Craig Curk, national sales manager, notes that “most customers are ordering two solder pots, one for lead-based, one for no-lead. The pots are clearly marked and color-coded to prevent mix-ups that can result in cross- contamination. Each pot is equipped with its own solder pump and solder delivery systems; extra nozzles are ordered separately.”
 
Changeover between pots is fast and simple. The nitrogen supply is removed via a "quick connect” fitting, pump power is removed and reattached with power plug, and re-heating from a cold start takes about an hour.
 
Applications include assembly, prototyping and rework, post-reflow offline assembly and other soldering applications such as odd-form devices.
 

Assembléon is introducing a Speedpack upgrade to its AX range of pick-and-place machines. The upgrade reportedly increases the output of the SMD placement equipment lines by up to 15%, while improving line balancing.
 
The AX5, for example, increases from speed 94,300 to 110,000 components/hr. The package runs on new machines, and currently installed machines can be upgraded.  
 
Raises outputs without trading off accuracy (4 sigma @ 50 micron). This reduces the production cost per component.
 
It is the first of several developments planned to bring performance of installed machines up to the latest machine standards. The platform’s modularity allows specific modules to be upgraded without having to change the entire machine setup or design.
 
Assembléon, assembleon.com

Lista Xpress program ships over 80 of the company’s most popular products in two to three days. Pricing, ordering information and additional details are available at listaxpress.com.  The Website offers an easily navigated series of steps to place orders online.
 
The program includes Drawer Storage Cabinets, which have 50% more storage capacity than conventional shelving and feature more usable storage space than competitive cabinets. The cabinet drawers feature a 440 lb. load capacity each and are available in seven full sidewall heights for maximum storage capacity.
 
Other products in the program include Shelf Cabinets, Mobile Cabinets, Technical Electronic Workbenches, Align Adjustable Height Workstations, Industrial Workbenches, Computer Cabinets and Seating.
 
 Lista International Corp., listaintl.com

Lackwerke Peters introduces environment-friendly conformal/permanent Elpeguard coatings SL 1301 ECO-FLZ, SL 1400 ECO-FLZ and the water-borne SL 1305 AQ, the fast-curing Elpeguard  thick film lacquer Twin-Cure DSL 1600 E-FLZ as well as the silicone thick film lacquers of the series DSL 1700 FLZ.
 
Lackwerke Peters GmbH + Co KG, peters.de
SMT/Hybrid/Packaging 2006 Booth 9-604

GÖPEL electronic has introduced a new series of specific JTAG/Boundary Scan controllers with PXI Express interface as part of the Boundary Scan hardware platform Scanflex.
The prototype of the new controller family (SFX controllers), SFX/PXIe1149-(x), includes three models for different performance classes.
 
After SFX controllers for PCI, PXI, USB/LAN and FireWire, the new series is the fifth family of controllers – available in performance classes A, B and C. The models differ in the maximum TCK frequency (20, 50, and 80 MHz, respectively) and in the degree of implementation of the enhanced Space chip set for high performance scan operations. Integrated Fastscale technology allows an upgrade of the controller’s performance class on the fly, without mounting additional hardware.
 
The x1 configuration achieves transfer rates up to 264 MB/s in “zero wait state burst mode” and is based upon the PXI Express hardware specification 1.0, with support for defined Local Bus, trigger, and synchronisation methodologies. In combination with additional modular components, PXI Express based high performance Boundary Scan systems with up to eight test access ports (TAPs) can be configured and synchronised with other functional modules. All TAPs provide programmable input and output voltage as well as programmable input and output impedance. 32 dynamic I/O, two analog I/O channels, three static I/O and trigger lines are standard features.
 
GÖPEL electronic, goepel.com

Sales of Cookson EAM’s high reliability Alpha Vaculoy SACX now account for 46% of its lead-free bar sales in Europe.
 
“Since its introduction in early 2004, sales of SACX have grown steadily, and over the last six months we have experienced growth as our customers are looking for the high performance, reliability and value they find only in SACX," said Gerry Campbell, global product manager. "The recent increases in the prices of tin and silver have forced our customers to look at lower cost alternatives to reduce the cost burden of moving to Pb-free processes. SACX costs 30% less per kg…without compromising process yield or reliability."
 
Its fast wetting speed and improved solderability reportedly outperforms all Sn/Cu-based alloys. Is said to provide excellent drainage and minimize bridging defects. Creates strong, mechanically sound joints with long-term reliability. Minimizes dross generation, resulting in low process maintenance and reduced product waste. Its process window supports the use of a range of flux technologies.
 

No. 926 is an electrically-heated, 250°F shelf oven from Grieve, currently used for aging electrical components.  12kW installed in Nichrome wire elements provide heat to the load.  Workspace measures 68 x 30 x 66”.  A 1000 CFM, 1 HP recirculating blower provides horizontal airflow.
 
Shelf oven features 4” insulated walls, aluminized steel interior and exterior, plus a 20 x 56” double-pane Lexan window in each of the unit’s two doors.
 
Includes a disposable fresh air filter, digital indicating temperature controller, manual reset excess temperature controller with separate contactors, recirculating blow airflow safety switch and a remote control panel.
 
The Grieve Corp., www.grievecorp.com

SSM4A rework machine is suitable for power semiconductors,  bobbins, sensors, transformers and other components. Is ergonomically designed, fast and productive, even for semi-skilled operators.
Retrofits for existing SSM 4-, SSM 9- and PCBRM machines are available. Can be equipped with a nitrogen option.
 
Zevac AG, zevac.ch

Max-Kleen Heavy-Duty Degreasers are industrial degreasers formulated to tackle demanding cleaning jobs. The degreasers provide fast, easy removal of grease, tar, asphalt, oil and grime in industrial degreasing operations, including manufacture and maintenance of armatures, compressors, electrical motors and equipment, bearings, gear drives, brakes, springs and flywheels.
 
Xtreme degreaser is the most aggressive cleaner in the line. It is non-flammable, non-corrosive and non-conductive. It evaporates quickly, leaving behind no residue.
 
Lectro-Solv degreaser is best for electrical degreasing applications. Is non-flammable, non-corrosive and non-conductive. It has a dielectric breakdown of 30,000 volts.
 
Citrus degreaser dissolves oxidized grease, oil, wax tar and sludge. Contains no chlorinated solvents, and has a flash point above 100^o F. Has an orange odor.
 

Kester will provide lead-free resources, technologies and products during Nepcon China this week.
 
The company will feature numerous products from its Lead-Free Solutions (products and services) portfolio to help companies beat the July 1, 2006 RoHS Directive deadline. Featured products are EnviroMark 907 lead-free no-clean paste and its low-cost Ultrapure K100 lead-free bar solder alloy, along with  technical services to help manufacturers assemble lead-free. 
 
EM907 reportedly exceeds customers’ expectations for high-yield Pb-free manufacturing, and was designed for the higher thermal demands of assembling with higher melting temperature Pb-free alloys. Featuring a long stencil life, the solder paste is said to offer Pb-free joints that closely resemble those achieved with Sn/Pb solder paste.
 
K100 is a near-eutectic tin/copper alloy with controlled metallic dopants to control the grain structure within the solder joint. This improves joint reliability and virtually eliminates common defects such as icicling and bridging. The improved grain structure also results in completely filled and shinier solder joints than traditional lead-free alloy alternatives.
 
 
Kester, kester.com
Nepcon China booth 2E48http://www.kester.com