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Product Review 2003
December 31, 1969 |Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
EQUIPMENT
Placement Platform
This company is expanding its equipment platform with the introduction of its Siplace CS and Siplace CF placement machines designed for medium-volume production with high demands on flexibility and quick product changeovers. Both the C-Series machines are said to be an extension of the company's concept that has set the industry standard for technology leadership. The series reportedly consists of the flexible high-speed Siplace CS placement machine, achieving placement rates of 20,000 cph at an accuracy of 68 µm. The modular placement platform allows both models in the series to be equipped with the same feeders, changeover tables and other identical accessories. Siemens Dematic Electronics Assembly Systems Inc., Norcross, Ga.
MATERIALS
High-temperature Masking Tape
Non-silicone high-temperature masking tape 5563 is designed for masking gold-plated fingers or selected areas of PCBs during high-temperature (200° to 260°C) processes. The acrylic adhesive is said to provide cleaner removal, minimizing contamination that may cause disconnect and/or corrosion of connecting parts. A non-ionic, static-dissipative coated backing is said to eliminate wire board component degradation due to electrostatic discharge from the tape. 3M, St. Paul, Minn.
SERVICES
Support and Metrology Services
Process Support and Metrology Services package is said to offer expert assistance to emerging and established photonics and high-frequency wireless manufacturers for process development, prototyping and pilot production. The company's well-equipped optoelectronic component assembly facilities serve companies that need assistance with assembly process development and precision metrology. Skilled applications engineers using advanced automatic assembly equipment reportedly prototype new designs and perform precision measurements on photonic and high-frequency wireless devices. Palomar Technologies, Vista, Calif.
SOFTWARE
Laser Trim Operating Software
TrimSmart laser trim operating software reportedly is for use with the company's TrimSmart and W series of electronics laser trim systems. Running under Windows NT, the software is said to provide simplified programming and ease of use for all trim applications. Through its graphical user interface, users reportedly can make quick selections and entries, reducing development time. The operating software also is said to support a full SPC interface, enabling stored or real-time statistical data to be read by a text editor or imported into an SPC program. GSI Lumonics Inc., Wilmington, Mass.
EQUIPMENT
Reflow System
VIP70A reflow system is said to be designed to meet the demands of through-hole reflow, and is said to offer low cost of ownership features via flux management and closed-loop convection systems. Features are said to include patented forced impingement convection technology and Wincon process software. The amount of solder flux deposited in the oven reportedly is minimized by the flux management system and emitted into the atmosphere. The system extracts flux-laden gas from the process chamber, traps the flux by condensation and filtration, and recirculates the clean gas back into the oven cooling section. BTU Europe Ltd., Hampshire, U.K.
Placement Platform
GSM Platform for surface mount component placement is said to deliver improvements in utilization, yield, reliability, throughput and ease of use. Enhancements include the company's PrecisionPro feeders that feature a three-point mounting system for better chip component pick presentation; a function that is said to translate directly to improved product yields, especially for small parts. Additionally, dual-track PrecisionPro tape feeders are said to expand the number of component inputs on the GSM Platform to 144 to facilitate improved line balance and utilization. Universal Instruments Corp., Binghamton, N.Y.
In-line Stencil Printer
E5-36 is a large format in-line stencil printer that features a print area of 36 ¥ 24". The automatic printer offers other features such as a patented vision alignment system with software-controlled variable lighting technology, 2.5-D post-print inspection and vacuum stencil wiping. When processing large PCBs, these features, combined with a heavy-duty transport system, reportedly allow for the same repeatability and robustness performance levels as when printing smaller substrates. EKRA America, Marlborough, Mass.
BGA/SMT Rework System
BANDIT BGA/SMT rework system is said to offer high-power, low-temperature rework, flexibility and programmability in a precise and repeatable system. Incorporating electromechanical/pneumatic operation, the rework system reportedly is a lead-free compliant, CE certified benchtop unit that uses controlled, directed heated air and interchangeable nozzles to remove, align and replace BGAs, SMDs, connectors and other devices quickly and repeatably without PCBA damage. A.P.E. South, Key Largo, Fla.
Large-board Table
ML7 (Manual Load 7 Module) large-board table reportedly can accommodate PCBs up to 44 ¥ 32" (1,117.6 ¥ 812.8 mm) and that weigh up to 11 kg (24 lb). This large-board capability is said to offer a flexible solution where all board sizes can be produced, regardless of batch or complexity. MYDATA automation Inc., Rowley, Mass.
Underscreen Cleaner
Vortex Plus is an enhanced version of the Vortex underscreen cleaner in which the cassette oscillates as it makes its cleaning pass. The back-and-forth motion is said to produce a scrubbing action against the stencil apertures to achieve more efficient solder paste contaminate removal. The underlying technology of the cleaner reportedly remains unchanged, and the cassettes are identical to the original Vortex design. DEK-USA Inc., Flemington, N.J.
