News
Thinky Corp. (Kennesaw, GA) has announced that it is marketing the AR-250 all-in-one mixer/disperser/de-aerator in the U.S. By rotating the materials container while revolving it on a set radius, a continuous centrifugal force (400 G or more) is produced which mixes and simultaneously forces out the existent bubbles in the materials.
The mixer provides urethane/silicon degassing in minutes, disperses silver/copper/solder paste in seconds—even in frozen conditions, and mixes adhesive and sealant with no air bubble in minutes. The equipment is useful for manufacturers who use precision electronics technologies.
Using the multi-centrifugal motion principle, the model mixes ingredients and compounds in seconds to minutes with no damage of material due to its non-contact mixing structure. The machine can mix viscous material, such as clay, in 7 minutes and reduces or eliminates the use of a solvent/emulsifier.
Other models, ranging in capacity from 50 ml 100g to 3L 5kg are available. The ARV-200 and ARV-10000 (13L 16kg) are capable of complete high-speed removal of bubbles in sizes as small as sub-microns.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
Electronics manufacturing services provider (EMS) Flextronics (Singapore) is in discussions with Nortel Networks relating to a proposed relationship, whereby Nortel Networks would divest nearly all of its remaining optical, wireless and enterprise manufacturing operations and related supply chain activities to Flextronics.
If discussions are successful, Nortel Networks' Systems Houses activities in Montreal and Calgary, Canada; Campinas, Brazil; Monkstown, Northern Ireland; and Chateaudun, France would be transferred to Flextronics.
Flextronics expects to consolidate and provide full-service supply chain offerings including printed circuit board assembly and fabrication, along with logistics and repair services supported from industrial parks on at least four different continents.
The successful completion of these arrangements would result in Flextronics undertaking and managing in excess of $2 billion of Nortel Networks annual cost of sales. Flextronics anticipates that it would pay Nortel Networks in excess of $500 million in cash over a nine-month period for certain assets.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
The PL-001-01-XX-0400-32 surface-mount technology heatsink for Dpac and D2pac is now available in a lead free version. The product is based on the placeiT technology that designs, simulates, produces and tapes special mechanical parts for surface mount technology, such as heatsinks, mechanical fixing systems and high current electrical connections for standard and custom applications.
The heatsink is based on the company's special copper alloy with a solderable surface. It is shipped in tape and reel (32 mm), weighs 4 grams and is 6.5 mm high. It is mountable with standard pick-and-place machines using standard nozzles.
The heatsink is placiT technology's first product for the mass marketplace. The company was formed in 2001 to solve a specific customer problem in an economic and automated way. The company is a cooperation of five European companies with experience in mechanics, electronics, magnetics and chemicals.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
Sanmina-SCI Corp. (San Jose, CA), an electronics manufacturing services (EMS) company, has reported financial results for its first quarter ended Dec. 27, 2003. The company also announced that it will begin searching for a new chief financial officer.
For the first quarter, Sanmina-SCI reported revenues of $2.97 billion, up 9%, from $2.73 billion in the fourth quarter, and up 17% from the first quarter last year.
The company reported adjusted pro forma net income of $26.2 million, or $0.05 adjusted pro forma diluted earnings per share, compared to $14.0 million, or $0.03 per share in Q4, and $6.8 million, or $0.01 per share, for the same period last year. Cash provided by operations was approximately $110 million for the first quarter.
Sanmina-SCI also reported $1.2 billion in cash and short-term investments. At quarter-end, the company reported a current ratio of 1.9, working capital of $2.1 billion and shareholders' equity of $3.3 billion.
Jure Sola, chairman and chief executive officer of Sanmina-SCI, said, "Clearly we are seeing a positive trend across all of our end-markets, orders have been increasing more steadily, and our customers are talking with a more positive and upbeat tone...This quarter, we made further progress in our original design manufacturer (ODM) strategy, adding two design wins for server products with existing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers."
The company also announced that its chief financial officer, Rick R. Ackel, will be leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. Ackel has served as CFO since July 2000. Sanmina-SCI will begin a search for a new CFO and in the interim Sanmina-SCI's controller, Mark Lustig, will serve as acting CFO.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
Digi-Key Corp (Thief River Falls, MN) has added Murata Electronics (Smyrna, Georgia), a global supplier of ceramic passive components, to its large vendor and product offering.
Mark Larson, president of Digi-Key, said "We are cataloging, and supporting with substantial inventory, nearly 2,000 Murata components including ceramic capacitors, trimmers, resonators, thermistors, filters, inductors and potentiometers."
