Circuits Assembly Online Magazine - Features

Focus-Wash is a combination of several wash methods that combine to focus the wash solution into smaller, higher impact areas. New capabilities include:

New style spray system increases wash solution impact pressure 5X over previous models. Nozzle's spray angle is decreased from 50° to 15°, and the flow rate is increased by approximately 60%.

New style spray arm doubles the quantity of spray nozzles. Uses 10 nozzles arranged to create 10 concentric spray patterns.

New oscillating board rack eliminates blind spots by creating infinite impingement angles. The stroke of the oscillating board rack is approximately equal to the nozzle spacing, creating multi-directional impingement.

New multi-stage spray pump designs provide increased pump performance and efficiency. The pumps are optimized for pump utilization, longer pump life and lower electrical costs.

Aqueous Technologies Corp., aqueoustech.com

The 2005 AS-Interface Selection Guide is a full-color resource to assist users in selecting AS-Interface components for their application.

Featured technologies include scanners and gateways, power supplies and repeaters, I/O modules, Safety at Work components, intelligent photoelectric and inductive sensors, as well as rotary encoders, accessories and cables. Visitors can request a hard copy or download PDF information at: www.am.pepperl-fuchs.com/literature/litform.asp

Pepperl+Fuchs

CATSWeb Records Management allows easy, effective compliance with corporate record retention policies. Designed to address business requirements for electronic recordkeeping and compliance, while allowing a quick ROI, compliance enforcement and lower exposure to risk.

Automates the process of archiving or purging records and documents that meet configurable criteria. Facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements and standards related to records management; improves productivity and effectiveness of administrative staff; minimizes legal liabilities by ensuring that records are kept for only as long as they are useful and needed, consistent with corporate policies; and eases location and retrieval of archived records via integration with record-level audit trail and built-in query and search engines.

AssurX Inc., assurx.com

A new tier of elastomeric connector products is available with proprietary Z-Alloy material. The connectors combine the reliability of solid metallic contacts with the flexibility of the silicone support material into one economical package. Are corrosion-resistant and offer a cost savings compared to traditional gold-plated contacts.

Standard connectors feature .002" (0.05 mm) wide conductors on .004 " (0.1 mm) centers for a conductor density of 250 per inch. Despite the fine geometry of the contacts, the material is said to be strong and durable enough to withstand repeated uses and will not break or fracture.

Z-Axis Connector Co., zaxisconnector.com

ALPHA CoolCap thermal protection device cools components and semiconductor packages during high-temperature lead-free reflow and rework processes.

Said to provide cost-effective protection without a substantial investment in process changes and redesign, while maintaining the high yield and throughput required by electronic assemblers. The reusable custom-fitted caps keep semiconductor packages below 245°C or 260°C and minimize temperature variation within packages from over 10°C down to 2-5°C, while minimizing warpage, popcorning and delamination.

Can be used in no-clean, water-soluble or RMA processes as a temporary heat sink that can be placed on components either by hand or with existing pick-and-place equipment. No adhesive is required and no residue is left on boards or components. Can be designed to cool the package body, allowing reflow underneath, or to "overcool" - preventing reflow in cases such as adjacent packages during rework.

Cookson Electronics Assembly Materials, alphametals.com

Recent test results have validated the superior moisture resistance of protective coating PC10882, a mineral-filled epoxy dielectric material designed to be screen-printed onto a range of substrates as a protective coating for trimmed resistors and general circuit protection. The cured film is tough and offers protection against thermal shock, solvent attack, moisture, abrasion, oxidation and plating processes.

Although a proven solution in the marketplace for almost a decade, recent tests conducted over the last year surpass expectations in moisture and temperature resistance.

Moisture testing involved saturation in a pressure cooker for one hour before dipping into dip in 260°C solder pot and then performing a tape adhesion test.

LORD Corporation, www.lord.com