Bivar has announced a new line of snap-in and vertical standard-mount card guides, PCB ejectors and handles, all manufactured in compliance with WEEE and RoHS Pb-free materials and processes. Applications include the latest PCB packaging technologies in telecommunications, computer peripherals, test and medical diagnostic instruments and equipment, and plant system enclosures.

VERT-O-GIDE offers a dual channel vertical guide for 1/16" PCBs with over 31 styles, eliminating card cages in applications where PCBs can be vertically mounted.

The new line also includes Bivar's ejectors, inserter/extractors, PCB handles and connector cutout covers.

Over 571 different styles and sizes are available, including the company's optional stainless steel channel inserts available for all standard 1/16" PC board card guide styles, to provide anti-static properties.

Bivar Inc., www.bivar.com

CmController5 Compact reportedly helps improve yields and reduce solder joint defects by improving solder paste printing machine process stability. Solder paste printing is a critical step in the SMT PCB assembly process, since 60 to 70% of all soldering defects can be traced to the printing process.  The controller provides measurement technology for equipment and process capability analysis for printers and other production equipment; the data and measurement results obtained provide the base for stable and controlled printing and processing.
 
Michael Sivigny, general manager, said, "When a consistency problem originates in a systematic deviation, data from testing with our CmController is used to identify offsets, calibrate the printer and restore stability and repeatability to the printing process, lowering defect levels, eliminating rework and increasing throughput and profitability."
 
Process capability for a solder paste printer is measured by printing glue dots or solder paste on a highly accurate glass board with a specifically-matched laser-cut stencil and then evaluating it in the controller, particularly the positioning accuracy of the printed solder deposition relative to the substrate structures.

The mobile product and service offers third-party, objective evaluation methodology. Special vision algorithms, accurate glass plates and components allow for independent measurement of Cp and Cpk indices on production equipment. All brands and models of SMT printers, dispensers, placement and semiconductor machines are validated. Is designed for use on the production floor, does not require a controlled cleanroom environment.

CeTaQ Americas, www.cetaq-americas.com

LightRay Optics is a patented lighting accessory that attaches to MS-Q handheld imagers to enhance their ability to read direct part marks.   

At SMT/Hybrid/Packaging, GÖPEL electronic GmbH will present the new OptiCon platform that is said to guarantee high test coverage, even on PCBs that could previously only be tested partially.

The system series' core piece is a modularly extendable camera that allows selection between a one and four mega-pixel camera module. Users can apply additional camera options for THT components, color inspection or 3-D measurement as well as angled view inspection. Said to offer higher test speed, reduced debug times, minimal false call rate and high fault coverage. Has an all new appearance and space for further options and capability.