News
Hardmeier Electronics, a major contract manufacturer in Switzerland, has replaced its complete surface-mount assembly line with the new Ultraflex line from ESSEMTEC. The line is capable of running larger batches in inline mode, but runs different boards simultaneously.
Hardmeier specializes in the assembly of small- to mid-size batches, so the new machines provide them with the possibility to run large series with high speed on some days, while on other days several small batches can be produced simultaneously.
The feeder concept with bar code scanning ensures placement quality and enables product changeovers while the machine is placing boards. The FLX1020-V holds up to 200 feeders and minimizes the need for feeder changes. Laser and vision centering gives customers the possibility to place nearly all available components from 0201s up to quad flat packs (QFPs), ball grid arrays (BGAs), microBGAs and connectors. The integrated software optimizes the feeder set up to eliminate unnecessary changeovers in production. The integrated dispensing system dispenses directly on the same line adhesives or solder paste for prototypes or smaller batches.
In combination with specialized loader/unloader systems, a FIFO Buffer, inspection conveyor and full convection oven for lead-free production, the installation is a fully automatic solution for low-to mid-size volumes.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
IPC (Northbrook, IL) has selected Speedline's (Franklin, MA) patent-pending MPM Gel-Flex conformal board support system for this year's Innovative Technology Showcase (ITS). The 2004 ITS highlighted new and emerging technologies from all segments of the electronics interconnection supply chain, including assembly, printed circuit board fabrication and design. After a rigorous evaluation, the ITS Review Board selected Speedline's board support system as one of the industry's cutting-edge technologies. The showcase was held on Feb.24-26, during APEX, in Anaheim, CA.
The board support system is a cost-effective answer to the challenge of supporting the circuit board during the stencil printing process. Consisting of electrostatic discharge (ESD)-safe polyurethane elastomer gel enclosed within a durable membrane shell and mounted to a magnetic base, Gel-Flex tooling is a true conformal board-support system. The compressible gel material provides gentle compliance to delicate bottom-side components and leads while providing firm support for the entire board surface.
Since product setup takes literally seconds to complete, and product changeovers are as simple as relocating the support bars, downtime associated with board support changes is dramatically reduced with the system. Compared to other more expensive options, such as dedicated workholder and fixed-grid pin support tooling, the system is considerably less expensive to purchase and operate.
Speedline Technologies provides single-source process knowledge, solutions and service to the PCB assembly and semiconductor packaging industries. The company sells five brands - ACCEL microelectronics cleaning, CAMALOT dispensing systems, ELECTROVERT wave soldering, reflow soldering and cleaning equipment, MPM stencil and screen printing systems, and PROTECT global services, support and training solutions.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
Aqueous Technologies Corp. (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) has announced the introduction of a series of evaporators: Model AQ-7, Model AQ-12 and Model AQ-12G.
The evaporators are available in either a natural gas or propane-heated configuration, or as an electric model. Typical applications include minimizing wastewater from machining operations, parts washing equipment, compressor condensate, mop water, die cast solutions and many other water-based wastestreams.
Installation of the series is simple. Model AQ-7 requires an electrical service and a 6 in. vent stack. Model AQ-12 requires an electrical connection and a 10 in. diameter vent stack. Model AQ-12G requires a 110 VAC electrical connection, a ¾ in. standard pressure gas line and a 10 in. exhaust stack. The units can be filled using three different methods: plumbing the feed source into the supplied coupling on top of the unit; removing the lid and manually fill the unit; or using the optional 70 GPM self-priming fill pump.
After an initial heat up time of approximately one hour, the units will evaporate at rates between 5-7 GPH or 12-17 GPH, depending on the model.
The evaporators will shut down automatically via a low-level control. A secondary high-temperature shutoff is also provided. When a cycle is completed, the waste material can be drained via a 2 in. drain opening, vacuumed out of the unit via the removable lid with a wet/dry vacuum or pump, or, for solid materials, scooped out. To facilitate cleanout, the interior tank of the AQ-12G is sloped toward a 2 in. outlet. Additionally, its u-shaped burner tube is located around the perimeter of the process tank, allowing access between the tubes.
Each evaporator in the series features a heavy-duty 12-gauge tank, covers and stack. Additionally, the series offers adjustable burners (NG or Propane) with electronic ignition, flame rectification system and, on the AQ-12G only, an air-pressure sensor. Automatic shutoffs, two-switch on/off operation, removable lid for fast and easy cleanout, fully insulated tanks, power exhaust for outdoor venting and polyurethane finish also come standard.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
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