FEATURES

• Virtual Manufacturing
  A Supply-Chain Engineering Solution
  Most EMS companies have seen limited success providing design-related services to OEMs. A new method known as "Virtual Cluster" proposes to bring together best-in-class companies for design project engineering and supply-chain functions, to reduce cost and time-to-market.
  Bill Coker

• Cover Story
  Pb-Free Reflow and Rework
  While long-term reliability evals are ongoing, NEMI has found that when using optimized tools and processes carried out by experienced personnel, SnAgCu reflow forces a big hike in melt temperature. A list of findings and recommended changes for lead-free reflow and rework.
  Matt Kelly, Quyen Chu and Jasbir Bath

• Large Format Rework
  Large Format Rework for Eutectic and Lead-Free Applications
  Meeting specific rework needs of disparate boards requires a move away from one-size-fits-all equipment. The combination of full-bottom-panel, low-mass IR heating, stationary board fixturing and gantry-type reflow can eliminate many warping problems faced when reworking large BGA boards.
  Stan Kench

• Optical Inspection
  Lead-Free First-Article Inspection
  Smaller process windows of lead-free alloys put greater demands on soldering equipment and inspection equipment and procedures. What are the typical process concerns associated with LF alloys for first-article OI and line qualification?
  Mark Cannon

• Data Reliability
  Manufacturing Effects on Data Retention of Nonvolatile Memory Devices
  There is negligible effect on data retention by soldering NVM devices after they have been programmed.
  Kelly Hirsch

PERSPECTIVES

• Caveat Lector
  Mr. President, your time is at hand.
  Mike Buetow

• On the Forefront
  SiP gets dialed in.
  E. Jan Vardaman

• Talking Heads
  Hisco's Bill Baird.
  Mike Buetow

• Emerging Technology
  Battlebots: fighting tomorrow's wars.
  Ken Gilleo

• Focus on Business
  Marketing programs that work.
  Susan Mucha

• Process Doctor
  Inadequate reflow profiles cause weak joints and flex residues.
  Terry Munson

DEPARTMENTS

Industry News
Market Watch
Assembly Insider
Product Spotlight
Ad Index
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On the cover: An intensive collaborative investigation reveals certain parameters for lead-free rework.