What Exatron does

Exatron, Inc. is a privately-held US manufacturer of automated handling, testing, programming, and laser marking equipment for the packaged integrated circuit industry, headquartered in San Jose, California and operating continuously since 1974. The company sells a modular "building block" product family spanning device handlers (gravity feed, pick-and-place, rotary, MEMS, and WLCSP-specific configurations), tri-temp thermal test solutions covering -80°C to +175°C, automated and manual laser marking enclosures, machine vision and AOI systems, tape-and-reel packaging equipment, and proprietary thermal test sockets and interposers. Its underlying technology platform rests on several differentiated elements including patented Diamond Particle Interconnect contactor technology (50,000 contact points per square inch, sub-3 milliohm contact resistance, 1M+ insertion lifetime), Copperhead solid-copper thermal test sockets that halve soak times, a Zero Frost cold-testing architecture, and a Wide Range Thermal Head with coolant-free operation, complemented by SECS GEM-compliant automation hooks and integration with Keyence laser and vision subsystems.

Exatron makes money primarily through capital equipment sales to IC manufacturers and OSAT-type customers, supplemented by technical support, warranty service, and spare parts. Pricing is quote-based with no public disclosure; the firm sells factory-direct in the San Francisco Bay Area and through a long-standing network of channel partners in the Philippines, China, France, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. The customer segment is narrowly defined as packaged IC manufacturers and related test/assembly operations handling BGA, QFN, SOIC, CSP, WLCSP, and similar device types. The company maintains an active product launch cadence, including WLCSP thermal handlers (Model 923, 2019-2020), benchtop temperature forcing (PET-4D, 2024), automated AOI and marking systems (1922 AIM, 2025; Model 680 ADSPM, 2025), and semi-automated laser marking (Model 615 SAM, 2026), alongside trade-show presence at events such as APEC 2025. The firm appears to operate with a very lean team of 1-10 employees, consistent with a profitable owner-operated niche manufacturer rather than a venture-backed growth company.

Name

Exatron

Legal name

Exatron, Inc.

Website

https://exatron.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Exatron manufactures automated handling, testing, programming, and laser marking equipment for packaged integrated circuits, including thermal test handlers, vision inspection, tape-and-reel systems, and proprietary sockets, selling to IC manufacturers via direct and international distributor channels since 1974.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Semiconductor Test Equipment

NAICS

Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing (333242), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

SIC

Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Semiconductors & Related Devices (3674)

akta.pro primary industry

Test, Probe & Burn-In Equipment (Wafer Sort/Final Test) (HDAHAEAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Package Substrates & Interposers (ABF/BT, Silicon/Glass) (HDAHADAE), Thermal Management & Heat Dissipation Solutions (TIMs, Lids, Heat Sinks) (HDAHADAG)

Keywords

• Semiconductor test handlers
• Tri-temp thermal testing
• Laser marking equipment
• Machine vision inspection
• Tape and reel packaging

Headquarters

HQ city

San Jose

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of automated test handlers, laser marking systems, test sockets, and peripheral equipment. Products include device handlers (gravity feed, pick & place, rotary), tri-temp test solutions, MEMS handlers, tape & reel systems, and thermal test sockets.
2. Support and Service: Technical support, warranty services, and spare parts. Domestic support provided toll-free at 1-800-EXATRON for systems under warranty. International support available through regional representatives.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels1 record

Core offering

Exatron designs and manufactures automated semiconductor handling, testing, programming, and laser marking equipment for packaged integrated circuits, using a modular building-block architecture. Its product line spans benchtop engineering stations (Model 802, Model 900) and high-volume production handlers (Model 8000), tri-temp thermal test solutions from -80C to +175C, MEMS handlers, manual and automated laser marking and AOI systems, tape-and-reel packaging, and patented Diamond Particle Interconnect sockets and interposers.

