TAIPEI -- Foxconn Electronics (the trading name of Hon Hai) today reported flat August revenues as consumer demand stagnated in anticipation of the next-generation Apple smartphones.

HONG KONG -- Japan's March 11 earthquake continues to claim victims as SMT Holdings tries to stave off bankruptcy. The Top 50 EMS firm is closing two factories and cutting its workforce by one-third as orders from its major Japanese customers have dried up.

LAS VEGAS – In his first public address, the new chief manufacturing officer for the National Institute of Standards and Technology stressed new tax and business policies are at the heart of the reinvention of US manufacturing.

MANASSAS, VA – A multitude of electronics manufacturing suppliers will host a free one-day workshop at Zestron’s US headquarters Sept. 27 and 28.

Seven presentations and hands-on training will be provided on elements for a successful SMT process.

The workshop will be jointly held with Kester, DfR Solutions, Speedline, MPM, SMT North America and Sawa.

Kester will address potential reliability challenges caused by solder paste and flux residues, as well as decreasing pitch. DfR Solutions will provide information on contamination and cleanliness and a practical approach to today’s challenging industry requirements.

Other topics will cover stencil cleaning, reflow oven, inline cleaning process optimization and troubleshooting techniques, cleaning process control, and optimizing printer underside wiping.

For information, visit www.zestron.com/us/electronics/upcoming-events.html.