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FEATURES

INSPECTION
What is FAI, and What is the Purpose?
While SAE AS9102 defines first article inspection and its purpose, there is often confusion regarding that definition and its importance to an OEM. These concerns cause havoc in both the design and production worlds. Here, a leading defense contractor clears up FAI.
by Karen Ebner, Charles A. Hill and G. Wilkish

PACKAGING
Characteristics of a Third-Level PCB Assembly
Under typical circumstances, engineers won’t know whether a design will work until the prototype is built. A package “implementation” approach, rather than package “installation” approach, can help EMS firms comply with OEM requirements.
by Mueed Khan

WASH BATH CONTROL
Concentration Monitoring Closed Loop Control – Phase 2
An evaluation of extensive flowsensor field data generated from two locations finds that, although contamination in the form of flux residues accumulates in the cleaning system over time, acoustic measurement technology can accurately indicate and control wash bath concentration.
by Umut Tosun, Axel Vargas and Bryan Kim, Ph.D.

DISPENSING
Automated Dispensing of Two-Component Materials in Electronics Assembly
Fluid dispensing is often a neglected topic in electronics production and technical discussions. However, fluids can literally be the “glue” that completes the component, device or assembly for its structural design. Fluids can also be used for thermal management, optical filtering, sealing, or protection against environmental factors, which enhance the reliability of the (final) assembly. Advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of using two component formulations in automated dispensing and conformal coating.
by Per Orla-Jensen

FIRST PERSON

• CAVEAT LECTOR
  Material loss.
  Mike Buetow

MONEY MATTERS

• ROI
  Service with a smile.
  Peter Bigelow

• FOCUS ON BUSINESS
  Priced to win.
  Joseph Fama

TECH TALK

• ON THE FOREFRONT
  ECTC: a packaging heaven.
  E. Jan Vardaman

• GETTING LEAN
  Counting the data.
  Ron Feyereisen

• TECH TIPS
  More whiskers.
  Karl Seelig and Tim O’Neill

• DEFECTS DATABASE
  Open circuits on PoP.
  Dr. Chris Hunt

• TEST AND INSPECTION
  I’m your answer.
  Robert Boguski

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