Dage has developed a computerized tomography (CT) option for its XiDAT XD7600NT digital x-ray inspection system.  The CT option further refines performance with volumetric reconstruction of solder joints. 
 
CT is an imaging method employing tomography whereby digital geometric processing is used to generate a 3-D image model of an object from a large series of individual 2-D x-ray images, or slices, taken about a single axis of rotation.
 
The CT capability is available as an option with new systems and is suited for analytical analysis of interconnections for critical applications such as stacked die, MEMS, package-in-package and package-on-package. Equipped with this option, the system can quickly and easily convert between 2-D and 3-D modes for different inspection applications, is capable of ultra fast image reconstruction and can reconstructing up to 1,440 image slices.
 
When operating in 3-D mode, the sample is rotated in the x-ray beam and multiple 2-D digital images are captured. These 2-D images are fed in real-time to a dedicated reconstruction server where a 3-D model is available for viewing. 
 
The reconstruction server can generate 3-D volumes of 256³, 512³ and 1,024³ using a Feldkamp cone beam reconstruction algorithm with either full or sub-volume reconstruction, with all calculations being carried out by 16 dedicated processing units running in parallel.
 
The reconstructed 3-D image model can be viewed online or off-line with dedicated image hardware allowing real-time manipulation of 3-D models.  Image display features include:
Image Manipulation – rotate, pan and zoom
Clip Image – to eliminate unwanted detail
Volume Rendering – for creation of solid surfaces and maximum intensity, and to vary the opacity and color of volumes
Slices – multiple cross section at any orientation and the ability to vary the opacity and color of individual slices
Illumination Models – single light source or two light sources with shadow computation for optimal 3D perception
Image Save – saving 2D images in JPG or TIF formats
 
Dage Precision Industries, dageinc.com

SchmartBoard has released two boards that address tiny discrete surface-mount components.

 EZ Discrete #1 supports 0201, 0603, 0805, 1206,1210, 1608, 1812, 2010, 2512, & CAES-A, B, and C. EZ Discrete #2 supports SOT23-3, 5, 6, SC70-5,6, DPAK, D2PAK, SOT223, TO263-7, SOT89, 0805, 1206, & CASE-A, B, C, D and E. Many of these components are very small and require a magnifying glass to see, let alone hand-solder without creating shorts. The boards lock the component in place on the board, and are hand-soldered by touching the board with the soldering iron next to the component.

 
The products revolutionize the process of kitting and reloading SMT lines. The custom-configurable material handling solution allows numerous package types to be stored in a secure, controlled manner, whether that be reels, tubes, feeders or PCBs. The cart and software together increase inventory accuracy. Allows material to be received directly from the dock to stock/kits, eliminating non-value-added labor and the efforts of moving/transacting material into another stockroom after receipt.
 
The software was developed based on years of industry experience to deal with MRP systems that fall short of managing work in process. Uses “1 Package, 1 Location” technology to minimize machine setup/tear down and reload while maintaining accuracy of work in process inventory.
 
The supply chain management software increases visibility, presents actionable data, minimizes inventory liabilities and reduces cost. Helps increase SMT machine utilization accuracy and reduce unplanned material shortages by improving the inventory accuracy.
 
An SMT line can be loaded directly from INOCART on the line, eliminating kitting and staging of jobs prior to running on the SMT lines. Can hold feeders so kits can be presented to the SMT equipment ready to go.
 

Flowserve Guardian 3000 electronics cooling pump is designed to cool computer processors and graphics chips in high-end consumer personal computers.
 
Measuring approximately 90 mm in length and 36 mm in diameter, it is the smallest pump the company has ever developed. While the largest pump built by Flowserve has an impeller diameter of 4.24 m and would fill an Olympic size swimming pool in 25 sec., the Guardian 3000 has an impeller diameter of less than an inch and would take nearly three min. to fill a kitchen sink.
 
