Amfax

What Amfax does

Amfax is a UK-based test engineering solutions provider founded in 1986 and headquartered in Blandford Forum, Dorset, operating from what it describes as the largest test system design and manufacturing facility in the UK (30,000+ square feet). The company designs, builds, and supports bespoke automated test equipment (ATE) primarily for aerospace, defence, rail/transport, telecommunications, and energy customers, with secondary reach into electronics manufacturing for PCB assembly OEMs and contract manufacturers. Its core technology stack is built around National Instruments hardware and software platforms (PXI, CompactRIO, RT, RF, FPGA, LabVIEW, TestStand), augmented by mass-interconnect products from MAC Panel and Virginia Panel and robotics from Epson and Keithley instrumentation.

The company's product portfolio spans the proprietary a3Di 3D metrology-based PCBA inspection system (sub-5-micron accuracy, zero false calls), PXI-based ATE systems, the SAM test executive, test data management software, test fixtures and cable harnesses, RF switch matrices, load banks, and frequency analyzers. Services include LabVIEW/TestStand software development, full ATE design and build, test system robotics integration, CE certification, documentation, and long-term support contracts. All software developers are certified to CLD or CLA level, and Amfax holds AS9100 Rev D, ISO 9001:2015, CSIA, JOSCAR, and Cyber Essentials certifications, positioning it for regulated aerospace and defence supply chains.

Amfax monetizes primarily through project-based, custom-quoted ATE design and build contracts (one-time license equivalent), professional services for software and test engineering, long-term managed support contracts, and discrete hardware sales of the a3Di system, RF switch matrix, and test fixtures. Pricing is quote-based with no public list prices, and contracts are typically multi-year. The go-to-market is direct enterprise field sales targeting aerospace, defence, rail, telecoms, and energy buyers, supported by industry trade shows (ElectroTestExpo, Southern Manufacturing, electronica), a website with detailed case studies, and minimal social media. Amfax is privately owned with no disclosed external funding rounds, no parent company, and no subsidiaries; it is led by Managing Director Alan Smith.

Name

Amfax

Legal name

Amfax Limited

Website

https://amfax.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Amfax is a UK-based test engineering solutions provider, founded 1986, designing and manufacturing bespoke PXI-based automated test equipment and the proprietary a3Di 3D PCBA inspection system for aerospace, defence, rail, telecoms, and energy customers, with a 30,000+ sq ft manufacturing facility in Dorset.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automated Test Equipment Systems

NAICS

Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Printed Circuit Assembly (Electronic Assembly) Manufacturing (334418)

SIC

Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Test, Measurement & Calibration Equipment Manufacturing Services (ATE, DAQ, metrology electronics) (IMAGAGAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Avionics Test, Simulation & Calibration Equipment (IMABAFAN), Metrology & Scanning Services (Inspection Labs, On-Site Measurement) (IMAAAHAJ), NDT/Inspection & Testing Services (Aviation) (IMABALAJ)

Keywords

• Automated test equipment
• Test engineering services
• PCBA inspection systems
• PXI test systems
• Test fixtures and harnesses

Headquarters

HQ city

Blandford

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Test System Design & Build: Design, build, and deliver bespoke automated test equipment (ATE) systems tailored to customer specifications. This includes PXI-based test systems, test fixtures, cables and harnesses, and complete turnkey solutions.
2. Software Development Services: LabVIEW and TestStand software development services, including custom software solutions, system integration, and application development using NI toolsets.
3. Support Contracts: Long-term support services including maintenance, calibration, legacy updates, and ongoing technical support to ensure operational reliability throughout product lifecycle.
4. Test Fixtures and Interconnect Products: High channel interconnect test fixtures based on industry standard MAC-Panel and Virginia Panel offerings, including PXI platforms and custom solutions.
5. a3Di PCBA Inspection System: Sale of the proprietary a3Di 3D PCBA inspection machine for quality control in electronics manufacturing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Amfax designs, manufactures, and integrates custom automated test equipment (ATE) and test engineering solutions built primarily on National Instruments platforms (PXI, LabVIEW, TestStand). Its portfolio includes the proprietary a3Di 3D PCBA metrology inspection system, PXI-based ATE systems, test fixtures, cables and harnesses, RF switch matrices, and complementary software and support services delivered to aerospace, defence, rail/transport, telecommunications, and energy customers.