Test System
The CmController system is said to incorporate a highly accurate mechanical measurement system powered by a statistical, algorithm-driven software backbone. The basis of the evaluation is to determine machine capability. The system is said to use industry-accepted statistical concepts and methods. The Normal Probability Distribution Curve reportedly is the model the measured data is compared against, and the data spread will indicate its level of quality. Eagle-Eyed One Sales & Service LLC, Hudson, N.H.
2- and 3-D X-ray Inspection
The µCT-F.O.X. combines high-resolution 2-D X-ray technology with 3-D computed ..tomography techniques and high-end volume rendering software for the detailed inspection and analysis of complex electronics devices in the third dimension. The system is said to be the first industrial X-ray inspection system to include functional 2- and 3-D modalities in one system. Combining the flexibility, functionality and ergonomics of a standard microfocus X-ray system with the ability to generate 3-D imagery, the inspection system reportedly visualizes the innermost components and precise structural modeling of a device. FeinFocus USA Inc., Stamford, Conn.
Rework and Repair Systems
Featuring HEATWISE performance control technology, the MTS systems reportedly offer performance levels that are chosen by installing a power module into the system that locks the system into the chosen level. Additionally, power modules are said to be highly visible from across a room, allowing reassurance that operators are following process guidelines. The systems are available in either two or three handpiece channel versions. More than 10 handpieces can be used with the systems, resulting in high levels of flexibility. Optional handpieces consist of soldering irons, tweezers, desoldering tools, hot air pencils and SMT removal tools. PACE Inc., Annapolis Junction, Md.
Stencil Printing System
TouchPrint fully automatic stencil printing system is said to be the first combined stencil printing and dispensing technology system, and incorporates the ability to dispense dots on circuit boards for low- to mid-volume applications. Because of the system's ..open area side shuttle, epoxy or paste dispensing reportedly can be achieved within a single machine. TP2929 is said to be capable of loading, aligning, printing and unloading PCBs without operator intervention. A closed-loop, high-end motion control system reportedly does not compromise alignment accuracy or repeatability. Milara Inc., Medfield, Mass.
Manual X-ray Inspection
Xstation 15xx Series is a general-purpose manual X-ray inspection (MXI) system that includes four standard models — 1500, 1510, 1525 and 1550 — built around a choice of X-ray sources from 90 to 130 Kv. The fully integrated, compact systems reportedly are easy to learn, use and maintain, and provide various benefits, including a large board handling area of 18 ¥ 24", magnification of 65 to 700X, low maintenance and high MTBF, image archiving in popular file formats, and more. Additionally, the series comes standard with an advance image processor and a complete library of measurement and analysis tools. The processor is said to enhance, analyze and view real-time X-ray images. VJ Electronix, Div. of V.J. Technologies Inc., Bohemia, N.Y.
X-ray Inspection System
A high-resolution X-ray inspection system, YTX-3000 reportedly enables electronics assemblers and semiconductor packagers to reduce costs, improve quality and increase throughput. Based on the company's proprietary machine vision software, which includes real-time sharpening, the system offers fully automated inspection of BGA and flip chip devices, solder joint quality, die attach, bond wires and electronics assembly verification. Additionally, the system's X-ray tube features a 5 µm spot size for high resolution. The system is available with a four- or five-axis manipulator with 18 ¥ 20" X-Y travel for samples weighing up to 5 lb. It also offers 360° sample rotation and an optional 30° tilt for oblique views. Stepper motor drives are said to provide a range of motion, from ultra-slow use at high magnifications to high speed for travel over longer distances. YESTech, San Clemente, Calif.
High-speed Mounter
A high-speed flexible mounter, KE-2060 provides one multi-nozzle laser head with four nozzles and one high-resolution head for fine-pitch component placement. Reportedly enabling quick programming and fast changeover, the system can deal with any board type and bill-of-materials, especially fine-pitch or odd-shape components. ..Additionally, the machine is said to provide a unique dual component recognition system using both vision and laser technology. The mounter's vision centering system features bottom, side and back lighting for both ball and split recognition. A 1,024 ¥ 1,024-pixel high-resolution camera option provides a wider range of component handling at higher accuracy than previous models. The machine is capable of placing up to 12,500 cph for the multi-nozzle laser head and up to 1,850 fine-pitch IC component placement for its high-resolution laser head. Component size placement capabilities range from 0201 to 50 ¥ 150 mm. Juki Automation Systems, Morrisville, N.C.
X-ray Inspection System
The XD series Digital X-ray Inspection Systems (XiDAT) reportedly offers highly improved digital data processing, enhanced resolution, extensive grayscale definition and Version 5, Image Wizard software operating system. The system is said to acquire images with a resolution of 1,300 ¥ 1,000 pixels and more than 65,000 levels of grayscale. Its imaging chain also can resolve four times the number of grayscale levels compared to analog systems. Dage Precision Industries Inc., Fremont, Calif.
