Newark InOne announces the availability of RoHS Certificates of Compliance (C of C) via its Website. Online customers can download a C of C for each of 250,000+ parts that the distributor has identified as RoHS compliant.
 
The C of C links are located in the Technical Information column on its search results pages, as well as on product detail pages. As is personalized, a simple online registration process is required before the document can be downloaded. Customer-specific information is included along with the description of the part, manufacturer brand name and part number. Customers who order by phone can request that a C of C to be sent with their order.
 
Each is backed by a 10-step quality process, which assures that the manufacturer has accurately represented the part's RoHS compliant status. These steps include: conducting a risk assessment process that evaluates the quality of the compliance information it receives from the supplier, asking for additional conformance and testing information when risks are identified, inspecting parts during the receiving process, resolving discrepancies with suppliers, notifying customers when they've purchased a misidentified part and keeping careful audit trails.
 

QualMark's patented OVS (OmniAxial Vibration System) tables used in their HALT and HASS chambers excite every part of a product, down to the component level, at its resonant frequency. This requires vibration in all three axes as well as the rotation around those axes, simultaneously, across a wide frequency range. At the same time, and within the same chamber, thermal tests are undertaken.  The chamber's patented Typhoon air-handling technology drives products from ambient to the appropriate stress temperature quickly using less electricity and liquid nitrogen.  
 
"If you looked at a pie-chart and it showed all possible defects, you'd have a certain percentage showing up at extreme high and low temperatures, during thermal cycling, under vibration in all axes, and during combined vibration and thermal cycling," said Charlie Bates, VP of program development.  "To cover all the bases you have to test both vibe' and temp simultaneously, because studies have shown that you can otherwise miss 25-30% of the defects."
 
In addition, thorough HALT and HASS testing requires broad frequency excitation, far beyond what a product might see in the end use environment, to ensure that weak links are quickly exposed.
 
"Our new xLF vibration system is unique in shifting the energy in the frequency domain down to the zero to 5,000 Hz range. With 50% of the energy below 2,000 Hz and 50% above, we simulate the resident frequencies in various types of electronic hardware, including PCBs," continued Bates. "This quickly brings out potential real-world problems such as weak solder joints and incomplete surface-mount connections."
 
QualMark authorized test centers have conducted over 4,000 HALT and HASS tests since
1991, employing services such as customer directed testing, production screening, production HASA (Highly Accelerated Stress Audits) and on-site testing.
 
QualMark, qualmark.com

MIDLAND, MI — The Dow Chemical Co. is raising prices in North America for a wide selection of its epoxy resin products. Expoy resins are a basic component of laminates used in printed wiring boards.
 
Effective July 1, 2006, or as contract terms allow, Dow will increase off-list prices for liquid, solid, solid solution and brominated epoxy resins by six to eight cents per pound.

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Valor Computerized Systems has announced a full Pb-free environment control solution covering market-leading machine vendors, regardless of brand and model generation. The TraceXpert operations monitoring and control solution for EMS companies delivers machine vendor neutrality for line-monitoring, real-time materials management, optimized assembly line performance and component traceability.
 
With the July deadline for the RoHS Directive almost here, electronics manufacturers are focused on sourcing Pb-free components through improved and revised production and inspection processes for compliance. TraceXpert assists that process by blocking uncertified AVL components from entering the assembly cycle, by preventing unauthorized operators from running the Pb-free process, by ensuring proper control of moisture-sensitive devices and preventing inadvertent tampering with process parameters. In addition, exact traceability capabilities allow manufacturers to produce device compliance history records, and provide customers and authorities with evidence to support their Pb-free process certification.
 

LPKF ProLegend is a fast, easy-to-use system that creates professional legend print on PCB prototypes.
 
Environmentally friendly, does not require screen printing and comes with all the necessary tools and consumables included. Requires very little training.  
 
Allows legend printing to be an easy in-house process, increasing security and eliminating production delays. Legend print can be added to a circuit board instantly through a simple process. Before applying the legend print a solder mask can be applied with the LPKF ProMask system, allowing instant turnaround.
 
LPKF, lpkfusa.com

Uni-form  epoxy performs are now available in M5-82, a linear epoxy system that remains flexible under temperature changes.  The post-cure flexibility of M5-82 improves adhesion to component materials with dissimilar coefficients of thermal expansion.  The epoxy was developed for under-the-hood automotive applications and other environments that require seal integrity under adverse temperature conditions.
  
Are one-part epoxy resins that are solid at room temperature.  When heated, they melt and cure, forming a consistent seal that protects components from dust, moisture, oil, flux, solvents, conformal coatings and other contaminants.  Close tolerances on preform dimensions, consistent pre-mixed ratios of resin to catalyst and consistent viscosity from beginning to end of batch ensure uniform, high-quality results.  Are available in multiple configurations, with outside diameters from .035" to .720".  Preforms can be dispensed as rapidly as 200 to 600 parts/min. with little or no operator training.  Reportedly eliminate pot-life concerns and costly cleanup procedures. 
 
Multi-Seals,  multi-seals.com

 
Anritsu has modeled the thermal performance of its products for a number of years but in the past thermal simulation was not fast enough to keep up with the rapid pace at which the company designs PCBs. So, thermal design had to wait until the prototype was built and mechanical engineers created thermal photographs and measured temperatures of the boards. At the same time engineers also modeled the product at the systems level with Flomerics’ Flotherm software. Typically, the simulation identified hot spots or other problems on boards. Engineers then went back and repositioned components, rerouted traces, and built a new prototype. The extra board spin added directly to the time required to bring the product to market.
 
