EnviroGuard 100% closed-loop stencil cleaner is said to clean all types of solder paste with a 100% closed-loop process: wash and rinse. Matched properties of 440-R SMT detergent to a specifically designed filtration/UV system that facilitates zero VOCs of wash and rinse solutions. Reportedly captures for recycling 99% of the waste paste from stencils and misprinted PCBs. The remaining 1% is said to be removed by the filtration system. Is zero discharge, with no venting requirements. Retrofits to the company’s existing stencil cleaners.

Smart Sonic, www.smartsonic.com

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