News
"As the U.S. encounters new global realities policy makers face a choice: we can compete in the international arena or we can retreat," said Craig Barrett, chief executive officer of Intel Corp. "America can only grow jobs and improve its competitiveness by choosing to compete globally, and that will require renewed focus on innovation, education and investment."
In a report issued today, the Computer Systems Policy Project said U.S. companies "must engage in business worldwide to capitalize on opportunities and respond to competitive challenges."
"Countries that resort to protectionism end up hampering innovation and crippling their industries, which leads to lower economic growth and ultimately higher unemployment," said CSPP in its report.
CSPP, whose members include Michael Dell, Carly Fiorina, Sam Palmisano, Joseph Tucci, Ed Zander and Barrett, among others, lobbied Congress for programs that promote technological innovation and improve education and training for American students and workers.
"As a nation we must renew our investment in competitiveness, just as businesses must do," said Fiorina, chairman and CEO of HP. "Today we're calling on our national leaders to partner with the private sector to develop a competitiveness agenda that maintains the processes and discipline that made the U.S. the leading technology exporter it is today."
Barrett said white-collar jobs in the U.S. are no longer a guarantee. "It had been assumed we had a lock on white-collar jobs and high-tech jobs. That is no longer the case."
Noting the disparity in federal subsidies for agriculture, which number the in the tens of billions of dollars, versus those for physical sciences--reportedly just $5 billion--Barrett said, "I can't understand why we continue to pour resources into the industries of the 19th century."
AMTECH Inc. (Branford, CT), a supplier of solder powders, pastes, fluxes and associated products used in electronic assemblies, has introduced NoVOC™, a water-based, no-clean liquid flux for use in wave soldering.
The low solids liquid flux contains no rosins, resins or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It improves solder joint reliability and reduces the risk of rework since it leaves no insulating residue on test pads or conductive pads. The no-clean formula eliminates the need for wash-up, since any residual flux residues are non-corrosive and halide-free.
The flux features low surface tension, for wetting prior to wave soldering double sided or multi-layer boards. It is ideal for board assemblies containing sensitive sliding switches or conductive carbon pads.
With water as the main ingredient, the flux is inherently more economical to manufacture than rosin-based fluxes. As a non-hazardous material, it easily transported and contains no irritants.
The flux is available in 1, 5 and 55 gallon containers. It can be applied by spraying or dipping and can be diluted when required by using deionized water.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
Shoda Techtron Ltd. (Hamamatsu, Japan), a manufacturer of printed circuit scoring, beveling and shear/beveling systems, announced that it has entered into a sales and service agency agreement with Christopher Group Inc. (Santa Ana, CA) for distribution of their complete product range of products in the North American market.
Shoda has also announced the introduction of the ACS-1500NC III automatic laminate cutting saw, developed for materials to .002 inches in thickness, and the IT-700HA automatic printed circuit board (PCB) thickness measurement system. The system was developed to accurately measure thickness of PCBs for controlled impedance applications.
Shoda has installed over 1,500 systems worldwide, while Christopher provides distribution and engineering support focused on the North American market.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