It addresses a daunting challenge facing manufacturers today – how to cool computer electronic components within limited dimensional, cost and power budgets. An overhung centrifugal, nonmetallic, magnetic-drive, seal-less pump, its patented motor technology and design achieve the small form factor necessary to fit microcomputer and other electronic package applications.
 
Is powered by a brushless 12-volt DC motor, designed for a minimum five-year maintenance-free life. Collaboratively designed and manufactured by the company's Memphis, TN; Vernon, CA; and Dayton, OH facilities, has successfully completed tens of thousands of hours of endurance testing and more than 40,000 cycles of on/off tests.

Flowserve Corp., flowserve.com

OK International has developed a series of enhancements for its Metcal MX-500 and SP200 soldering systems to optimize them for Pb-free manufacture.
 
The first is a range of SmartHeat PowerTips for the MX-500 system. Designed for Pb-free applications, the tips provide the high thermal performance, allowing the user to solder demanding joints without heat damage. European product manager Craig Brown explains: “If you simply turn up the temperature, you risk burning off the flux and ending up with an insufficient joint. Instead, we have developed a series of tips that are extremely efficient in transferring more energy to the joint.”
 
Different solder tip geometries allow different amounts of energy to flow to the solder joint. Calculated mathematically using its length, width and shape, each solder tip’s “Conductivity Factor” indicates how efficient it is in conducting this energy – the higher the number, the more efficient the tip.
 
Based on its most popular tip geometries, the company has introduced seven SmartHeat PowerTips for use with MX-500. It plans to add new geometries as Pb-free manufacture takes hold.
 
For the SP200 soldering system, the cartridges have been upgraded with a high-power coil assembly for additional power for Pb-free solder joints, with no need for increased source temperatures.
 
Both systems use SmartHeat technology to ensure that the solder joint being reflowed receives exactly the energy required. This eliminates the risk of heat damage and allows the solder tip to work at lower temperatures for a longer useful life.
 
In addition, Auto Sleep Stand interrupts the energy flow to the solder tip when the hand-piece enters the cradle, reducing tip temperature to a minimum idling level as it rests in the stand. Reduces oxidization that can be a problem with high-temp Pb-free solders and fluxes; this can be further reduced with the stand’s brass wire wool cleaning compartment. Tip temperature returns to optimum working levels within a second of the hand-piece being removed from the stand, so no working time is lost.
 
Two accessories clearly identify Pb-free equipment: first, a green cradle that can be inserted into the Auto Sleep Stand; and second, green Pb-free identification rings that can be slipped onto soldering tips and cartridges. 
 
OK International, okinternational.com
 

Compact, modular mySelective 6745 is an in-line capable selective soldering machine that is quick to set up and suited to a high mix environment. Ideal for medium volume assembly, makes setup fast and simple using ‘Easyteach.’ A simple graphic image of the assembly – a JPEG or flat scan – helps set up the soldering sequence for any assembly in a matter of minutes.
 

 
Incorporates a flexible robot arm that is controllable and allows soldering under an angle over its SelectWave, for better soldering in difficult-to-reach areas. Is highly controllable, providing flexibility and the capability to swap process steps.
 
Features a specialized lifting unit and SecureGrip PCB Gripper system. Gripper can be extended with specific functions, including warpage prevention; holding functions for non-planar PCBs; or holding critical components in position. Provides free movement to revolve around its U-axis, easy swap-out through quick- disconnects and is fully adjustable in length and width.
 
Eliminates the need for custom pallets; reduces waste and dross problems. <F"65 Helvetica Medium">
 
Vitronics Soltec, vitronics-soltec.com

A wide range of compact four-, five- and six-axis robots handle payloads up to 20 kg, with reaches from 350 to 1,300 mm. Repeatability is within ±0.015 mm. Standard, cleanroom and dust- and mistproof (IP65) models are available. Easy-to-use programming software, controllers and teaching pendants are also offered.
 
