Zestron America and QTS Inc., a stencil frame manufacturer, have successfully completed extensive compatibility tests. Under the direction of Zestron’s engineering team, newly developed QTS stencil frames were successfully tested with VIGON SC 200. The MPC technology removes raw solder paste and adhesive in a single process.

Tests were performed at one of a Technical Centers in accordance with Zestron’s Standard Stencil Compatibility Test Methods in ultrasonic and spray-in-air equipment. The frame structure and nylon composed buttons, for example, showed excellent compatibility with VIGON SC 200. 

To obtain a copy of the compatibility certificate, contact ZESTRON America at (888) 999-9116 or QTS at (508) 359-7800.

A new version of Assembléon’s zero-defect set-up assistance software is said to simplify set-up of its SMD placement machines, particularly in applications where the production line is configured to process a multiplicity of smaller production batches.

Two new features are available for SVS-Pro supported machines and the feeder Loading Unit.  For board family set-up, the production preparation software uses ‘dummy’ feeders so that the set-up is identical during optimization of the various process programs of the family. The use of dummy feeders implies that in the set-up of a particular process program a part number is defined but is not present, although it may be present in the process program of another board in the family. SVS-Pro 3.1 allows two different modes of operation.

In the stricter mode of operation, it checks all feeders in a process program, including those for which no mountline exists (dummies). If a feeder is not present, the software will not allow production to proceed even if the related part number is not used on the board. In a less strict mode, it does not check the dummy feeders and does not generate an error, but allows production to start. 

Placement machines and the Loading Unit can now read multiple composite barcodes and format string for quantity barcodes in combination with non-leaded barcodes.

Improves operator guidance during feeder programming, showing which feeders are needed in the selected set-up.

For AX machines, provides automatic feeder pitch programming.

Offers multi-language support, including multi-byte languages, on the AX machines and the Loading Unit.  Supported languages are English, German, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.

 Assembléon, www.assembleon.com

Anderson Power Products has introduced the high density PowerMod connector family. The connector system, offered in three to 30 circuits, is available for straight PCB, right angle PCB, panel or cable mountings, offering design flexibility for system packaging.

Rated for 30 ampsm features mechanical polarized UL94V-O housings for proper circuit mating. Connectors have up to four sequential pin mating options available for mate-first/break-last and make-last/break-first circuits.

Offers stainless steel positive retention latches and optional back shells that provide additional safety and security.  Available in 13 different sizes: single-row 3, 4, 6 and 8 circuit; two-row 6, 8, 12 and 16 circuit; and third row 9, 12, 18, 24 and 30 circuit connectors.  UL- and TÜV- recognized, CSA certified.

Anderson Power Products, andersonpower.com

The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), the Japan Green Procurement Survey Standardization Initiative (JGPSSI) and JEDEC have published the first international standard for product material content reporting. The Joint Industry Guide for Material Composition Declaration for Electronic Products will harmonize the disclosure of material content data across the electronics supply chain.

Developed by EIA and JGPSSI, and standardized using JEDEC procedures, the standard was motivated by the trend toward international environmental regulations that restrict the use of certain substances. The most well-known of these regulations is the EU’s RoHS Directive, which will take effect in 2006, and will ban the use of specific materials that have traditionally been used in electronics manufacture.

The Guide provides a standardized list of materials that must be disclosed when present in products and subparts that are supplied to electrical and electronic equipment manufacturers for incorporation into their products. The list will benefit suppliers and their commercial customers by providing consistency and efficiency in the material declaration process. It will also encourage the development of consistent data exchange formats and tools to facilitate data transfer along the global supply chain.

Issues covered include:

Targeted lists of materials and substances for disclosure;

The composition amount or "threshold level" that requires disclosure for particular materials and substances;

Regulatory requirements that establish threshold levels, where appropriate;

Data fields for information exchange.

Available free of charge at www.eia.org/jig.

Flex Arm adds a new dimension of flexibility – in virtually every direction - with its 19” vertical post. Designed for mounting microscopes, vision systems, etc., is flexible, sturdy and stable. Allows vertical movement along the post (z-axis) as well as Theta (rotational), in addition to other lockable/positionable axes of movement.

Two versions available, equipped with a standard table clamp or a weighted base. Both are bench friendly, and do not require users to keep the horizontal arm at table height. Lower arm can be placed as high as 19” off the table, allowing users to work around existing bench top products or structures. The second (upper) adjustable arm can pivot and be adjusted at any number of angles for flexibility and clearance of benchtop objects.

The O.C. White Company, www.ocwhite.com

Legex 322 is a high accuracy CNC coordinate measuring machine that loads enhanced performance into a compact design.

With a unified, one-piece configuration and minimal footprint, designed for quick and easy setup and operation – offering new opportunities to integrate automated measurement and inspection.

Designed for measurement and inspection of components sized to300 x 200 x 200 mm, combines accuracy (MPE_E = [0.8+2L/1000]µm) with speed (200 mm/sec.). Applications include measurement of precision metal molds and electrical discharge machining parts as well as off-line setup of machine tools. 

Minimizes deformations caused by normal machine operations. Integrated y-axis machine guide rail is ceramic-plasma coated. Thermally-stable components plus real- time temperature compensation maintain accuracy even under extreme conditions.

