GETEK HR high speed, low loss laminates and prepregs are CAF resistant, lead-free assembly compatible materials said to deliver enhanced thermal performance and high reliability, while enabling PWB fabricators to experience substantially improved FR-4 processability.
 
Has low dielectric constant, low loss and low z-axis expansion. 
 
“GETEK HR, with its low z-axis expansion and high decomposition temperature, is well suited for thick multilayer PWBs requiring improved electrical performance, as well as high speed and low loss products that will be assembled in a lead-free process compliant with the EU’s RoHS directive.” said Ed Kelley, director of OEM marketing.
 
With manufacturing in both the U.S. and Taiwan, is readily available in prototype to high-volume quantities.  Customers UL approval for manufacturing with GETEK will also be able to use GETEK HR.
 
Used for a broad range of applications that include telecommunications equipment, high speed computing and storage, test and measurement equipment, medical electronics, IC substrates, and RF and wireless electronics. 
 
Polyclad Laminates, polyclad.com
 

Intellect software release 1.2 for DVT vision sensors features improvements to the intuitive user interface, making inspection, precision measurement, counting and object location applications easier.
 
“The new Intellect software has a user-friendly interface that incorporates the familiar Windows look and feel,” said Kris Nelson, senior VP, Vision Sensors. “This simplified user interface will help customers get DVT vision sensors up and running faster and easier.”
 
The release increases object sorting efficiency by allowing a single tool to identify and count multiple shapes or colors; it also includes faster image updates, a new OCV tool, custom drivers for robotic applications and a preconfigured tool for label position and gross defect inspection. Communications enhancements simplify data and image transfer and provide browser accessibility and tight integration with HMI and other industrial software packages.
 
A free download is available: cognex.com/dvt
 

 
BI Technologies, bitechnologies.com/products/single_trim.htm

Low-profile stainless steel AS-Interface Gateways for connection to Profibus DP are available in single or double AS-Interface network versions, suited for networking safety inputs (e-stops, door interlocks and light curtains) using AS-Interface Safety at Work.  The modular Profibus slaves are designed in accordance with AS-Interface specification 2.11 in IP20 and stand 3.25” tall with the connector attached. 
 
Feature a rugged stainless steel housing for long life and reliable operation in harsh environments; duplicate address detection to guard against incorrectly configured nodes; and a four-line graphical display for easy configuration and troubleshooting. RS232 port can be used in parallel with a running Profibus/AS-Interface network to display additional information. Ground fault detection allows the gateway to continuously monitor the integrity of the network and report undesirable ground faults to the PC or PLC. 
 
DeviceNet Gateways are the core of the wiring system, and connect AS-Interface to upper level controllers. They handle the complete data transfer, cyclically polling all participants connected to the wiring system.   The gateway can be placed anywhere in the AS-Interface segment.  The single channel version can handle 248 inputs and 186 outputs over 62 addressable I/O modules. The dual channel gateway offers 496 inputs and 372 outputs.
 
Pepperl+Fuchs, www.am.pepperl-fuchs.com

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, a developer of analytical instrumentation, announces a complete range of analytical instruments to assist manufacturers in attaining RoHS and WEEE directive regulatory compliance. The company also provides equipment for ongoing compliance with End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) regulations.    
 
The regulatory measures can have a profound impact on the operations of effected organizations. Within this environment, and responding to feedback from its customer base, Shimadzu collected and centralized details and specifications for instruments manufacturers to ensure compliance.
           
EDX Series systems (Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometers) from Kratos Analytical, a subsidiary of Shimadzu Corporation (kratos.com), presents a powerful general analysis instrument range for compliance assessment, enabling simple, rapid screening of various substances regulated under WEEE, RoHS and ELV directives at parts-per-million levels without pretreatment.
 
A selection of instruments tailored to specific substances is available to deliver more precise investigation or to verify results.
 
