview with Rick Schiffer

A global leader in providing automated soldering solutions, Apollo Seiko was founded in 1969 and specializes in selective soldering systems, including iron tip, laser, and robotic soldering technologies. Their products are designed to enhance precision and efficiency in manufacturing processes, catering to a wide range of industries. We recently spoke with Apollo Seiko’s Rick Schiffer to find out more about the company, its innovative technologies, and its plans for the future.

Apollo Seiko is renowned for its technology in robotic soldering. What recent technological advancements has the company introduced, and how do these innovations set the company apart in the industry?

We have recently introduced several key technologies such as the Stargate IR & BLUE laser as well as the JCAT WAVE induction solder process. Apollo Seiko is the only company that provides a full range of robotic and selective soldering technology solutions.

Can you share insights into the specific capabilities of Apollo Seiko’s products that are critical in addressing complex manufacturing challenges?

Our products are specifically engineered to address soldering challenges that cannot be resolved by conventional production soldering systems, including reflow, selective, and wave soldering methods.

Tight spacing and minimal keep-out areas are challenging or not possible with production soldering machines. Our equipment can access tight spaces, providing solutions for micro soldering challenges.

How does Apollo Seiko ensure that its robotic soldering solutions remain efficient and user-friendly for operators across various skill levels?

All of our products are designed for fast, simple programming and ease of maintenance. This allows an operator at any skill level to operate and maintain the equipment.

Apollo Seiko has a strong presence worldwide. Could you tell us about some of the key partnerships that have helped drive this global growth?

Our extensive global network across all Apollo locations is essential for delivering technical support to any international production facility our customers operate. This arrangement also ensures the availability of local technical support and spare parts, enabling the customer to maintain production at optimal capacity.

How does Apollo Seiko identify and cultivate partnerships that align with its mission of delivering quality and innovation to customers?

Apollo Seiko focuses on advancing our core technologies while collaborating with partners who possess specialized technical expertise, particularly in areas like the induction system. This strategic approach enables us to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of each application.

As the market for automated soldering technology expands, what are Apollo Seiko’s primary growth objectives for the next few years?

Our primary growth objectives are to increase our presence in the selective market as we have several new products to introduce in 2025. Also, we will explore the advantages that the induction systems can offer for non-contact solutions and continue to grow our micro laser solder market into solutions for the medical industry as well as other core markets such as conventional automotive, EVs and contract manufacturing.

Could you share how Apollo Seiko’s growth strategy balances expanding its product portfolio with maintaining high standards of quality?
We have grown slowly but steadily over the years by producing high-quality equipment and solutions and always developing new technologies that complement existing products and innovate new technologies. Our factory QA team ensures the products that we build are built to the highest quality standards.

What market trends are currently influencing Apollo Seiko’s strategy, and how is the company adapting to or capitalizing on these trends?

The EV market is growing quite rapidly and requires soldering of high voltage components. Our equipment has the capability to provide a solution for this market. Also, micro-soldering applications in the medical market are growing exponentially. Our Stargate micro-laser has the ability to solder the smallest of components as well as applications such as catheter wires, micro-connectors and fine gauge wires to PCBs, microphones etc.

Quality and innovation are central to Apollo Seiko’s reputation. How does the company ensure these qualities are consistently reflected across all products?

Our factory has ISO certification that controls the quality of our equipment as well as spare parts inventory, assembly andproduction. Our R&D team is always on the lookout for the newest in soldering technology solutions.

What role does customer feedback play in Apollo Seiko’s innovation process, particularly when designing products that emphasize ease of use?

Our customer base provides honest feedback and suggestions to improve existing equipment and develop new core technologies to ensure easy programming and operation of our equipment.

With technological demands evolving rapidly, how does Apollo Seiko ensure its innovations stay ahead of the curve while remaining accessible and easy to integrate into existing manufacturing setups?

By developing new technologies and constantly improving existing equipment, we are able to ensure that we meet both current and future requirements for all customers.

Is there anything else you would like readers to know about Apollo Seiko?

Apollo Seiko invented and has been in the robotic soldering business since 1969. We pioneered many existing core technologies such as iron tip design and solder feeding systems along with advancements in laser soldering and now the introduction of our induction system. Soldering is all that we do, and we are specialists in this industry.