Supports probes including contacting, scanning and touch-trigger probes, as well as laser and vision probes.

Mitutoyo America Corp., www.mitutoyo.com 

Model 2200-806 High Volume Heated Tip-Seal Material Dispense Valve delivers low to high viscosity heated materials at a high flow rate. The 3/4” diameter orifice dispenses large volumes at a slow velocity for proper fill rates. Zero-cavity nozzle design eliminates dripping after shut-off.

The material chamber has 120v heaters and sensor to control temperatures up to 350°F. Separate heater and sensor prevent cold material starts due to loss of temperature. Standard model includes two operator handles and an electric trigger switch to control the start-stop flow of heated material. An ambient valve model is also available.

Carbide and wear resistant components and high-temperature seals are designed to handle heated materials with abrasive fillers for long production life. Allows multiple Tip-Seal valves to be ganged together. Applications include filling lighting ballasts, packaging fluid materials, roller coating filling and large potting or coating operations.

Sealant Equipment & Engineering Inc., SealantEquipment.com 

Promation Inc. has developed an end-to-end transfer conveyor that reportedly offers end users up to 30% cost savings.

ASC-700 is available in 500 and 800 mm lengths to meet most interconnecting requirements. Equipped with a retractable hand crank for width adjustment, capable of handling PCBs ranging in width from 50 to 450 mm. An embedded controller provides reliable end-to-end transfer through standard SMEMA (1.2) communication ports.

Includes “Easy Roll” wheels with leveling feet and a complete wrap around enclosure.

Promation Inc., pro-mation-inc.com

X-Tek Systems will be exhibiting its Revolution inspection system at SEMICON West on July 11-15.

Offers a viewing angle of up to 75^o, allowing for magnification up to 6000X at angles over all of the 16 x 16” (406 x 406 mm) manipulator scan area, for analysis of wafer bump inspection, BGA ball wetting, attachment, cracks and delaminations.

Features 160XI cable-free open x-ray tube, which offers sub-micron resolution in a stable and low-maintenance format, with easy-to-change extended life filaments. Positional accuracy is achieved through fast motors on all axes, to give precise feedback for high-speed, accurate inspection.

User-friendly InspectX software and is ergonomically designed for operating comfort, with both mouse and joystick control and an outsize viewing window.

X-Tek Systems, xtekxray.com

Zuken and CAD Systeme Kluwetasch (CSK) have introduced a MRP (Materials Requirement Planning) Link said to reduce design time, save money, ensure product quality and facilitate management of the product development and manufacturing processes.

By integrating CADSTAR tools with MRP SQL databases and establishing a bi-directional connection, users have access to additional component information for harmonization of part data in designs and for the creation of customizable BOMs. Includes synchronization, parts management, history management and BOM management.

The synchronization tool provides accurate information exchange, eliminating duplicate information, reducing the risk of data entry error and enabling historical tracking.

The parts manager allows users to search from selected components that meet pre-defined criteria within the parts database. The flagging of preferred supplier parts within the library assists in supply chain management. Cost calculations enable pricing of products to achieve required profit margins, and selection of components from the preferred suppliers list assists in negotiating bulk purchasing discounts.

History management functionality manages and assesses change notes throughout the product development process, allowing the identification of batches that use different components from different suppliers .

BOM management automatically identifies requirements for component changes when parts become obsolete, facilitating forward planning for carrying out redesigns.

Zuken, zuken.com

Newark InOne, a small-quantity distributor of electronic components and test equipment in North America, offers a downloadable RoHS Legislation and Technical Manual on its RoHS Express Website:.newarkinone.com/rohs. RoHS Express was launched in May to provide design engineer and component buyers with a continuously updated, in-depth source of information and news relating to the upcoming EU directive.

The 22-page manual contains an introduction to RoHS, a step by step guide to compliance, detailed information about the substances affected, a chapter on soldering and a closing environmental section.

The site also offers visitors the opportunity to receive free monthly RoHS email updates.

The manual, first published by Newark InOne's sister distributor, Farnell InOne, in the UK, can also be accessed at rohs.info.

Newark InOne, newarkinone.com

RoHS-compliant TP-107 series of low-profile, surface-mount PCB test points is engineered for fabricators of high-density SMT printed wiring boards who demand reliable, safe and durable testing during and after manufacture, as well as the capability to easily, quickly, and accurately identify faults.  

The device’s bond to the PCB is the result of a unique forming process, which consists of forming the flat wire design in a spiral wrap at the mounting base, effectively doubling the surface area of the mounting base to enable a more rugged connection when adhered to the solder pad. Over 18 pounds of force would be required to dislodge the test point.  Singular loop design provides a positive, secure location for miniature spring-loaded clips, probes and hooks.

Offer a low, 0.090” (2.29 mm) profile, current rating of 2A and an operating temperature of -55 to +125°C.  Feature a matte tin (0.0001 min.) over nickel (0.0001) finish, and are manufactured using 0.015 x 0.040” phosphor bronze, spring-tempered flat wire alloy.

Designed for automatic insertion by pick-and-place equipment and reflow soldering, are supplied on 12-mm wide, 4-mm pitch, conductive polycarbonate tape that meets ANSI/EIA-481 standards. May be ordered on 7” reels/1,000 pieces or 13” reels/5,000 pieces.  

Components Corp., componentscorp.com