MG-1R and MG-8R pick-and-place machines now permit easier maintenance access and better maintainability of the placement heads. The maximum board size has increased to 510 x 440 mm, and the operating panel, LCD monitor and keyboard have been relocated to improve ergonomics. Are for high-mix production, and place a range of components, including chips and complex and odd-form components. Can be used as standalone or inline. Placement rates are said to be up to 24,000 cph. A 3-D coplanarity camera and a side-view camera help eliminate placement defects. High-resolution vision systems reportedly recognize, dip-flux, and place the smallest balls and tightest-pitch flip-chips. Modules verify the correct condition of the placement nozzles, have a standard nozzle cleaning system, and self-calibrate.
 
Assembléon, www.assembleon.com  
 

The KISS-104F inline fluxer is said to flux only the specific components to be selectively soldered. The board enters on the (SMEMA) edge conveyor, located in a known position, and flux applied via X-Y motion under programmable control. The board proceeds to the next station: the inline preheater module or directly into the KISS-104 for selective soldering. Reportedly will reach all areas of a PCB panel up to 18" x 24". Features standard precision aerosol flux applicator with a deposition range of 4 to 25 mm, and an optional drop-jet applicator with dot size as small as 1.5 mm. Can be configured with multiple applicators to apply mixed flux chemistry. Options include an airless drop jet fluxing system and multiple nozzles. Accepts all conventional flux chemistries.

ACE Production Technologies, www.ace-protech.com  

New communication software integrates process traceability and a monitoring system with a proprietary reflow oven. Is said to enable quick programming of KIC 24/7 by reading the current Seho oven configuration and set points, as well as automatic download of an optimized recipe. Reportedly prevents errors associated with manual inputs. Alarms can be integrated. Enables automatic loading of the correct 24/7 program once the reflow oven recipe is selected for a new production run with continuous process monitoring. Integrates optional features to the reflow oven line; includes automatic profiling, Cpk charting, process traceability and troubleshooting.

KIC, www.kicthermal.com