SF855-LR soldering flux is a low-solid, low-residue, no-clean, non-rosin organic flux designed for use in tabber and stringer equipment of PV through soldering tabs to cell contacts. Low solids content (1.6%) and nature of activator system reportedly result in nearly no residue left on cell after soldering. Wide operating window and temperature range; can be used in SnPb, SnAgPb and Pb-free applications.

Kester, www.kester.com

GTAz optical head comes on PowerSpector and SpectorBOX AOI machines. Delivers stereoscopic imaging using nine high-speed (90 Fps) cameras operating in full 24-bit color. Image differentials are merged and a vectorized map of the component created, then analyzed based on programmer-applied tolerances. Requires no active light projection, and thus is less costly and compact, for desktop systems. Removes need for capture cards utilizing Thunderbolt2 20GBs transfer speeds and full frame transfer. Views side of components rather than extruded 2D images (as with single-camera systems). Has 3D features such as verification of body height, tilt and coplanarity; and 2D benefits of fast programming and pin height and solder meniscus profile analysis, component presence/absence, polarity, value, angle, offset, color, extra part detection, solder ball detection and short detection. Line-sourced DOAL (direct on axis lighting) coaxial lighting system with high-resolution telecentric optics enables inspection of solder joints without shadow effects from tall components nearby as well as accurate inspection model building. Omnidirectional multi angle, multi-color LED lighting provides optimal illumination regardless of component direction.

Mek (Marantz Electronics), marantz-electronics.com

EMS 561-567 snap cure conductive adhesive is for stringing or shingling applications in crystalline silicon and thin-film solar modules. Is designed to electrically interconnect solar cells using ribbons or direct cell-to-cell contact. Is stress-absorbing, designed to withstand the rigors of thermal cycling, and reportedly features excellent conductive stability to cell and ribbon metallization during damp heat exposure. Cures in seconds at 150°C to 180°C.  

Engineered Material Systems, www.emsadhesives.com

Elpecast Wepesil VU 4675 elastic silicone casting compound features a shore-A-hardness of 30–40 and a high permanent thermal resistance of up to 200°C. Protects and insulates electronic components and assembled PCBs against extreme climatic conditions and aggressive media. Ceramic fillers aid thermal conductivity of approx. 1.2 W/m*K. Suited to applications where heat is to be dissipated rapidly from high power LEDs to a wide area. Gray, solvent-free; resists chemicals and weathering. Classified as hardly flammable due to its chemical characteristics. Removable for repairs. Mixing ratio of 1:1 parts by volume or weight. Cures at room temperature but may be accelerated by heat (e.g., 15 min at 125°C).

Peters, peters.de

Mk 4 XT V precision, flat-panel-based x-ray inspection platform now offers a adjustable isolated monitor arm and console. Improved profile integrates PC within the machine chassis, taking up less space on shop floor. Improved safety and reliability, with compliance to the latest European standards, and with coolant pumps now isolated from the electronics for ease of maintenance and repair. For inspection of complex printed circuit boards and electronic components.

Nikon Metrology, www.nikonmetrology.com

LAS 1200 extraction and filtration system purifies laser fumes and laser dusts. Airflow is led through five different filtration stages. Based on multiple air purification and the utilization of efficient filter media, filter combination is said to ensure a 99.9% separation rate. In the prefilter and main filter stages, solid particles down to the nano range are separated; filtration or adsorption of gases and vapours is executed in an activated carbon filter, utilizing a high-performance fan with large pressure reserve. Is suited for capture and filtration of dry, noncombustible dusts occurring during material processing that uses lasers. Purifies dusts, gases and vapors from processes such as laser cutting, laser welding, laser marking or laser ablation. Can be used stationary or as a mobile unit.

ULT, www.ult.de

SMD shielding clips are produced in custom sizes. Are an alternative to hand soldering. Miniaturized design permits tape-and-reel packaging compatible with standard high-speed placement equipment. RFI shield clips can be placed anywhere on the printed circuit board. Are equipped with four independent spring contacts. Allow for shield removal and replacement.

Holland Shielding Systems, www.hollandshielding.com

Wash-Away dissolvable spacers are designed to provide consistent spacing between printed circuit boards and components. These organic polymer spacers locate PCB components during soldering operations. After soldering, they dissolve in water or alcohol solvent baths.  Leave uniform spacing between components and boards. Are available in a range of sizes and shapes to accommodate resistors, capacitors, transistors, potentiometers, and ICs. Contain no ionizable material, salts, sugars, metals, or soaps; are non-corrosive, non-conductive, and non-toxic.

Multi-Seals, http://multi-seals.com/wash-away-dissolving-spacers/

Desicorr Pouches NW (No Window)are designed to protect goods within a sealed moisture barrier package. Easy to insert manually or automatically. No degreasing or cleaning of parts required. Absorb moisture that builds up inside packaging. Feature a breathable membrane, permitting desiccant to absorb moisture more quickly through both sides of the pouch. Are commercially equivalent to MIL-D-3464E, Type I & Type II. Come in several unit sizes for a maximum single pouch protection volume of 1.5 ft3 (42 L) with 23.1-gram moisture absorption capacity at 77°F, 75% relative humidity.

Cortec, http://cortecvci.com/Publications/PDS/Desicorr_Pouches_NW.pdf

TS8100 series positive displacement PC pump is a volumetric dispense pump based on progressive cavity technology. Uses a stator and rotor design to provide accurate and consistent dispensing. Pump can dispense low-viscosity coatings to high-viscosity greases. Turning rotor moves fluid in sealed cavities through stator’s fluid chambers to create a volumetric fluid flow that does not change the shape or size of the fluid. Accuracy and repeatability of ±1% reportedly is achievable. Comes standard with syringe bracket, mounting bracket kit, luer lock fitting, cleaning kit and dispensing tip selection pack. Applications include underfilling PCB components, encapsulation and potting applications, applying lubrication on automotive parts, and dispensing pastes and flux.

Techcon Systems, www.techconsystems.com

Analog Z-Class sensors now comes with embedded digital technology for 10th order polynomial resolution. Is said to be accurate to within +-1% at 250°C. Also provides precise intra-ocular LED targeting of the area to be measured, eliminating independent laser finders that require merging the detector, the laser, and distance to target. Specifically designed for rework applications. Focusable to measure single point surface area targets within a diameter range of to 1-12mm without having to account for distance to target calculations. Offers accurate in-process control for densely populated PCB rework tasks involving very small packages in addition to QFNs, QFPs, microBGAs, connectors and high sphere count super BGAs.

PDR Americas, www.pdr-rework.com/americas

2C51 two-part silicone conformal coating and potting material is fast curing and has high dielectric strength. Provides protection if used to encapsulate a printed circuit board. A one to one mix ratio ensures accurate blending of the two parts. Autocatalytic cure enables curing without applied heat; can be accelerated with mild temperature increase. Full cure can be achieved in 30 min. at 70°C or 60 min. at room temperature.

HumiSeal, www.humiseal.com