COMPONENTS
Flange Stacking Interconnects
Flange stacking interconnects (FSI) are said to offer manufacturers a highly adaptable machine-insertable solution for creating various stacked PCB assemblies, as well as incorporate a specially designed flange that ensures ..a consistent physical standoff distance and promotes formation of uniformly robust annular-ring solder joints to deliver optimal strength for the higher retention forces needed in many stacked PCB designs. The interconnects also can be auto-inserted into the first PCB or daughter board assembly, reportedly providing a consistent and reliable interface using the company's proven interference fit technologies. Autosplice Inc., San Diego, Calif.
MATERIALS
Solder Paste
Multicore 63S4 MP200 no-clean solder paste is said to be formulated with the unique 63S4 alloy that eliminates tombstone defects and reduces component misalignment that occurs when reflowing boards with components such as 0402 and 0201 chips. Suitable for fine-pitch, high-speed printing applications, the solder paste also is said to be a drop-in replacement for standard lead alloys, but offers a wider process window to compensate for inaccuracies in screen printing, pick-and-place, and thermal profiling. Henkel Loctite Corp., Rocky Hill, Conn.
Cleaning Solvent
AQUANOX A4512 concentrated cleaning solvent is designed for enhanced cleaning of reflowed no-clean flux residues in aqueous batch or in-line spray machines at concentrations ranging from 5 to 20 percent. To date, the cleaning solvent reportedly has been tested on 86 leading solder pastes, tacky fluxes and wavesolder fluxes with a plus 95 percent success rate. The solvent also is said to be effective on various uncured SMD adhesives. Kyzen Corp., Nashville, Tenn.
Solder Paste
ALPHA WS-709 water-soluble paste is said to be ideal for applications involving extended open time and wide ranges of demanding environmental conditions. Some features include a humidity resistance of 25 to 75 percent RH, a print temperature range of 68° to 82°F, and an open life longer than 36 hours. Cookson Electronics Assembly Materials, Franklin, Mass.
Lead-free Solder Paste
NC254 is a lead-free, pin probe-testable no-clean solder paste that reportedly improves throughput and increases the efficiency of advanced SMT applications. The paste is all-purpose and offers broad process windows for printing, reflow and pin probe testing. Additionally, the paste's good wetting ability is said to result in bright, smooth and shiny solder joints. The thermal stability and wetting reportedly make the paste compatible with lead-free alloys and allows wetting to difficult-to-solder parts. Capable of being printed at high speeds without slumping, the paste provides consistent stencil release and repeatable print volumes for fine-pitch applications, and performs well with open squeegees and enclosed pump print processes. AIM, Cranston, R.I.
SERVICES
Ionic Contamination Testing
Ionic contamination testing services for PCB and medical device applications are available. Circuit assemblers, medical device manufacturers and other manufacturers involved in processes that demand ..adherence to precise cleanliness standards now can have their assemblies analyzed for ionic surface contamination. This resource is said to allow manufacturers to comply fully with demanding industry specifications such as MIL-STD-2000A, IPC-TM-650 and ANSI/J-STD-001B, without the need to invest in on-site ionic contamination test equipment. Specialty Coating Systems (SCS), Indianapolis, Ind.
SOFTWARE
Universal Programming System
ProWriter is a flexible programming solution for low- and medium-volume production environments. The universal multi-socket programmer supports gang and set programming for a wide range of device types, with support for programmable logic, memory devices and micro controllers, including Flash-based micro controllers. The system also offers either four or eight fully independent programming sites per unit that can be linked using standard parallel cables to provide up to 48 programming sites, all controlled from one computer. Data I/O Corp., Redmond, Wash.
Dispensing Software
Fluidmove Version 4.5 for Windows NT (FmNT) dispensing software is said to feature enhancements in throughput, fluid management and process control. Cycle times reportedly are optimized with the addition of Variable Valve Speed, a tool that allows for the programming of multiple material flow rates per board without necessitating dual valves. Test results also indicate that Variable Valve Speed technology has the ability to cut dispense times in half. Asymtek, Carlsbad, Calif.
Thermal Profiling Software
Auto-Focus software reportedly develops reflow recipes for new products without running a profile by evaluating a database of previously setup products, and extrapolating a new oven recipe based on product and oven characteristics. The software automatically calculates the proper oven recipe, which means the user only needs to enter the product's length, width and weight. KIC, San Diego, Calif.
AOI System Software
RTI 4.9 software package reportedly is for the SV-7550 AOI system, as well as the SVX-2000 automated optical and X-ray system. The software is said to include a host of intelligent features designed to provide PCB assembly manufacturers with increased performance and continued yield improvements. As compared to the company's prior software versions, this software is said to provide the highest defect coverage with the lowest false calls using advanced, intelligent algorithms and an auto-retest option. Photon Dynamics Inc., San Jose, Calif.