Organizations seeking high-precision quantitative applications in the analysis of metals can use the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AA-6300). Simply dissolve the sample to perform high-sensitivity measurements of both ferrous and non-ferrous toxic metals. Measures not only the precise levels of toxic metals added intentionally, but also toxic metals contained within substances as impurities.
 
For the selective analysis of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), the UVMini-1240 spectrophotometer allows quantitation after extraction from a sample at the pretreatment stage. This method of diphenylcarbazide absorption photometry allows precise amounts of Cr6+ to be identified.
 
IRPrestige-21 Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer and GCMS-QP2010 are available for companies dealing with brominated flame retardants.  IRPrestige-21, when equipped with a single-reflection type ATR attachment and a brominated flame retardant determination macro program, can determine the presence of these toxic substances within seconds. The Gas Chromatograph / Mass Spectrometer can be used for analysis of raw materials using thermal decomposition analysis to determine amounts of brominated flame retardants in plastics.
 
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, ssi.shimadzu.com

ScorpION2 is a high performance ionization bar designed for demanding application requirements in the semiconductor industry. Meets the needs of Equipment Front End Modules (EFEM) for 200 and 300 mm wafer process tools while integrating ionizer functionality through the tool’s existing user interface.
 
Each bar controls, stores, maintains and communicates operating parameters independently using a closed-loop control scheme. Each bar compares the desired operating values to the actual values stored in its non-volatile memory and controls the system to maintain desired performance.
 
‘Peak Reduction’ technology allows users to select a percentage of overlap during bi-polar pulse cycles, effectively eliminating off time between bi-polar cycles delivering faster discharge times at reduced levels of offset voltage.
 
Can be controlled via a hand-held MMI (man machine interface) in two-way IR or wired operating mode. The MMI has a multi-line display and membrane switch pad. Optional communication and control using a PC interface capability for monitoring, setup and diagnostics. Each interface provides real time operating values to provide simplified calibration and setup.
 
Available with CVD Silicon Carbide emitters. Operates on 24 VDC input. Provides RS-485 communications. Communications and power are distributed via 6-conductor RJ-11 connector and may be daisy chain wired in series. Dimensions are 75 x 48 mm; available in a number of lengths including 45.7; 61.0; 91.4; 111.8 and 162.6 cm. 
 
Simco, an Illinois Tool works company, simcoION.biz
 
 
 

After its introduction at Apex 2005 in California, MYDATA automation AB announces the European launch of its new MY-Series Extended model.
 
“We call it ‘E’ for ‘Extended’ because it does just that – it extends the flexibility of our popular all-in-one platform,” said CEO Mårten Lundberg. He notes that the new model can handle an even greater variety of components at high speed – on an even greater variety of board sizes. According to MYDATA USA, all models presented at Apex were sold immediately.
 
Key innovations include the high-speed Hydra Extended Range (ER) mounthead, T3 internal conveyor and the latest version of the company’s TPSys operating software. Also equipped with linear drive technology on the Y-module, which allows for faster acceleration, higher accuracy and improved board transfer times.
 
Available in the company’s MY9E and MY12E sizes as well as the larger MY15E and MY19E models.
 
MYDATA automation AB, mydata.com

Quick Image QI-2017RL and QI-3017RL Series 2-D vision measuring systems employ a bilateral telecentric lens train capable of focusing on multiple surface levels at the same time. Results in reduced focusing effort, translating into error suppression and increased speed.
 
With a wide field of view (32 x 24 mm) , the systems can, in one view, completely capture images of workpieces with varying thickness and levels. Can simultaneously image features found on tool edges, connectors, PCBs, cylinder forms and other solids with difficult level transitions. Continual refocusing is unnecessary.
 
The QI-2017/3017 high-precision, mega-pixel CCD color camera captures elevations and contours for viewing, inspection or analysis on a desktop PC or laptop.
 