DENSO Robotics
AT Expo, booth 311

Specialty Coating Systems (SCS) has confirmed that their equipment lines meet the requirements of the EU’s Restriction on the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances directive 2002/95/EC, which goes into effect tomorrow.
 
SCS designs and manufactures the following:
Conformal coating spray and dispense systems
Spin and dip coating systems
UV and thermal cure ovens
Ionic contamination test systems
Parylene deposition systems
 
The RoHS directive stipulates that all new electronics products and equipment sold in Europe after July 1 must be free of certain hazardous materials, including lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium. Other countries, including China and Japan, and individual states within the U.S. are also developing similar directives.
 
Specialty Coating Systems,  .scscoatings.com
 

STATSHIELD Metal-In green ESD shielding bags provide easy identification of Pb-free assemblies and components in the manufacturing process. Are appropriate ESD packaging for lead-free products. 
 
Have integral antistatic, low-tribocharging properties and are printed with ESD protective symbol, RoHS compliant Pb-free symbol, manufacturer name and date/lot code for traceability.  Meet ANSI/ESD S20.20 and MIL-PRF-81705D Type III. 
 
Bag film thickness is 3.1mil. The buried metal layer is not susceptible to scratching. 40% light transmission allows identification of bag contents. 3/8” wide seals offer interior sealing layer. Polycarbonate compatible. Contains no amines or N-octanic acid. 12 stock bag sizes are available from 4x6” to 18x24”. Custom sizes and custom printing are available.
 
Protektive Pak, protektivepak.com

NEA announces solid titanium retrofit kits for a variety of wave solder systems. The titanium upgrades help in Pb-free environments, as titanium withstands the corrosive effects of high tin content in Pb-free solder. Available for a variety of wave solder system components, including nozzles, chimneys, impellers, shafts and solder pots.
 
According to the company, solid titanium components have proven to be superior to coated components. Because coatings can be removed or scratched, components run the risk of being exposed to corrosive Pb-free solder, thereby reducing their productive life. Solid titanium components are reportedly less expensive than upgrades offered by OEMs.
 
Can be retrofit in the field, turn around of 10 days on standard size nozzles.
 

Visiprise Manufacturing 4.2 enhances the user experience with increased performance, integration, reporting and business intelligence.
 
Includes:
Enhanced machine integration for control and efficiency of product delivery, enabling tight integration from PLM to the plant floor;
Robust business intelligence, Production Metrics powered by Cognos, creating more than 30 pre- configured, customizable business intelligence reports;
Out-of-the-box statistical reports that query high volumes of data over a historical period and allows for scheduling of the creation and sharing of customized Web-based reports;
Additional authoring tools so users can write a report once and distribute it in multiple languages and formats and can create their own reports on demand using drag-and-drop assembly.
 
Allows users to log in to access, design and visualize reports directly inside Production Metrics powered by Cognos. Can manage performance by delivering a consistent, accurate view of all business information.
 
Visiprise Manufacturing is an enterprise- level, scalable, J2EE manufacturing solution that enables global manufacturers to manage and control manufacturing and shop floor operations. Integrates business systems to the shop floor, allowing for component and item-level visibility for single and global installations.
 
Visiprise, www.visiprise.com

DVT 515 and 535 are easy-to-use vision sensors with a suite of vision tools.
 
“The DVT 515 and 535 are not limited to a single or even a few generic machine vision functions, but handle a much broader range of applications than similarly-priced vision sensors,” said Kris Nelson, Sr. VP, Vision Sensors. “It’s also very easy for users to combine vision tools to inspect, measure, count, find features and compare patterns in order to automate inspection and ensure quality in a variety of applications and industries.”
 
Are the lowest cost models in the DVT vision sensor family, which includes products for simple part inspection to defect detection, high-resolution and color applications.
 
Operate with easy-to-use Intellect software that facilitates setup, integration and maintenance; are backward-compatible with FrameWork. Have built-in Ethernet to connect to factory networks and software, making communications with other vision systems, PLCs, SCADA systems, PCs and databases fast and easy.