OLDHAM, UK — Selective soldering has evolved to become an integral method used to in today’s electronics manufacturing processes. However, as SMT assemblies become more complex with many components and connectors, precision can be difficult to achieve. Furthermore, many of the machines use complex nozzle configurations and additional soldering and pre-heat stages to control assembly more efficiently. This makes managing profiles a challenge.

As technology leaders in the design and development of temperature profiling equipment, Solderstar has developed a solution to the problem, the SLX range of intelligent selective fixtures. The innovative zero set-up thermal profiler will be presented to visitors at IPC APEX Expo 2023, booth 2010 in San Diego, California, from January 24–26, 2023.

Mark Stansfield, CEO at Solderstar, said: “Prior to the Solderstar Multistage Selective, complete machine analysis was only possible at each individual stage of the oven. It is now commonplace for systems to have three or more individual soldering stages. To quickly capture profile data more efficiently, we designed the Solderstar SLX range of intelligent selective set-up fixtures.

“The solution utilizes additional signals from the selective machine, combined with the multiple memory capability of the SLX dataloggers. This allows all selective stages to be captured with a single pass. As each selective stage is completed, a signal is sent to the Solderstar unit which automates the storage of data and prepares automatically for capture of the next stage, which is a huge time saver.”

The datalogger has the capability to electronically record all parameters, including, temperature profile, nozzle fountain height, X/Y speed, contact time and electronic flux positioning at four points. This new feature can be retro-fitted to existing fixtures which utilize a SLX datalogger unit, or integrated with most mini-wave selective soldering machines.

Mark concluded: “The new SLX range of fixtures automatically configure for the data-capture, allowing error free process information to be gathered every time without the need for test set-up, mobile computers or phones. This makes it flexible, consistent and reliable, ensuring that data capture is quick and easy to monitor.”

To view the advanced SLX system with the Multi-Stage Selective unit, visit the Solderstar experts at booth 2010 at IPC APEX Expo 2023, San Diego, California, from January 24–26, 2023.

FREMONT, CA — VVDN Technologies, a global provider of embedded product engineering, manufacturing and digital services and solutions company, announced that it will expand its portfolio by offering automotive engineering and manufacturing services to automotive OEMs, suppliers, fleet owners and start-ups globally.

In the domain of Automotive, VVDN comes with the capabilities in designing, developing and manufacturing automotive products from driver assistance solutions to digital cockpit solutions including Mirrorless Camera System, ADAS, Battery Management System (BMS), Infotainment Systems, Digital Instrument Clusters, Surround View System (SVS) and Telematics Control Unit (TCU). There is also deep focus on E-Mobility by supporting designs for residential as well as commercial EV chargers across various geographies.

With strong focus on R&D, VVDN offers hardware and software development, RF design, system testing and mechanical services. The company has already set up automotive R&D centers in Gurugram, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Kochi along with state-of-the-art test labs. On the manufacturing front, the company has invested heavily on PCBA, Proto Shop, Mechanical Mold and Tooling for Auto components, Injection Molding, Die Casting, Sheet Metal, etc.

VVDN's digital team is also working on the cloud suite, a rich toolbox of cloud-enabled software to help automotive manufacturers adapt different applications such as telematics, E-Mobility etc. and help embrace digital technologies.

Vivek Bansal, President and Co-founder, VVDN Technologies: "We are very much looking forward to bringing our deep expertise in the automotive electronics which will augment VVDN's services revenue. VVDN has been partnering with leading automotive manufacturers, tier I suppliers, by helping them design, develop and manufacture their next generation electronics. Not just the electronics but even software has revolutionized the automotive industry. We are excited to offer end-to-end value in the application development such as telematics, E-Mobility etc. which is critical to the digital transformation and growth of our customers."

VVDN is participating in Auto Expo 2023 - Components show in New Delhi, from Jan 12-Jan 15. The company will be showcasing a lot of solutions demonstrating its capabilities in electronics engineering, mechanical, manufacturing as well as digital space. VVDN Booth: Hall 3FF, Booth B36. For scheduling meetings, contact: info@vvdntech.com

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Nordson Test & Inspection today announced that it will exhibit at the 2023 IPC APEX EXPO, scheduled to take place Jan. 24-26, 2023 at the San Diego Convention Center in California. The company will highlight the multi-award-winning CyberOptics SQ3000™+ Multi-Function system for AOI, SPI and CMM, the M2 AOI system, the CyberOptics SE3000™ SPI system and Quadra 7 X-ray system in Booth #915.

The CyberOptics SQ3000+ all-in-one solution for AOI, SPI and CMM offers a combination of unmatched high accuracy and high speed, with an even higher resolution Multi-Reflection Suppression® (MRS®) sensor that inhibits reflection-based distortions caused by shiny components and specular surfaces. The system is specifically designed for high-end applications including advanced packaging, mini-LED, advanced SMT, 008004/0201 SPI, socket metrology and other challenging CMM applications.

The M2 AOI system offers high-speed inspection and exceptional defect coverage with advanced megapixel technology. With resolutions and telecentric optics, the M2 provides complete inspection for wire bonds, die placement, SMT components and substrates.

The new Dual-Mode MRS sensor in the CyberOptics SE3000™ SPI system provides maximum flexibility for dedicated solder paste inspection applications, with one mode for high-speed inspection and another mode for high resolution inspection. The new sensor is an extension of the proprietary MRS sensor portfolio that provides industry-leading performance in semiconductor and SMT markets. The SE3000 is ideal for measuring height, area, volume, registration and bridging, as well as detecting insufficient paste, excess height, smear, offset and more.

The company will also showcase the Quadra 7 X-ray system. At the cutting edge of X-ray inspection performance, Quadra 7 shows features and defects as small as 0.1µm non-destructively, with the ultimate image quality and magnification. Ideal for root cause failure, wire bond integrity checking, component cracking, MEMs inspection and wafer level components including TSV and wafer bumps. Quadra 7 is the X-ray inspection and failure analysis tool of choice in a wide range of industries, including electronics packaging and wafer level manufacturing, automotive, energy and aerospace electronics inspection, and medical device and LED fabrication.

For more information, visit www.cyberoptics.com and www.nordson.com

STOCKHOLM — NOTE has agreed with the current property owner to acquire the building and surrounding land where NOTE Torsby conducts its business. This is to enable a future expansion of the business to meet an increasing demand. The purchase price amounts to SEK 41.5 million.

NOTE Torsby currently rents the property where the business is conducted. The size of the plant amounts to just over 7,000 square meters and was expanded as late as 2021. NOTE has agreed with the current property owner to acquire the plant. Land of around 54,000 square meters is also included in the acquisition, which enables continued expansion of the business in Torsby. The purchase price amounts to SEK 41.5 million and the payment is made in cash based on NOTE's strong balance sheet.

“NOTE continues to see an increasing demand from its customers. As late as 2021, the plant in Torsby was expanded by 2,200 square meters, but we already see that the growth forecast that was the basis for that expansion has been exceeded. Through the purchase of the property, we are preparing for further expansion,” says Johannes Lind-Widestam, CEO and President.

The deal is conditional on the city council approving the sale, which is expected to occur in the coming week.