Published October 19, 2026.
On October 14–15, 2026, CAAI4SA staff and a student intern traveled to Ivyland, Pennsylvania, to attend the DDM Novastar Technical Workshop. Center Director Dr. Joe Mari Maja, alongside Research Assistant Van Patiluna, Training Coordinator Christina Chiu, and student intern Tuhina Sambhus, received hands-on operational training for the DDM Novastar LS60 pick-and-place machine, GF-12HT reflow oven, and SPR-45VA stencil printer. Although CAAI4SA utilizes different models (the L-NP-64S pick-and-place, GF-B-HT reflow, and SPR-20 stencil printer), the workshop provided comprehensive operational insights applicable across the equipment line. These machines will be instrumental in assembling printed circuit boards (PCBs) for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, microprocessors, and mixed-signal systems. Ultimately, the center plans to manufacture PCBs entirely in-house, managing the full lifecycle from CAD design and fabrication to assembly and board evaluation. The two-day training, hosted at the DDM Novastar headquarters and factory, was facilitated by Customer Support Manager Rich Wendler and Director of Engineering Brian Osterhout. As a proud U.S. manufacturer of precision Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) assembly equipment, DDM Novastar features vertically integrated design, manufacturing, testing, and support capabilities seamlessly housed within its headquarters.