The Lean Culture
'Eyes for Waste'
Celestica's Global Lean Architect explains why going Lean means persistently asking, Is this something the customer would for pay for?
Robert Hemmant
Cover Story
Interconnects and Their Effect on Automated SMT Placement
More components than ever can be processed in an automated SMT line. The challenge: to combine the increasing spectrum into a single machine platform to minimize the need for different machine types.
Frederik Moberg
Factory Floor Workcells
Flexible Manufacturing Systems for Wave and Fountain Wave Soldering
Using unique solder pots for each alloy is a low-cost, highly efficient solution for mid-volume environments.
Lee Whiteman
Wire Bonding
Large Diameter Wire Bonding to Organic Boards
FR-4 substrates are showing up in high rel products as a cost-effective - and proven - alternative to ceramic.
Mike McKeown and Gerard O'Brien
ICT ROI
The Economics of In-Circuit Testing
Even small improvements in defect coverage can have a large impact on more expensive downstream verification and diagnosis, repair and retest. A methodology for examining the effect of ICT alternatives on these costs.
Michael J. Smith
Final Finishes
Know Your Final Finish Options
Pros and cons of the newest alternative finishes.
Donald Walsh, George Milad and Donald Gudeczauskas
Caveat Lector
Proving RoHS compliance.
Mike Buetow
Letters
Talking Heads
An interview with Qualitek.
Mike Buetow
Focus on Business
Puzzles with missing pieces.
Dr. Jonathon Linton
Global Sourcing
Don't outsource; automate!
Michael Sivigny
On the Forefront
More power to you.
Dr. Ken Gilleo
Screen Printing
Lessons from Asia.
Joe Belmonte
Better Manufacturing
Tell me lies.
Phil Zarrow
Soldering Tips
How do Pb-free finishes hold up?
American Competitiveness Institute
Wave Soldering
Design for good solderability.
Gerjan Diepstraten
Test and Inspection
All shook up.
Wayne Tustin
Process Doctor
Selective soldering's residual effects.
Terry Munson
Equipment Advances
EVS's dross recovery system.
Technical Abstracts
Industry News
Market Watch
Assembly Insider
Ad Index
AT Expo and Nepcon South China Product Previews
On the cover: Tips on which nozzles work with certain parts. (Photo courtesy Mydata Automation AB)