Product overview

Exatron is a manufacturer of automated handling, testing, programming, and laser marking equipment for the semiconductor IC industry, in business since 1974. The company offers a modular building block approach allowing customized configurations. Core products include Device Handlers (Gravity Feed, Pick & Place, Rotary, and Custom configurations), Automated Programming Systems, Tri-temp Test Solutions (Wide Range Thermal Head, PET-4D Benchtop System, Copperhead Thermal Sockets, Zero Frost Cold Testing), MEMS Handlers, Laser Marking Systems (Manual Enclosures, Automated Markers, Test Handlers with Marking), Machine Vision Systems, Tape & Reel Equipment, and Socket/Interposer Products. The product line spans from benchtop systems for engineering to high-volume production handlers, with temperature testing capabilities from -80°C to +175°C.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Copperhead: A thermal test socket brand featuring solid copper socket toppers for exceptional tri-temp test performance, reducing soak times and increasing temperature stability.
• Smart Mark
• Wide Range Thermal Head (WRTH)

Products and services

• Model 8000 Production Volume Automated Test IC Handlers High-volume pick-and-place automated IC test handlers for production back-end semiconductor test, tri-temp test, programming, transfer, laser marking and inspection. Supports gantry lengths up to 4m, up to 128 test sites, -55C to +175C temperature capability, and SECS/GEM interface; CE marked and RoHS/ESD compliant.
• Model 900 Engineering Automated Test IC Handlers Versatile pick-and-place handlers for engineering and small-to-medium volume production IC test. Configurable 24-81 inch gantry, 1-32 test/program sites, and tri-temp IC test capability from -55C to +175C.
• Model 802 Tabletop IC Test Handler Compact benchtop pick-and-place system for engineering and IC system level testing. Handles devices from 2.0x2.0mm to 60x60mm with optional tri-temp testing capability.
• Model 3080B Gravity Feed Hot IC Handler Hot test gravity feed handler for thermal IC testing at ambient to 125C. Designed for testing 5,000-50,000 devices per week with 20 inches of heated track.
• MEMS Handlers Specialized handlers for testing MEMS devices, supporting electrical testing, tri-temp testing, laser marking, light sensing, light source, audio, air pressure/vacuum, magnetic, and vibration testing capabilities.
• Wide Range Thermal Head (WRTH) Tri-temp thermal head with -55C to +155C working range (-80C to +175C hardware capability) and +/-0.5C temperature control. Built-in top-side purge air cover eliminates frost buildup during cold testing; coolant-free operation eliminates leak risk.
• PET-4D Benchtop Temperature Forcing System Semi-automated benchtop thermal testing system for IC characterization and device qualification, featuring -80C to +175C range, +/-0.2C temperature control, 60W cooling power at -55C, Zero Frost technology, and direct-contact thermal testing. CE marked.
• Copperhead Thermal Test Socket Production thermal test socket with solid copper socket topper that cuts typical soak times in half, increases temperature stability, and reduces calibration deltas. Compatible with BGA, QFN, SOIC, SSOIC, MSOP, and WLCSP devices; works with Exatron thermal handlers and benchtop systems.
• Zero Frost Cold Testing System Comprehensive frost-prevention system for tri-temp testing that eliminates frost issues using pneumatic test site shutters, dry purge air, foam gaskets, and a purge enclosure around the thermal head. Enables hours-long testing at -80C with zero frost.
• Model 923 WLCSP-TT Tri-Temp Test IC Handler Wafer Level Chip Scale thermal test handler with linear motor-driven gantries that tests and laser marks devices as small as 0.8mm x 0.8mm. Tri-temp test capability, robotic alignment, and no-frost purge air system.
• Model 911 WLCSP Program IC Handler Linear motor-driven WLCSP programming handler for high-volume programming throughput without sacrificing accuracy. Handles fragile devices as small as 0.8mm x 0.8mm without damage; throughput up to 2,000 units per hour with up to 16 programming sites.
