TAIPEI – Hon Hai Technology Group ("Foxconn") (TWSE:2317) announced its worldwide operations will run fully on green electricity by 2040 and has joined the global initiative RE100, in a milestone on Earth Day 2024 that adds the world's largest electronics manufacturer and technology solution provider among the most influential businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity.

The pledge, at the company's 50th anniversary, is an acceleration of Foxconn's determination to move its operations towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable direction. Foxconn's renewable energy ratio now exceeds 40%, two years after it first publicly pledged on Earth Day 2022 to use at least 50% green power by 2030.

Led by the Climate Group and in partnership with CDP, RE100's mission is to accelerate change towards zero carbon grids at scale. Foxconn has joined multiple international sustainability initiatives, including environmental reporting non-profit CDP and the GHG emissions validation Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), because it is the right thing to do for ensuring a safer, sustainable world.

"In promoting sustainability, Foxconn will continue to seek the most suitable international standards. This decision to respond to RE100 is based on this thinking. More importantly, we hope to set an example with our supply chain and partners so they will prioritize sustainable management as well," said Foxconn Chairman and CEO Young Liu, who also heads the Group's Sustainability Committee. "Foxconn will also promote green energy at its global locations to share, collaborate and thrive with all stakeholders."

Earlier this month, Foxconn shared its latest CDP scoring for environment stewardship in 2023. It earned an (A-) in climate change and an (A) in supplier engagement rating, demonstrating leadership in both areas. It scored a (B) in water security, indicative of good environment management. All three metrics improved from the previous year.

In 2020, the Group formally responded to the three goals proposed by the Climate Action 100+ by pledging to achieve net-zero emissions in the value chain by 2050, and in 2023 its short-term emission reduction targets were validated by SBTi. Last year, Foxconn released its first Net Zero Vision Report, based on Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations.

MANASSAS, VA – ZESTRON, the leading global provider of high-precision cleaning products, services, and training solutions in the electronics manufacturing and semiconductor industries, is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest webinar series as part of ZESTRON Academy, focusing on Surface Mount Technology (SMT). This series is designed to provide unparalleled insights into the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the field of SMT cleaning.

With advancements in electronics manufacturing constantly evolving, staying ahead of the curve is paramount. ZESTRON Academy’s SMT Webinar Series is an invaluable resource for engineers, technicians, and industry professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in SMT cleaning processes.

The SMT Webinar Series will cover various topics tailored to meet the diverse needs of today's electronics manufacturing industry. Participants can expect deep dives into subjects such as:

• Advancements in Solder Paste Printing
• Overcoming the Challenges for Implementing IPC J-STD-0001 in Your Factory
• Optimizing Removal of Conformal Coating Residues
• Surface Reliability
• Advanced Cleaning and Coating Solutions for Enhanced Performance in E-Mobility
• Maximizing Efficacy for Cost Savings and Increased Capacity in Cleaning Processes

Each webinar will be presented by ZESTRON’s seasoned experts, who bring decades of collective experience in precision cleaning and SMT manufacturing. Attendees will interact with these industry leaders, gaining valuable insights and practical solutions to address their specific challenges.

The ZESTRON Academy SMT Webinar Series will kick off in May 2024. Registration is now open, and interested individuals can secure their spots by visiting the ZESTRON Academy Webinar Series Page. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to gain expert insights and elevate your SMT cleaning practices.

For more information about the ZESTRON Academy SMT Webinar Series and to register, please visit https://www.zestron.com/usa/en/education/2024_cleaning-webinars#SMT%20Topics 

CRANSTON, RI – AIM Solder, a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials for the electronics industry, is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming SMTA Juarez Expo & Tech Forum taking place on May 9 at the Injectronic Convention Center in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. Among other great products, AIM will be highlighting its recently released NC259FPA Ultrafine No Clean Solder Paste.

NC259FPA is a zero-halogen paste engineered for precise print definition with type 6 and smaller alloy powders through stencil apertures less than 150 µm in diameter. Ideal for miniLED, microLED, die attach, micro BGA, and HDI boards, this innovative new product features excellent wetting, high transfer efficiency, high reliability, and high tack force for mass transfer.

To learn more about NC259FPA and to discover all of AIM’s products and services, visit the company at the SMTA Juarez Expo & Tech Forum on May 9th, or visit www.aimsolder.com 

HAMBURG, GERMANY – Electronics manufacturers at DESY (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron), a research center for fundamental scientific research, are utilizing the GRS550 flying prober from Polar Instruments to ensure the quality of their complex assemblies. DESY manufactures specific assemblies for various research projects, including the extremely sensitive detector electronics used in the IceCube neutrino telescope located deep within the Antarctic ice. These detectors track down elusive elementary particles from space, aiding scientists in their quest to understand the universe. The GRS550 flying prober plays a vital role in guaranteeing the functionality of these intricate assemblies.

The GRS550 builds upon the well-established GRS500 model previously used by DESY to test small series with low quantities as well as prototype PCBs and to perform fault diagnostics on complex assemblies. It offers enhanced features such as faster travel speeds and improved positioning accuracy. The GRS500 will remain in service as a backup system.

Optimized test procedures

“DESY’s production batches typically range from twenty to fifty assemblies,” explains Julia Müller, Group Leader of Electronics Production at DESY. “However, the IceCube project requires around three thousand components on over four hundred complex assemblies. The GRS550’s extensive testing capabilities using CAD data and fault diagnosis technologies are essential for such projects. Additionally, no competitor offered a comparable combination of cost-effectiveness and performance.”

Both the GRS500 and GRS550 are ideal for diagnosing faults in assemblies where traditional in-circuit testing is not cost-effective. The flying prober’s testing method compares a known-good assembly with the assembly under test using nodal impedance analysis and high-resolution imaging. This approach effectively detects component presence, misplacement, short circuits, opens, and faulty solder joints without requiring in-depth knowledge of the assembly’s functionality from the operator. Creating a test program typically takes an average of 2-4 hours, depending on the assembly size.

Efficient access to layout data

Polar Instruments’ import filters enable a wide range of CAD data to be imported into the GRS550 test system. The system’s repair software supports over twenty different CAD formats for programming and identifying faulty networks. “The GRS550 allows us to conduct tests at the nodal level and directly load specific data, circuit diagrams, and assembly documents from the layout program,” emphasizes Reischer, Managing Director of Polar Instruments GmbH. “This significantly simplifies test procedures and programming.”

The GRS550 test system will soon be upgraded to an even more powerful software platform, further enhancing its already impressive test capabilities. “We are planning additional functionalities based on advanced optical image evaluation, such as active testing to verify assembly function directly on the flying prober,” explains Reischer.

Emerging regulations like the right to repair present new opportunities for the Polar Flying Prober. “Since future regulations mandate technical repairability of devices, flying prober test systems can significantly contribute to pinpointing faulty components,” says Reischer. “This extends the life cycle of complex and expensive assemblies, promoting resource conservation.”

Polar Instruments is proud to support DESY’s vital research endeavors with their innovative testing solutions.