CLINTON, NY – Two Indium Corporation experts are set to deliver technical presentations on low-temperature soldering at the upcoming Pan Pacific Strategic Electronics Symposium (Pan Pac), hosted by SMTA, January 29–February 1 in Hawaii.

At 1 p.m. local time on January 30, R&D Manager of the Alloy Group and Principal Research Metallurgist Dr. HongWen Zhang will deliver a presentation on the challenges of lower temperature soldering for large ball grid array, board-level assembly. The presentation will explore the challenges of heterogeneous integration in semiconductor circuits and address the associated package size issues by testing low-to-mid-temperature solder pastes. The study emphasizes the importance of sufficient molten solder volume for forming defect-free joints, particularly under conditions of component-level warpage.

At 2:45 p.m. local time on January 30, Senior Technologist Dr. Ronald Lasky will present on the status of low-temperature solders by summarizing the current totality of research on them and attempting to predict their future applications and implementations. Dr. Lasky will also review current low-temperature alternatives to tin-bismuth solders that have performance similar to SAC solder.

As manager of the alloy group in Indium Corporation’s R&D department, Dr. Zhang’s focus is on the development of the varieties of Pb-free solder materials and the associated technologies for low-temperature, high-temperature, and/or high-reliability applications. He was instrumental in inventing the Durafuse® technology to combine the merits of constituents to improve wetting, reduce processing temperatures, modify the bonding surface, and control the joint’s morphology, thus improving reliability. As principal metallurgist, he is also responsible for expanding metallurgical innovation. He and his team are responsible for using metallurgical insight to develop new products, implement improvements to existing processes and products, and measure results.

Dr. Zhang has a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical physical chemistry, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, and a Ph.D. in material science and engineering. He has a Six Sigma Green Belt from the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, and is a certified IPC Specialist for IPC-A-600 and IPC-A-610, as well as a certified SMT Process Engineer. Dr. Zhang has published two book chapters and more than 50 conference and journal papers, and he has been granted more than ten patents in the U.S. and globally. Dr. Zhang was awarded the Surface Mount Technology Association’s (SMTA) Technical Distinction Award in 2023.

Dr. Lasky is a senior technologist at Indium Corporation, as well as a professor of engineering at Dartmouth College and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Instructor. He has more than 30 years of experience in electronics and optoelectronics packaging at IBM, Universal Instruments, and Cookson Electronics. He has authored six books and contributed to several others on science, electronics, and optoelectronics; he has authored numerous technical papers. Additionally, he has served as an adjunct professor at several colleges, teaching more than 20 different courses on topics such as electronics packaging, materials science, physics, mechanical engineering, and science and religion.

Dr. Lasky holds numerous patent disclosures and is the developer of several SMT processing software products relating to cost estimating, line balancing, and process optimization. He is the co-creator of engineering certification exams that set standards in the electronics assembly industry worldwide. Dr. Lasky was awarded the Surface Mount Technology Association’s (SMTA) Technical Distinction Award in 2021 for his “significant and continuing technical contributions to the SMTA.” He was also awarded SMTA’s prestigious Founder’s Award in 2003.

NEW BRITAIN, CT — MicroCare is pleased to announce the appointment of Lu Anne Green as the Chief Operating Officer (COO). With a history of excellence in manufacturing and operational leadership, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this pivotal position. Green’s impressive career spans multiple industries, and she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality and efficiency in manufacturing and operations.

Green's background includes notable roles such as Chief Operating Officer at ELG Alloys, Principal at a Private Wholesale Food Distributor, and Senior Vice President of Global Operations at ICU Medical. Her skill set includes LEAN, Six Sigma, quality control, systems integration, profit & loss management, supply chain optimization, contract manufacturing, inventory reduction, global sourcing, logistics, and multi-site operations. Green's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an MBA in Business Administration and Management from Western New England University.

As the newly appointed COO at MicroCare, Green will play a vital role in the company's ongoing commitment to manufacturing excellence and operational efficiency. She will be responsible for overseeing all manufacturing operations across MicroCare's Connecticut-based operating locations, with a focus on planning and prioritizing customer, employee, and manufacturing requirements. Green's experience in developing and implementing processes to improve operational performance, strengthen customer and vendor relationships, and mitigate health, safety, and environment risks will be invaluable in her new role.

In her capacity as Chief Operating Officer, Green will also collaborate closely with the executive team to develop and optimize organizational capabilities in alignment with the company's strategic objectives. Her expertise in supply chain management, global sourcing, and contract manufacturing will contribute to MicroCare's ability to meet its performance targets and drive manufacturing and operational capabilities to match sales activity.

Commenting on this appointment, Tom Tattersall, MicroCare CEO, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Lu Anne Green to the MicroCare team as our Chief Operating Officer. Her experience in various industries and her track record of implementing LEAN, Six Sigma principles, and quality control measures will be instrumental in further elevating our manufacturing and operational capabilities. We are confident that Lu Anne's expertise will help us deliver even better solutions to our customers and continue our commitment to excellence.”

