Cover Story
Could Printed Electronics Replace Traditional Electronics?
Over the next 10 years, printed electronics will make gains in RFID, displays, packaging, ICs, and alternative energy. But a glorious future isn't set in stone.
by Randall Sherman
CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY Top 50
The Trials of 2009
When it comes time to write the story of the EMS industry in 2009, foremost will be the effects of the recession. The subtext, however, will be the dramatic fall of Elcoteq, whose final chapter is still being written. Plus: The 50 largest EMS companies.
by Mike Buetow
Supply Chain Management
Ensuring Component Integrity from an EMS Perspective
Short consumer product lifecycles, the electronics industry’s conversion to lead-free components, and general weakness in the global market have increased the speed at which components are becoming obsolete. And legacy products are prone to fake parts.
by Dennis Gradler
3-D AOI
Improving Solder Paste Printing through Phase Shift Interferometry
New measurement technology enables high degrees of verification and confidence.
by Chrys Shea
Talking Heads
Orpro Vision is looking good.
Mike Buetow
Global Sourcing
Getting vertical.
Rex Green
ROI
Merger mania strikes again.
Peter Bigelow
On the Forefront
Can Japan stay committed to R&D?
E. Jan Vardaman
Screen Printing
Registration using closed-loop control.
Dr. Rita Mohanty
Selective Soldering
The yes/no decision on nitrogen.
Al Cable
Wave Soldering Troubleshooting
Mitigating grainy or dull solder.
Paul Lotosky
The Defects Database
Paste stuck in stencil apertures.
Dr. Davide Di Maio, Ph.D.
Process Doctor
Our standard plea.
Dr. Harald Wack
Materials World
How "free" is halogen-free solder?
Jie Bai
Tech Tips
Component reliability for RF applications.
ACI Technologies Inc.
Solar Technologies
Frontside silver conductor line efficiency.
Tom Falcon
Technical Abstracts
In case you missed it.
Off the Shelf