• Simple Manual Laser Enclosures (Models 600/610/612) Manual laser enclosures for low-volume marking applications. Model 600 is basic with manual jack stand; Model 610 offers customizable tooling with automated Z height; Model 612 adds rotating table for dual work zones. CDRH Class 1 compliant.
• Rotary Manual Laser Enclosures (Models 632/634) Rotary laser enclosures with dual work zones for doubled output. Model 632 has two work zones with 300mm x 300mm field of view; Model 634 upgrades to four work zones. CDRH Class 1 compliant; supports all Keyence laser systems with safety light curtains.
• Model 615 SAM Semi-automated Manual Laser Marker Semi-automated manual laser marker built on the Model 600 Simple Laser Enclosure, with automatic door opening/closing, 6 inches of manual laser Z adjustment, and diagnostic/auto-run software for increased throughput over purely manual systems.
• Model 650 LIM Manual XY Laser Marker Manual XY laser marker with linear motor-driven XY table and digital encoders for precise movement. Features KEYENCE inspection camera and laser marker with 125x125mm or 330x330mm marking area and touchscreen Windows 11 interface.
• Model 680 ADSPM Automated Double-Sided XY Panel Marker Automated panel marker with servo motor-driven flipper for marking both sides of a panel without operator intervention. Features automated optical inspection, input/output panel stackers accommodating up to 10-inch stacks, and touchscreen Windows 11 interface.
• 1922 AIM AOI and Marking System Automated optical inspection and marking system with four inspection cameras (top-side 2D, bottom-side 2D, bottom-side 3D, and Smart Mark). Holds up to 40 JEDEC trays with linear motor-driven gantry for precision combined AOI and laser marking in one platform.
• Laser Welding Systems Laser welding handlers for applications beyond IC marking, including Model 2110LV-W for waterproof sealing of automotive devices and Model 2110LV-M for medical catheter precision welding. Feature rotary table work areas with dual welding sites.
• Machine Vision Systems Integrated machine vision upgrades and systems for IC handlers and laser markers, including 2D/3D measurement (sub-24 micron X/Y/Z), pattern verification, OCR, Smart Mark alignment, tape and reel inspection, robotic alignment, random sort, and 3D vision options.
• Model 202 Integrated Production Tape and Reel Integrated tape-and-reel system that interfaces with Model 900 and 8000 handlers. Supports 8mm to 72mm tape width, camera inspection, and PSA-to-thermal seal conversion for in-line IC packaging.
• Model 1020 Automated Tape and Reel Automated tube-to-tape machine that moves devices from plastic shipping tubes into carrier tape. Features 8-tube octo-loader, in-pocket vision, and optional laser marking and labeling equipment.
• Model 1010 Manual Tape and Reel Manual tape-and-reel system for low-to-mid volume engineering and production. Adjustable tape width from 8mm to 72mm, PSA and thermal sealing, pocket counter, and 2-year warranty. CE marked.
• Model 802 LID Label and Ink Dot Application IC Handler Handler for fast, precise application of printed labels or ink dots to devices in JEDEC trays. Features X and Y axis servo motor-driven tray carriage. Up to 2,000 labels per hour or 4,000 ink dots per hour.
• Model 8000-2 BIB Burn-in Board Transfer IC Handler Handler that transfers devices from JEDEC tray stackers to burn-in boards and back. Features two JEDEC tray stackers and accommodates both clam shell and open top sockets.
• Interposer Products (Diamond Particle Interconnect) Patented Diamond Particle Interconnect (PI) technology creating 50,000 contact points per square inch with contact resistance below 3 milliohms and 1M+ insertion lifetime. Product lines include Standard Test Sockets, Universal Test Sockets, CSP Sockets, MEMS Sockets, RF Zero Sockets, Multi Site Sockets, and High Density Interconnect.
• Thermal Test Sockets Thermal test sockets including the Copperhead series designed for exceptional tri-temp test performance with solid copper construction that reduces soak times and increases temperature stability.