Product overview

Amfax is a test engineering solutions provider offering a portfolio of automated test equipment (ATE), PCBA inspection systems, and engineering services. The core product line includes the a3Di 3D PCBA metrology inspection system and PXI-based ATE systems, complemented by test fixtures, cables, RF switches, and test data management software. The company provides end-to-end services including test engineering (electrical, electronic, mechanical), ATE design/build, software development (LabVIEW/TestStand), robotics integration, and long-term support contracts. All solutions are built around National Instruments platforms (PXI, cRIO, LabVIEW, TestStand) with mass interconnect options from MAC Panel and Virginia Panel. The company operates primarily in aerospace, defense, rail/transport, telecommunications, and energy sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• a3Di: PCBA metrology-based inspection system that uses laser technology to provide 3D measurement of printed circuit board assemblies with accuracies under 5 microns, eliminating false calls in inspection.

Products and services

• a3Di PCBA Inspection System Proprietary 3D metrology-based inspection system for printed circuit board assemblies using twin laser technology with accuracies under 5 microns. Scans PCBA in seconds and validates against CAD dimensional data for component placement, solder joint quality (IPC Class 1/2/3), and foreign object detection. Used by electronics manufacturers and OEMs/CEMs for high-volume quality control.
• PXI ATE Systems Configurable automated test equipment built on the National Instruments PXI platform, housing modular instrumentation for testing electronic modules, PCB assemblies, and components across aerospace, defence, and industrial applications.
• Load Banks Test equipment for loading and testing power supplies and electrical systems, used in validation of energy and aerospace sector equipment.
• Frequency Analyzers Test equipment for frequency analysis of electronic signals and systems, supporting telecommunications and electronics testing applications.
• ATE Test Fixtures Custom-designed high channel interconnect test fixtures based on MAC Panel Scout and Virginia Panel G12 series platforms, providing wire-free multi-interconnects for PXI-based test systems.
• Test Cables, Harnesses and Looms Custom manufactured cable assemblies, harnesses, and looms for test equipment interconnect, produced to aerospace standards including IPC 620 Class 3.
• RF Switch Matrix (5x8) Solid-state 5-input, 8-output RF switch matrix designed for mobile phone manufacturing facilities, with USB connectivity for power and communications and LabVIEW drivers included.
• LabVIEW-TestStand Software Development Custom software development services using NI LabVIEW and TestStand, with developers certified to CLD/CLA levels. Covers control code, user interfaces, test sequences, and system integration for test applications.
• Test Engineering Services Comprehensive test engineering including electrical, electronic, mechanical, and manufacturing engineering, covering requirements gathering, rapid prototyping, design for test, and full lifecycle support.
• ATE Design & Build Full-service design and manufacturing of automated test equipment from concept through production, including system integration, commissioning, and documentation.
• Test System Robotics Integration of robotic systems into test solutions, including precision motion stages, automated handling systems, and vision-guided robotics for semiconductor and electronics testing.
• Support Contracts Long-term support services including system maintenance, calibration, legacy updates, and operational capability support throughout product lifecycle.
• CE Certification Services Certification services ensuring test systems comply with CE marking requirements for European market access.
• Unified Test System Modular, universal test solution enabling up to 16 units to be tested simultaneously through a generic test rack, interface test adapter, replaceable port modules, generic harnesses, and replaceable cassettes. Features mass interconnect systems and real-time current monitoring.