About a year ago, Anritsu became one of the first users of FLO/PCB, a software package that makes it practical to perform thermal modeling during PCB design. Electronic engineers now provide mechanical engineers with placement information and data sheets on key components of the PCB. The mechanical engineers then quickly model the board and simulate its performance under standard airflow and temperature conditions. They often reposition components at this stage or add a heat sink and, when they are satisfied, then plug the FLO/PCB model into a Flotherm system model, which usually already exists, and determine the thermal performance of the board under actual conditions.
 
“Modeling PCBs during the design stage makes it possible to get the board design right from a thermal standpoint every time,” Whiting said. “This has eliminated the need for a second thermal prototype and saved us 4 to 6 weeks in bringing every product to market. In a typical example, FLO/PCB showed us that junction temperatures were too high on a couple of voltage regulators. The system level simulation showed us exactly where we needed to reposition the boards to get enough airflow. We provided that information back to the EEs designing the board, so they were able to get the layout right the first time.”
 

Promation has released the latest version of its multi-functional magazine handling system. The EMB-700 creates multi-functional in-line PCB handling through the use of magazines.
 
“One Touch Button” system allows this station to be programmed for the following: Line Unloading, Line Loading, Magazine Rack Buffer (LIFO or FIFO modes) or to simply act as a Pass-Through Conveyor. An upgrade to the Signature Series includes touch panel, automatic width adjusting and functional tracking through LCD readout.
 
Equipped with PLC, the rear magazine rack storage system is capable of holding up to five magazines. Features audible alarm, three-color light tower, ESD grounding receptacle, full safety vanity panels and “Easy Roll” wheels with leveling feet.
 
Promation, pro-mation-inc.com

NORTH BILLERICA, MA – BTU International has acquired the AtmoPlas technology and research team from Dana Corp. The acquisition provides BTU with 27 patents and filings in plasma processing through the use of microwave technology.
 
Financial terms were not announced.

The AtmoPlas process makes possible a new method of heating components where microwave energy is used to create a plasma at atmospheric pressure. Typically, plasma is generated under low pressure or vacuum, adding substantial complexity and cost to the equipment. The ability of AtmoPlas to operate without a vacuum offers several advantages over conventional microwave processing.

"We envision that after further development this technology will provide thermal processing solutions which could significantly affect processing flexibility, cycle time, equipment footprint and throughput in electronics and energy generation, as well as other applications," said Paul J. van der Wansem, BTU chairman and CEO.

AutoVue version 19.1 adds support for popular 3-D formats prevalent in many industries including
Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC), providing the ability to view and collaborate on 2-D and 3-D drawings with a single solution.
 
Expands EDA capabilities by adding NC Drill formats, Cadence Allegro and Concept 15.5, as well as OrCad Capture and Layout 10.5. Gerber file aperture support has also been enhanced. PCB manufacturers can collaborate with suppliers and customers rapidly without risking valuable IP.
 
Format and product enhancements include:  AutoCAD 3D 2000 and up, MicroStation 3D v8 and up, CATIA 5 R16, Solid Edge 18, enhanced product manufacturing information (PMI) support and more.
 
As the AEC community embraces 3-D technology, AutoVue provides a simple means to view, print and comment on 2-D and 3-D drawings. Native document viewing capability enables customers to instantly view documents without undergoing file conversions. Customers, suppliers and partners can share information without having to purchase and manage software licenses and training services.
 
Cimmetry Systems Corp., cimmetry.com

USI’s Prism Coating Systems are designed for precision application of a variety of low-viscosity coatings. Features patented nozzle-free ultrasonic coating technology, which reportedly delivers a more precise coating application than conventional spray nozzles.
 
USI has compiled a short video demonstrating the system selectively coating a range of materials with precise control and uniformity, including electronics assembly, semiconductor, fuel cell, medical and industrial applications

Ultrasonic Systems, ultraspray.com

 
Enhancements include:
A New Integration Layer –A new integration layer enables simplified integration with essential ERP, CAD and EDA applications, including products from Oracle, Microsoft, Expandable, QAD, Cadence, Mentor Graphics and SolidWorks. Through this integration layer, manufacturers can use managed data synchronizations or off-the-shelf adaptor solutions to seamlessly integrate PLM product data with other enterprise applications such as ERP, MCAD and EDA. Managed data synchronizations, which include semi-automated workflows, allow customers who are just getting started with PLM or who make less frequent updates to their integration processes, to have a cost-effective and ‘out of the box’ solution for integrating their PLM data with other applications.
 
The integration layer also features a dashboard that allows users to transparently monitor and manage which other applications are integrated. Enables customers to publish specific subsets of PLM data to other enterprise systems. Customers can have real-time visibility into what other applications are integrated and greater control of their product record data.

Enhanced Security – Provides enhanced enterprise-class security through IP-based access control. Manufacturers can now restrict access based on log-in and IP address range. Provides for stronger security measures and more customized permissions. Allows security- and IP-conscious customers to control access to their IP on very specific “point of entry.”
 
Richer Customer Experience -- Delivered on-demand as a secure, Internet service enabling customers to take advantage of continuous innovation, a richer, AJAX-based user interface, increased reliability and security, and greater service performance. Provides real-time, personalized usage information into application usage, feature utilization and support activity to maximize the PLM experience. Through a custom, self-service portal manufacturers can now get real-time status updates on customer support issues. The portal is fully integrated with Fast Feedback, a real-time support system that provides users with immediate technical assistance in the context of exactly where they are in the application. 
 
These enhancements follow on the heels of a recent announcement that Arena PLM products are backed by a guaranteed service level agreement (SLA).