Optek three-axis staging/transport systems are suitable for a range of applications. Feature granite bases and bearing ways, are driven by linear motors that generate no heat and position to a small fraction of a micron. Air-bearing transports are close-looped to one-tenth µm linear scales that are bonded to granite x and y axes. Have accuracy greater than 4 µm, repeatability greater than 3 µm and a transport speed of up to 30" per sec. Feature a center drive in all three axes and split-axis operation. Y-axis table and x-axis carriage “float” on air bearings. Available in 12" x 12", 18" x 12", 28" x 24", 38" x 30", and 50" x 36" ranges. Are provided with 8" of z-axis travel. Are provided on floor-standing welded steel frames, with or without amplifiers and computer controllers. Custom fiberglass “hoods” also available.

Operations Technology Inc., www.optek.net

Tagarno Milli inspection system combines HD benchtop inspection system with a precision measurement capability at magnifications from 4 to 105x. Is said to offer excellent image quality, a large field of view, and the ability to work precisely under the lens. Permits multiple viewers to see the same image on 42" monitors. Traceability and data recording software available.

Christopher Associates, www.christopherweb.com

Micro-Dot manual syringe dispenser functions as a complete dispensing system for machine-ready 3, 5, and 10 mL syringes. Is offered in two models: lever-actuated and thumb-actuated. Uses a positive displacement design to advance a plunger in precise increments each time the actuating thumb button or lever is depressed. Output volumes can be set with a twist of a control knob. Can dispense in volumes from µL to mL. Is ideal for dispensing adhesives, thread lockers, and lubricants.

Dymax Corp. www.dymax.com

PanaCIM Enterprise Edition manufacturing execution system v. 8.3 has been expanded to include additional equipment from non-Panasonic vendors. Software modules can provide solutions to control, plan, verify, change over, trace, and analyze materials whether in a warehouse, in WIP, or on the production floor. Production Analysis module has evolved from a charting tool into an analytical tool with a new design, enhanced visual indicators, and on-the-fly report modification with real-time results.

Panasonic Factory Solutions Company of America, www.panasonicfa.com

XJTAG version 2.5 now includes a free layout viewer; can quickly visualize exact location of faults. XJDeveloper can quickly set up and run tests on a circuit and create and customize tests to their requirements. XJRunner is a specialized run-time environment for testing; is for the purpose of debugging, testing and repair work. Tells the type of fault it has found and which nets are faulty. Now provides clickable links to show the location of these nets and the most likely positions of the physical fault on the board. Layout Viewer can show the distance between objects, and provides control over which layers are visible.

XJTAG, www.xjtag.com

RD1 batch type vapor phase reflow system uses vapor phase technology to provide uniform heat transfer for reflow, curing and drying. Designed to accommodate low-volume production and smaller-sized products. Delivers user-friendly operation and excellent process control. Now has a working envelope of 12" x 10" x 2.25", using palletized conveyor system that keeps the product horizontal throughout the process. Features touch-screen controls, a convected preheat zone, programmable recipes, a cooling zone, and a working fluid auxiliary tank and filter system.

R&D Technical Services Inc., www.rdtechnicalservices.com

Ebso SPA-NC selective solder platform has automatic selective soldering cells with manual load/unload. Automatically transports the printed circuit board to each soldering step via an XYZ-axis carrier - microdrop fluxer, bottom-side preheater and soldering modules. Nitrogen is provided to the solder bath and solder pump unit. Includes Fast Remove Pump system; pump head is turned at 45° and lifted out of the bath while secured in the maintenance fixture. Solder bath and pump are made of Titanium. Includes EBSO photo editor. Software automatically calculates correct X and Y value. Uses an integrated Schleicher controller. Other features include soldering under 7° or 0°; dual nozzle and dual flux; wide range of soldering nozzles, including both wettable and Jet nozzles up to 60mm in width, and microdrop and spray fluxing.

EBSO, www.ebso.com

Cluso automated first article inspection is a computerized method of inspecting first-off boards without the need for manual inspection. Is a logically validated, semiautomatic solution that sits before the production line; integrates visual inspection with document or data file control and traceability reporting. Boards are checked for errors against a platform of controlled procedures. CAD and machine placement files and BoM are loaded into the system; the pick-and-place file is automatically verified against the BOM; the first-off printed circuit board is scanned, and the high-res digital image file is displayed on a monitor. Reviews BoM data. Location of individual parts on the PCB is also automated, as are coordinates from pick-and-place files or original CAD dataset.

Cluso, www.cluso.com.au

SAM-CT35Q large board model tabletop PCB router is designed for smaller work spaces. Easy-to-use system features a push button control to start operation. Automated precision router features built-in safety door to protect operator during routing process and fixture-based highly efficient dust vacuum system. High-speed router bit precisely cuts densely populated PCBs without stressing board. Cutting paths can be set as close as 0.5mm to a component. Routing area of large board model covers 500 x 300mm. Offline image-processing software for programming router paths.

Sayaka, www.sayaka.co.jp

Seika Machinery, www.seikausa.com

VT-RNSII inline post-reflow inspection system uses faster shutter speeds and improved image processing to perform inspections 20% faster than the original VT-RNS series. Permits faster throughput and more detailed inspections of densely populated boards within the same cycle time. Can provide 3-D information from a 2-D image. 3-CCD camera enhances solder shape recognition accuracy; is said to obtain 3x the information of a 1-CCD camera. Resolution is up to 10 μm; can inspect components as small as 01005 and 0.012” pitch. Also comes in benchtop model (VT-RNSII-ptH).

Omron Inspection Systems, www.omron247.com

Edge provides a sharp, shallow angle blade tip for via probing on printed circuit boards. Incorporates ZIP flat technology. Is fully replaceable in current fixtures with 100 mil receptacles.

Everett Charles Technologies, www.ectinfo.com

SonoFlux Servo GP is a fully automated ultrasonic reciprocating spray fluxing system. Has a precision gear pump liquid delivery system; offers precise control of flux quantity. Offers programmable selective area spray capability with little overspray. Additional features include 2" to 18" or 2" to 24" board width capability, full PLC control with Windows-based software, up to 500,000 recipe storage, single or dual mode, conveyor speed sensing option and optional barcode reader. Non-pressurized flux reservoir has low-level sensor alert and high flow rate accuracy, with deposition repeatability of +/- 5%.

Sono-Tek Corp., www.sono-tek.com