Quantifiable outcome

• Copperhead sockets cut typical soak times in half
• +4 more outcomes

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• KeyencecoreTechnology or IntegrationExatron integrates Keyence laser markers and vision systems into their laser marking enclosures and handlers. Model 632 Rotary Laser Enclosures are designed for all Keyence lasers. Light curtains from Keyence ensure operator safety. Keyence inspection cameras and laser markers used in Model 650 LIM systems.
• Semiconductor Support Group, Inc. (SSG, Inc)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive distributor in the Philippines. Located at 5F Richville Corporate Tower, Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1780. Contact: Ronnie P. Alcantara.
• Mathilda Science (Shanghai) Co., LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor in China. Located at A316 Leye Tiandi, NO. 1648 Gumei Rd, Xu Hui District, Shanghai, China 200233.
• Charntec Electronics LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor covering Ireland and United Kingdom. Contact: Carl Ward, P.O. Box 477, Eastleigh, SO50 0AR, UK. Serving customers since 1978.
• NBS TechnologiesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor in France. Contact: Francois Maurel.
• PrimetechminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor in Israel since 2006. Located at 24 Talpiot Street, Ramat Gan 52533, Israel.
• KYTminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor in Japan. Contact: Koji Yaoita, 3-17-15 Nozaki Mitaka-Shi, Tokyo, Japan.
• Technova CorporationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor in Taiwan.
• Pelican Asian ServicesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor in Thailand since 2000. Contact: John Walls, 27/903 Sawaddee Krungthep Condo, Bld H, 11 Fl., Bangkok, Thailand.
• Larsen AssociatesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChannel partner for Northern California region.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Cohu: Cohu is the largest pure-play semiconductor test handler company, offering gravity-feed, pick-and-place, and rotary handlers plus test contactors that directly overlap Exatron's device handler, MEMS, and tri-temp test product lines. Both serve packaged IC manufacturers with modular handler platforms.
• Boston Semi Equipment: Boston Semi Equipment specializes in gravity-feed and pick-and-place IC test handlers for the back-end semiconductor market, directly overlapping Exatron's core handler product family for IC testing, programming, and laser marking.
• SPEA: SPEA manufactures automated test equipment and handlers for MEMS, ICs, and power devices, with overlapping tri-temp, MEMS-handling, and vision-inspection capabilities that compete head-to-head with Exatron's specialized handler portfolio.
• Multitest (Cohu subsidiary): Multitest, now part of Cohu, makes tri-temp and pick-and-place handlers plus test contactors/interposers for the IC back-end. Its thermal test handling and contactor technology directly mirrors Exatron's Copperhead and Zero Frost solutions.

Broad incumbents

• Teradyne: Teradyne is a dominant semiconductor ATE vendor whose handler integration efforts compete with Exatron's standalone handler approach. While Teradyne's focus is testers, its UltraFlex and Eagle platforms increasingly bundle handler capabilities that overlap Exatron's IC handler portfolio.
• Advantest: Advantest is a global leader in semiconductor ATE and provides handler interfaces and integrated test solutions for IC manufacturers. As a broad incumbent, it competes with Exatron's handler-plus-test solutions across SoC, memory, and automotive test markets.

Emerging players

• Averna: Averna designs test and measurement solutions including IC test handlers and RF test platforms, with overlap in machine vision, automated handling, and functional test capabilities relevant to Exatron's engineering-volume customer base.
• Yokowo Co., Ltd. Yokowo manufactures test sockets, contact probes, and IC test handler components with patented interconnect technologies. Its spring-pin and MEMS contactor portfolio competes with Exatron's Diamond Particle Interconnect interposer business.

Regional players

• Chroma ATE: Chroma ATE is a Taiwan-based manufacturer of semiconductor test handlers, IC testers, and AOI systems. It competes with Exatron in Asian markets with broader integrated ATE offerings, providing a regional alternative for IC manufacturers.
• Micronics Japan (MJC): MJC is a Japan-based manufacturer of semiconductor test handlers specializing in pick-and-place and strip-handling systems. It directly competes with Exatron in the Japan market and increasingly across Asia for IC test handler business.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ExatronCA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/exatron-inc-

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Exatron