Digi-Key will offer customers the full line of Murata's products. Digi-Key hopes to enhance Murata's diverse distribution strategy by increasing the manufacturer's position within a variety of markets.
Murata's distribution manager, Darryl Revenew, said, "By adding Digi-Key to our list of channel partners, we can offer greater value to our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers. With their focus on the design and engineering communities, customers are able to purchase our products with exceptional turnaround time and superior service."
With close ties to the design and engineering communities, Digi-Key has established a strong client base focused on demand creation and is frequently sought after for sampling and fulfillment needs. Both companies will work closely to provide design enhancements (for existing and future products) to their customer base.
Digi-Key Corp.is a full service provider of electronic components. Its Website offers e online commerce capabilities along with 24/7 instant access to a broad-based, multi-million dollar product inventory. Murata Electronics is one of 47 wholly owned subsidiaries of the world organization Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. of Japan. Murata is a patent holder and global manufacturer of ceramic electronic components for the telecommunications, computer/peripheral, automotive, communications and EDP markets.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
IPC (Northbrook, IL) has announced the collection of free events planned for its co-located IPC SMEMA Council's APEX/IPC Printed Circuits Expo/IPC Designers Summit exhibition and conference, being held Feb. 24-26, 2004, at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim, CA.
In addition to the complimentary keynote addresses of Solectron president and chief executive officer Michael Cannon, industry forecaster Walt Custer and the multi-talented Bill Nye-The Science Guy, the trade show will feature eight free forums throughout the exhibition and conference. The schedule includes:
1) Beyond Lead Free-WEEE/ROHS on Feb. 24
Chair: Fern Abrams, IPC
This
panel discussion will provide insights into what leading companies are
doing to prepare for the July 2006 lead-free compliance deadlines along
with the latest developments in legislation, exemptions and definitions
of lead free under Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and
Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS). Additionally, the panel of
experts will examine the ripple effects of this legislation on laws and
regulations in the U.S. and abroad.
2) North America or Asia: Where is the Best Place for Your Manufacturing? on Feb. 25
Chair: Lisa Hamburg, Circuits Assembly magazine
The
relative complexity, quantity required, circuit density, level of
customization needed and delivery time frame are just a few of the
issues that help determine the supply source. This panel discussion
will discuss and debate the various pros and cons of overseas sources.
3) IPC PCQR2 Database-Globally Accepted de facto Standard for
Comparing Process Capability, Quality and Relative Reliability of PCB
Suppliers on Feb. 24
Chair: David Wolf, CAT, Inc.
The IPC D-36
Subcommittee has developed an industry standard, IPC-9151A, for process
capability test panel designs and the PCQR2 database detailing the
capabilities of printed circuit board (PCB) suppliers. The database
provides quantitative data that allows subscribers to statistically
benchmark board suppliers' capabilities; perform intelligent sourcing;
select new suppliers; ensure design for manufacturability; and
establish realistic design rules. The seminar will include in-depth
discussions on the test panel designs, analysis reports and the
capabilities of the PCB supply chain documented in the database.
4) Domestic PCB Technology Innovations at the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division on Feb. 26
Chair: Bill Payne, EG&G Crane Operations
The
Emerging Critical Interconnect Technology (ECIT) program was created to
co-opt military, academic and industrial extension for the purpose of
facilitating North American research and development consistent with
IPC's technology roadmap. This presentation will provide insight into
ongoing ECIT projects, their goals, status, the participants and
potential delivery schedules.
5) NEMI Defective Parts per Million Opportunities (DPMO) Project Forum on Feb. 25
Chairs: Tim Kruse, Plexus NPI Plus, and David Mendez, Solectron Texas LP
The
NEMI DPMO project team is nearing completion of an investigation into
package-level DPMO rates throughout the electronics assembly industry.
Such DPMO data can be used to quantify the expected fault spectrum on a
particular PCB assembly, enabling manufacturers to more accurately
assess the cost of assembly, test, repair and scrap and also estimate
the shipped product quality level of a product. Participants in the
NEMI DPMO Project Team will present findings from the study, share the
lessons learned and discuss the vision for follow-up on DPMO efforts in
the industry.
6) Will the Real Immersion Silver Please Stand Up? on Feb. 24
Chairs: Kim Hyland and Dave Mendez, Solectron
As
consumers demand more cutting-edge electronic devices, as original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs) design higher functioning boards and as
chemical companies make new PCB surface finishes, fabricators and
assemblers need to endure the fast progression of all these changes. In
this session, representatives from fabrication, assembly, OEM and
chemical supply companies will answer all questions and concerns
relating to the implementation of immersion silver.
