Circuits Assembly Online Magazine - Features

Minneapolis, MN – The SMTA has a new resource on its Website (smta.org) for Environmental Compliance & Lead-free Technology, which includes an event listing, related links and technical resources such as technical articles and reference books.

The event listing features SMTA activities at the local, national and international level that focus on environmental compliance and Pb-free technology.

Related links include further information to legislation for the RoHS/WEEE/EU Directive, other industry organizations involved in environmental compliance and Pb-free technology and various company Websites.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- Jabil Circuit on Wednesday acquired the Texas operations of Incline Global Technology Services, a flat-panel display repair services company. The terms were not disclosed. The top 10 EMS company is reportedly looking at further moves to add repair services to its product line.

BILLERICA, MA -- BTU International, a maker of ovens for electronics and wafer assembly, has filed a public offering of stock to raise about $17.6 million. Proceeds from the 1.25 million-share offering will be used for general corporate expenses and possible acquisitions.

CRANSTON, RI – EMS provider Federal Electronics has introduced services to help OEMs convert and, if necessary, reengineer their products to comply with the European Union’s RoHS directive.

The services are designed for companies in the high-mix, high-complexity and low-to-medium volume electronics market niche that are at risk of not complying with the directive’s deadline. It aims to help companies with limited internal resources to manage the conversion.

“In addition to printed circuit board assemblies, the banned substances can be found in wire, cable, connector systems and even zinc plated sheet metal,” said Ed Evangelista, vice president. “…We recognize that the directive covers more than just PCBAs and a lead-free manufacturing process. Our services include analysis on interconnect and higher level assemblies as well.”

Available as a bundle or as-needed, the services include:

· BOM analysis and conversion to RoHS compliant material for copper and fiber optic interconnect, mixed technology PCBA and higher level assemblies.

· Assistance in selection of compliant substitutes and second sources.

· Engineering design assistance where the lack of suitable compliant components results in the need for PCBA redesign.

· Continual notifications and BOM management as component suppliers issue End Of Life statements for existing components and introduce RoHS compliant parts.

· BOM cost and lead time analysis during the conversion process

· Production conducted within lead-free compliant processes.

For more information, visit federalelec.com/rohs.

VANCOUVER -- Nam Tai Electronics' attempt to take two of its subsidiaries private has fallen short, the company said today.

Separately, the EMS firm reported a monthly sales record of $83 million in November, up $3 million from October.

LONDON - Prices of precious metals are soaring, sparking fears of even tighter margins at electronics manufacturers hesitant to pass along charges to customers.

Prices of gold, silver, platinum and copper have approached or passed multi-year highs of late. Analysts cite unprecedented demand for certain materials coupled with large-scale swap by investors away from oil and into metals.