ESD Control
Walking on Water
Winter’s dry air means less humidity – and more static. High-pressure humidification systems can improve air quality and reduce energy costs.
By Pierre Husson
Cover Story
Flux Selection for Lead-Free Wave Soldering
This design of experiments clarifies the best types, best available flux within each type, and process limits for each, and also discusses the gaps between the capability of existing flux chemistries and requirements of Pb-free assembly, industry standards and customer expectations.
By Douglas Watson, Jasbir Bath and Pan Wei Chi
Component Inspection
An A-to-Z Guide to X-Ray Inspection, Part II
The second of a two-part article looks at practical recommendations for production sampling and viewing various part types.
By Dr. David Bernard
Productronica Recap
Evolution in Action
At Productronica, the most radical sight was the transit strike. But the venerable show didn’t disappoint.
By Mike Buetow
iNEMI’s Emerging Technologies
Research Priorities for the Electronics Industry
The merger of micro and nano, chemical, and other sensors with micro- and nano-electronics could mean disruption ahead.
By Alan Rae, Ph.D., Robert C. Pfahl, Ph.D., and Charles Richardson
Caveat Lector
Sanmina-SCI: Poised for recovery?
Mike Buetow
Talking Heads
Syncro’s Ed Childress and why managing risk is essential to EMS companies.
Mike Buetow
Focus on Business
For EMS firms, finding the right trade show to reach customers is tricky business.
Susan Mucha
On the Forefront
The cycle continues.
E. Jan Vardaman
Screen Printing
‘Ware’ it well.
Clive Ashmore
Better Manufacturing
Waiting for the revolution.
Peter Grundy
Selective Soldering
Selective soldering with Pb-free alloys.
Ursula Marquez de Tino
Process Doctor
Circuit board cleanliness.
Terry Munson
Pb-Free Lessons Learned
The engineer’s guide to chemistry.
Chrys Shea
Materials World
Solder spheres and packages.
Dr. Renzhe Zhao
Technical Abstracts
Industry News
Market Watch
Product Spotlight
Ad Index
Assembly Insider
On the cover: A DoE studies wave-soldered SMDs and through-hole parts. (Cover photo by Vladimir Sazonoff)