7) Reactivation of IPC's OEM Council on Feb. 25
Chair: Daryl Sato, Intel Corp.
IPC
is reactivating its OEM Council, which has made significant
contributions to efficiency in the supply chain through development and
release of standardized vendor surveys. The council's mission is to
develop and use a methodology for PCB technology and assessment and
advancement, evaluate PCB supplier process capabilities, identify
technology gaps and monitor R&D advancements and PCB design changes
to ensure gap closure. The panel will discuss their working group
efforts and solicit feedback on ways to integrate and expand such
collaborative projects through the OEM Council.
8) International Technology Interchange-Total Packaging Solution Roadmap on Feb. 24
Chair: Dieter Bergman, IPC
This
forum will discuss global industry needs and how international
organizations are involved in developing common ways of understanding
future development and improving the international supply chain. The
panelists will cover various topics, ranging from the definition of
Jisso to the hierarchy of electronic packaging to optoelectronics and a
global outlook on lead and halogen free.
For more information about these events, visit http://shows.ipc.org or contact Joe Dudeck, IPC communications manager, JoeDudeck@ipc.org.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
LPKF Laser & Electronics (Wilsonville, OR) has announced the release of the low cost SL740 surface-mount technology stencil laser cutter. The system is designed for low- and medium-volume stencil production, cutting up to 3,000 apertures per hour.
The cutter uses the same proprietary high power infrared laser source compliant with laser safety class 1 as found in LPKF's higher-end models. The entry-level system provides high accuracy and reliability, making it ideal for start-up stencil businesses or a backup system for established shops. It offers a cutting area of 29 x 29 in. and accommodates all common stencils, including stencils for quick release frames. Mounting fixtures are provided for both bare sheets and framed stencils.
"With the introduction of the SL740, we are excited to better address the entry-level market space, while maintaining the signature reliability and accuracy of LPKF's products," said Stephan Schmidt, vice president of LPKF North America.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
Reptron Electronics Inc. (Tampa, FL), an electronics manufacturing services company, reported that its Second Amended Plan of Reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code was confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Jan. 14, 2004. Reptron anticipates the effective date of this confirmation to occur on Jan. 26, 2004, which is about 90 days from the original filing date.
Under the confirmed plan of reorganization, the company's unsecured class of creditors that includes its existing convertible notes will receive new notes with a total principal amount of $30 million. The existing notes, along with all accrued and unpaid interest, will be cancelled. The unsecured class of creditors will also receive 95% of the common shares of the reorganized company. Existing common shareholders will receive the remaining 5% of the common shares of the reorganized company.
"The restructuring of our convertible notes is a key component in our strategic plan, which we believe positions the company to take advantage of future growth opportunities," said Paul J. Plante, Reptron's president and chief operating officer. "Once the restructuring is completed, Reptron will have reduced its debt load by over $70 million over the past 12 months. We are extremely pleased to have completed this restructuring in such a short time frame."
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
IPC (Northbrook, IL) and JEDEC, the Solid State Technology Association, have announced plans to further their efforts in preparing electronics manufacturers for the inevitable European ban on lead by co-sponsoring three international conferences on Lead-Free Electronic Components and Assemblies in the U.S., Europe and Asia in 2004.
Ever since the European Union agreed upon the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directive, in which all affected electrical equipment sold in Europe after July 1, 2006, must be free of lead, IPC and JEDEC have taken an active role in keeping the industry informed of changing requirements and encouraging the voluntary elimination of lead. In their second year of jointly producing domestic and international conferences on lead-free electronics, IPC and JEDEC will host lead-free conferences on March 17-19, 2004, in San Jose, CA; in August 2004 in Singapore and Oct. 20-22, 2004, in Frankfurt, Germany.
Each international conference provides tutorials focusing on subjects such as manufacturing with lead-free, halogen-free and conductive adhesive materials, as well as various workshops that introduce lead-free solders and present selection criteria for lead-free compositions.
The associations will also select industry experts to present a two-day technical conference covering crucial lead-free topics. Presently, conference chairs Jean Hebeisen and David Bergman of IPC and John Kelly and Donna McEntire of JEDEC are seeking papers and presentations in the following areas:
Policy: European lead ban status
Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Industry: On the front line of the change
Component issues (passives and actives)
Design issues
Environmental health and safety effects and alternatives
Printed circuit board (PCB) issues
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)/Consumer demands/voluntary elimination dates
Recycling options
Substitutions: New commercially available alloys/conductive adhesives/ease of replacement
Cost issues
Reliability evaluations (such as temperature cycling data, tin whiskers)
Roadblocks to implementation
Finishes issues: Organic solder protectants, immersion tin, silver, electroless nickel and palladium
Lead-free and other product sectors
For more information on the conferences or submitting abstracts, visit: www.jedec.org or www.ipc.org.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
The monthly order index compiled by the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA, Arlington, VA) took its annual December dip, but the outlook remains positive for 2004.
