SMT ASSEMBLY
Creative Technological Solutions for Complex PCBs
What the optimal assembly solution for a 2-mil-thick flexible PCB is, and other mysteries.
by Arbel Nissan
FACTORY AUTOMATION
‘Leaning’ the Business Model
Achieving zero variation in support infrastructure among larger and smaller contractors.
by Alexandra Topp
COMPONENT HANDLING
Stop Baking Components
Baking has been regarded as a cure-all for multiple soldering problems. In practice, this is simply not the case. In fact, most parts should not require any additional baking between the time they are removed from the manufacturer’s moisture barrier bag (MBB) and when they are soldered.
by Todd Clifton and Paul Austen
SHOW RECAP
Machines in Munich
The biennial Productronica trade show – the industry’s largest outside Japan – was filled with new machines, if not necessarily new technologies.
by Mike Buetow
CAVEAT LECTOR
Putting the pieces together.
Mike Buetow
ROI
East beats West.
Peter Bigelow
FOCUS ON BUSINESS
How small beats big.
Joseph Fama