Quantifiable outcome

• Lead times for supporting new DUTs reduced by approximately 50% using unified test system approach
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration11 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• National Instruments (NI)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 1991Strategic partnership since 1991. Amfax is one of only a handful of National Instruments Platinum Alliance Partners worldwide and the only Platinum partner headquartered in the UK and Northern Europe. All Amfax software developers are LabVIEW certified to CLD or CLA level. The partnership involves PXI, RT, RF, FPGA hardware platforms and LabVIEW/TestStand software development tools. NI requested to showcase Amfax's unified test system as a case study.
• MAC PanelcoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides modular interconnection products including the SCOUT PXI platform. Products range from LIF connectors with low current signal connections to large multi-tier systems accommodating thousands of signals including RF, pneumatics and thermocouple measurements.
• Virginia PanelcoreTechnology or IntegrationProvider of high channel interconnect test fixtures including the legendary G12 series for PXI solutions. Amfax provides solutions based on Virginia Panel offerings.
• ADS (Aerospace, Defence and Security)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry trade organization for aerospace, defence and security sectors in the UK. Amfax is a member, indicating industry involvement and networking.
• SC21 (Supply Chain 21)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerUK supply chain improvement program that Amfax participates in as a member.
• NATEP (National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerUK aerospace technology exploitation program that Amfax participates in.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Keysight Technologies: Global test and measurement equipment giant serving aerospace, defense, and electronics manufacturing. A broad incumbent with overlapping product categories (oscilloscopes, signal analyzers, automated test) but at a vastly larger scale and with a commercial product portfolio rather than custom-integration focus.
• Teradyne: Major ATE incumbent serving semiconductor and electronics manufacturing test globally. Overlaps with Amfax's semiconductor chip handling test and PCBA inspection work, but operates at significantly larger scale and from a commercial product rather than integration-from-scratch model.
• Rohde & Schwarz: German test and measurement incumbent with a strong aerospace/defense and wireless test portfolio. Overlaps with Amfax in test equipment used for RF, avionics, and electronic module testing, but competes across a much broader product set rather than via custom integration.
• National Instruments (NI, now part of Emerson): Amfax's core technology partner and underlying platform provider for PXI, CompactRIO, LabVIEW, and TestStand. As a broad incumbent, NI competes with Amfax where it offers direct test system solutions, while Amfax sits in NI's partnership ecosystem as a platinum-tier systems integrator.

Regional players

• ASSYSTEM: European engineering and digital services firm with a strong aerospace and defense footprint, including test engineering and industrial automation. Comparable to Amfax in sector and engineering services orientation, but with a much broader continental European footprint and energy transition focus.

Direct peers

• SINTECH: Sustainable Test Solutions provider offering custom functional test systems and ATE built on National Instruments platforms, with aerospace and defense exposure. Directly comparable to Amfax in NI platform dependency, custom ATE design, and sector focus.
• Testek Solutions: Test engineering solutions provider specializing in functional test, in-circuit test, and custom ATE for defense, aerospace, and medical markets. Highly comparable to Amfax in custom test system design, vertical mix, and project-based delivery model.
• Marvin Test Solutions: US-based supplier of military and aerospace test equipment, including PXI-based ATE and test programs for defense programs. Closely comparable to Amfax in target vertical (defense/aerospace), product category (PXI ATE), and business model (custom test system design and integration).

Emerging players

• Pickering Interfaces: Supplier of PXI and LXI switching, simulation, and instrumentation modules used in modular test systems. Comparable to Amfax's PXI-based test fixtures part of the business; serves as both a supplier-like partner and partial competitor in the modular ATE ecosystem.
• VisiConsult: Niche provider of automated X-ray and inspection systems for electronics and aerospace quality control. Comparable to Amfax's a3Di 3D PCBA inspection product line in the high-precision electronics inspection niche, but with a different technology basis (X-ray vs. metrology laser).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AmfaxLtd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/amfax

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Amfax