"Based on previous years, we expected a December dip," said Bob Willis, ECA president. "The good news is that the December dollar value is up by more than 20% over 2002, and the 12-month moving average ended on an upward note. Our members believe that 2004 might be the first year of sustained growth since 2000."
Electronic components are the building blocks of most consumer goods and technology hardware, so the industry normally reflects the movement of the economy as a whole. This year, the outlook is good. Nariman Behravesh, chief economist for Global Insight, predicts that economic growth in 2004 will be the strongest since the bursting of the high-tech bubble in 2000, with the U.S. and Asian countries outside of Japan enjoying the fastest growth.
Behravesh said, "The beleaguered manufacturing sector will finally enjoy a year of strong, uninterrupted growth - barring any unforeseen shocks."
According to Willis, the ECA has scheduled a full slate of events and marketing opportunities that will help its members make the best of the industry's rebound.
"There is a lot of justifiable optimism, but companies need the resources to manage the intricacies of demand, raw materials, supply flow, distribution, inventory and other interrelated issues," said Willis. "We had prosperity a few years ago, but it went bust. We want our members to have access to the information and opportunities that will allow them to take advantage of the good and mitigate the bad."
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
Professor Deborah Nightingale, PhD., of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lean Aerospace Initiative (LAI) will present a keynote presentation, "Transforming the Lean Enterprise Value Stream," on May 6, 2004, as part of the NEPCON East/Electro and Assembly East event. The co-located manufacturing shows will take place May 5-6 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA.
The conference program will begin one day earlier on May 4. Combined, the three shows will provide Northeast manufacturers with a single source for cutting-edge manufacturing solutions at the board, component and final product assembly levels. In addition, attendees can see even more new products with the concurrent running of The Vision East Show featuring automated machine vision solutions.
"Lean Manufacturing is a very hot topic," said Kelvin Marsden-Kish, vice president of the NEPCON/Assembly family of events, produced by Reed Exhibitions. "To have a world-class educator such as MIT's Professor Nightingale share their knowledge will be very valuable for NEPCON East/Electro and Assembly East attendees."
In her address, Professor Nightingale will share the successes that the MIT LAI has experienced with its implementations of Lean. The presentation will focus on the need for contemporary networked enterprises transforming the entire value stream, including suppliers and partners. Dr. Nightingale will explain how applying lean principles to all life cycle, enabling and leadership processes will be required to achieve value for the total enterprise.
Nightingale is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Engineering Systems Division. She serves as the MIT lead on the Lean Enterprise research and product development team within the LAI. Prior to joining MIT in 1977 she worked for AlliedSignal Aerospace for 17 years, serving in executive leadership positions across the entire enterprises.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
IPC (Northbrook, IL) has announced the schedule for its second annual Sacramento Day, taking place Feb. 3-4, 2004, at the California Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Sacramento, CA.
Open to all companies in the electronic interconnection industry with operations in California, IPC and its California Circuits Association's (CCA) two-day event will assist businesses in lobbying the California Legislature to develop and pass a pro-growth, pro-manufacturing, fiscally responsible agenda for California's printed circuit board industry.
On the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 3, participants will kick off the event with dinner and a presentation by Richard Costigan, legislative secretary for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Costigan will address the attendees on the Governor's recently released 2004 budget blueprint and present the keys to returning California to fiscal stability.
Fred Main, counsel, government and policy division of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips LLP, will commence Wednesday's activities with a primer on lobbying the California Legislature. Then, Dominic DiMare, vice president of government relations for the California Chamber of Commerce, will discuss the key business issues facing the legislature in 2004.
Next, the attendees will meet their Assembly Members and Senators to share crucial industry concerns, such as workers compensation reform and the creation of a pro-business environment to foster increased investment, innovation and jobs in California's high-tech manufacturing community.
After a morning of lobbying, the attendees will hear luncheon speaker Dan Walters, political columnist for the Sacramento Bee, discuss the historic recall effort, the election of Governor Schwarzenegger and its impact on the political environment in the Golden State. Following lunch, attendees will participate in afternoon lobbying visits before a wrap-up session to compare notes from the day.
For more information, visit www.calcircuits.org/sacday or contact Dick Crowe, CCA's executive director, (714) 343-6267.
Copyright 2004, UP Media Group. All rights reserved.