Large XY travel ranges of 200x170 mm (QI-2017) and 300x170 mm
(QI-3017), high maximum workpiece load and high-efficiency optics enable the
productivity for low- to high-volume inspection applications.
 
Comes with QIPAK software enabling pattern matching inspection via a CAD user template. 
 
Mitutoyo America Corp., mitutoyo.com  

MIMOT announced a new in-line dispenser, based on a highly accurate positive displacement auger valve. The unit can be equipped with up to six dispense heads, with an overall dispense capacity of 40,000 d/h.
 
The ability to apply the individual dispense heads to a single dispenser offers the ability to mount dispense needles with different diameters to achieve a variety of dot sizes. The system chooses the correct needle automatically from the information in the component library. One single machine can dispense several different materials, each using its own program sequence. Materials as solder paste, adhesives, epoxy or underfill can be applied.
 
Programming is simplified; the system uses the program patterns from the MIMOT placement system to create an automatic dispense program. The combination of the dispense unit and the pick-and-place system gives users a powerful tool for the assembly of double-sided PCBs.
 

9211 Series Personal Vibration Isolation Workstations are an economical solution for small labs and other tight spaces where external vibrations adversely affect the operation of sensitive equipment.  Said to deliver excellent vertical and horizontal isolation efficiencies, have low natural frequencies. Can accommodate up to 440 pounds.
 
Feature the proprietary Active-Air Suspension system ¾ a dual-chamber compressed-air system that provides high-performance vibration damping and maintains a preset “zero deflection” level to compensate for load changes. Also has a  front guard rail and leveling feet. 
 
Available with tabletops ranging from 24 x 24” to 24 x 35”.  Standard tabletops are constructed of VibraDamped steel with plastic laminate, antistatic laminate or magnetic stainless steel laminate. Custom tabletops are available.
 
Provide stability for balances, optical microscopes, roundness checkers, surface profilometers and other equipment. Are Class 100 cleanroom compatible, with Class 10 compatibility available. 
 
Accessories include keyboard shelves, monitor supports, electrical outlet strips, rear guard rails, padded armrests, retractable casters and seismic restraints.
 
Kinetic Systems, kineticsystems.com

The Integrated Engineering Software portfolio allows engineers and physicists to design sensors, solenoids, motors, medical equipment, antennas, circuit boards and other electromechanical devices.
 
New 2-D releases offer Finite Element and Boundary Element Methods. Designers can choose the optimal solution method for solving complex prototype design problems. Allows the designer to customize the program to meet their analysis needs, including multi-physics applications. 
 
3-D releases have added the capability of linking to other CAD packages and has made major upgrades to its geometric modeler.  GUI enhancements make the program more user-friendly.
 
IES’s 2D and 3D specialty product, Lorentz, offers a broader range of analysis tools for designing beam and particle trajectories. These include probabilistic model of secondary electron emission, high frequency fields, tetrahedral mesh for space charge calculations, hyper emittance and phase space plots.
 

OmniFlex 10 reflow oven is said to feature advanced heating and cooling transfer technologies, energy efficient design concepts and reduced maintenance requirements.
 
Speedline will also mark the European launch of its XyflexPro dispensing platform and spotlight its recently released Accela stencil printer at the show.
 
The dispensing platform features an advanced composite gantry design structure and linear drive system using the latest in motion control drive technology. The platform has the structural rigidity and control needed to attain the high performance capabilities and speed demanded by challenging manufacturing requirements while providing flexibility to accommodate applications in both the SMT and semiconductor industries.
 
The printing system’s parallel processing technology is refocusing the measurement of printer performance from base cycle time to total throughput.  The system on display will have enhanced features such as a new software release, Grid-Lok and a barcode reader option for board-level SPC data and event tracking.
 
The company will also launch the next generation of its Vectra wave soldering system. The system features UltraFill nozzles, a High-Velocity Convection Topside preheat module and ServoJet fluxing technology. 
 
Speedline Technologies, speedlinetech.com
Booth A4 250