MUNICH – Any fears that Productronica would be a disappointment were allayed today. The crowds were out in force, with the show floor busy from opening to close.

Most exhibitors are showing equipment that debuted elsewhere, or is slightly improved over previous models. There have been some developments, however.

Juki has several new machines, including the KE-3010, a high-speed placement machine capable of 80,500 cph per IPC-9850, and the KE-3020V, which handles everything from 01005 to 50 x 150mm and 75 sq. mm parts.

IBL showed several vapor phase machines, including a new inline model, the CX600.

Dage’s X Plane technology, which includes some component adjustments and retrofits and new software, can separate the package, wirebond and board layers to reveal voids and other hidden defects. Solder volume characterizations are not possible, but the suggestion is that’s potentially not far away.

Samsung showed its new SLM 110 Smart LED mounter, a dual-head machine with a patent-pending feeder.

Other products of note seen today:

• SMT-Wertheim’s QP-L-Plus oven.
• DJ Tech’s 2D/3D SPI.
• Zestron’s Vigon N flux residue cleaner.
• Vitrox's 510XL x-ray, which handles maximum board sizes of 610 by 610mm (24 x 24").

Overheard:

• Orders are coming in hot and heavy to replace machines lost in the Thailand floods. Some placement companies have received more than 100 orders to date.
• Interest in white solder mask is growing, especially for LEDs.
• Ex Universal Instruments GM Mark Ragard has joined Panasonic US as group manager. He takes over for Jeff Timms, whom we saw back at Siemens.
• A lot of comments about low-Ag solders from the materials folks. Still some questions over the applications for which they are best suited.
• Europe is pushing for nonflammable alternatives to freezer sprays.
• Etek Europe has moved into its new $1 million headquarters. The Scotland-based distributor has added 14 staff in the past 18 months and is adding a demo room and possibly IPC training. It also has registered Etek USA.
• Europe also is not in sync with the US when it comes to MSDS standards. Europe has standardized on a form, while the US is coming under fire for failing to do the same.

At the end of the day, departing attendees were treated to a glorious fireworks display, courtesy of Juki. On Thursday we’ll check out the PCB fabrication hall.