With Lu Anne Green's appointment as the Chief Operating Officer, MicroCare is poised to enhance its position as a leading provider of manufacturing solutions in its industry. Her leadership will contribute significantly to the company's growth and operational success, and she will be a key member of the MicroCare senior executive team.

REDDITCH, UK – Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment for the electronics industry, is pleased to announce their return to the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics exhibition from 6th - 8th February 2024 at Farnborough, booth J80, with an even bigger presence. After exceptional interest and record sales in 2023, Altus has expanded its stand to showcase eight key processes and the latest technology innovations.

One highlighted technology is the Koh Young Zenith Alpha HS+ AOI, a true 3D AOI solution powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. The Zenith Alpha has proven to deliver outstanding performance leveraging true 3D measurement technology, making it a crucial component for ultra-fine pitch and solder joint interreflection challenges. Additionally, Altus will showcase the KSMART software, an innovative solution for data collection, analysis, and PCBA process optimisation.

"We were completely overwhelmed by the interest at last year's show and knew we had to come back bigger and better," said Joe Booth, Altus Group CEO. "This year, we've doubled our stand size so even more customers can get hands-on with the latest equipment transforming electronics production."

“Our expanded floor space will showcase a broader spectrum of advanced equipment, including technologies like Koh Young AOI, Essemtec SMT Assembly, and Asscon Vapour Phase. We are especially excited about introducing PVA, our newest supplier, at the exhibition. The entire sales team will be on hand to provide in-depth insights into our showcased processes, fostering valuable interactions with both partners and potential prospects. We look forward to seeing you there!"

Among the featured technologies will be the versatile Asscon VP510 top-loaded vapour phase system. This system was particularly attractive and purchased in 2023, with its compact design and optional integrable cooling system, it is ready to use anywhere and suitable for a variety of soldering processes.

Making its debut on the Altus stand is the PVA Dispensing Unit, a flexible dispensing solution ideal for selective conformal coating, potting, and precision dispensing. Its advanced technology ensures consistent, high-quality conformal coating for superior circuit board protection.

Altus will also exhibit the Quins Inspection System, which simplifies inspections with high-resolution images and an intuitive optical inspection environment. The system is designed for quick and easy setup, ensuring efficient inspections.

With its advanced features, the YJ Link Board Handling system will be on display, highlighting its essential role in controlling the flow of PCBs in an automatic assembly line. Its incorporation into the process ensures consistent and efficient operations, achieving the highest possible throughput.

Essemtec Fox 2 (MFC) Multifunctional Standalone Modules will also be on the stand. After a strong performance in 2023, with Altus achieving the largest sales quarter in the UK and Ireland, this smart-sized modular pick-and-place machine is dedicated to high-mix, low-volume production, meeting the flexible requirements of customers.

Promation Robotic Soldering solutions will also be exhibited, offering various modular robots and fully automated lines for various applications. The technology provides advanced solutions for precise and efficient soldering processes.

To find out more about Altus’ newest equipment additions, visit stand J80 during the Southern Manufacturing and Electronics exhibition, Farnborough from 6th to 8th February 2024.

ANN ARBOR, MI – Aven, a full-service technology provider, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Horizon Sales. Effective immediately, Horizon Sales is now an authorized distributor for Aven, expanding the reach of Aven's cutting-edge products in the market.

Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Aven specializes in precision optical inspection tools designed for various industries, including electronics, manufacturing, and research. Horizon Sales, with its reputation for excellence in distribution, is well-positioned to bring Aven’s advanced solutions to a broader customer base.

Horizon Sales represents the industry's leading manufacturers specializing in component preparation, inventory management, storage and warehousing, assembly, and soldering. As the Midwest’s premier distributor for all electronics manufacturing needs, the company provides solder, fluxes, hand tools, soldering/de-soldering stations, anti-static protection, cleaning chemistries and more.

The partnership leverages Horizon Sales' extensive network and expertise in the electronics and manufacturing sectors, providing customers with easier access to Aven's range of high-quality magnification and inspection equipment. Aven’s products, renowned for their reliability and precision, align seamlessly with Horizon Sales' commitment to delivering top-notch solutions to its clientele.

“We are excited to collaborate with Horizon Sales, a trusted name in distribution, to expand the availability of Aven's precision optical inspection tools,” said Mark Kanpurwala, VP Sales & Marketing at Aven. “This partnership reflects our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of customers across various industries and ensuring they have access to the best tools for their applications.”

Aven’s product line includes a wide range of microscopes, magnifiers, and illumination systems designed to enhance precision and accuracy in inspection processes. Horizon Sales’ distribution capabilities will now facilitate easier procurement and support for these tools, empowering businesses to achieve greater efficiency and quality in their operations.

“We are delighted to be chosen as a distributor for Aven’s exceptional optical inspection tools,” said Dave Trail, President at Horizon Sales. “This collaboration enhances our ability to offer cutting-edge solutions to our customers and reinforces our commitment to delivering excellence in distribution.”

For more information about Aven's precision optical inspection tools and their availability through Horizon Sales, please visit www.aventools.com or www.horizonsales.com