Business Management
When to Outsource Rework
The cost savings can be compelling. But how do you ensure that quality levels are maintained?
Bob Wettermann
Cover Story
Calibrating the Value of Execution Speed
Three case studies show why American manufacturing remains viable for unit assembly because the combination of project requirements makes for competitive total costs when balanced against lead times, business model preferences and support.
Bruce Kolek and Bill Fraker
Trends in Placement
Building in Clusters
How intelligent feeders and better software are cutting changeover time.
Gerry Padnos
Pb-Free Rework
Pb-Free Rework Differences and Practices
No lead means using four heating zones and one cooling zone for reflow.
Zulki Khan
Process Change
Switching to Pb-Free
The gritty details of changes needed in PCB materials and components.
Markus Walter
Process Validation
Auditing an EMS Firm for Pb-free Capability
Knowing your pre-audit needs can save time and costs during the site visit.
Bob Willis
Caveat Lector
Pb-free process standards.
Mike Buetow
Talking Heads
Celestica’s CEO Craig Muhlhauser.
Mike Buetow
Global Sourcing
The tricks of global trade.
Greg Papandrew
On the Forefront
A perfect match?
Dr. Ken Gilleo
Screen Printing
Characterizing machine specs.
Joe Belmonte
Better Manufacturing
Pb-free or die!
Phil Zarrow
Soldering Tips
Soldering SAC-finished components with SnPb.
Lee Whiteman
Wave Soldering
Solderability and joint design.
Ursula Marquez
Countdown to Lead-Free
Components and alloys, part 1.
Dr. Ning-Cheng Lee
Process Doctor
Untrapping flux under PQFNs.
Terry Munson
Software Advances
Direct Logix’s new DfM tool.
Industry News
Market Watch
Assembly Insider
Productronica Product Preview
Ad Index
On the cover: Brainy ideas for U.S. manufacturers. (Cover photo courtesy of Reptron)