FRANKLIN, MA – Speedline Technologies will address the issues involved with the challenge of tin whiskers in SMT manufacturing during a free, live, one-hour Web seminar on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m., EST
 
The challenge of tin whiskers – the small protrusions of tin that can grow from tin-plated surfaces, causing electrical short circuits – has plagued the electronics industry for years. Concern has recently accelerated with the use of lead-free solders that are high in tin content.
 
Especially troublesome for high reliability applications such as military, medical and automotive manufacturing, research into the cause – and cure for – tin whiskers continues. Most agree that the whiskers are caused by the compressive stress of the tin-plating process. 
 
Topics will include causes and types of tin whiskers; prevention of whiskers; and where to find additional information on the phenomenon.
 
For more info. and to register, visit speedlinetech.com/seminars

Carlsbad, CA – Asymtek, Dow Corning, Emerson & Cuming, Henkel Technologies and Humiseal are planning a conformal coating and dispensing workshop on Nov. 8 at the Center for Board Assembly Research/ Manufacturing Research Center (MARC) at Georgia Tech University in Atlanta. The event will feature new information on conformal coating, and the best practices for jetting and other electronic assembly dispensing from both material and equipment perspectives. 
 
Topics will include:
How to select, cure and apply different coating materials (aqueous, acrylic, silicone, and heat-humidity cure materials);
Fluid jetting processes and material applications, including the advantages of non-contact jetting underfill and other fluid materials for electronics assembly;
Live demonstrations of coating and jetting applications on equipment.
 
There is no fee, but a reservation is required by Nov. 1. Visit:  asymtek.com/news/seminars/southeast_2005/default.htm

NORTH BILLERICA, MA -- The recovery continues at BTU International, which last night said third-quarter net sales rose 20% to $18.5 million, while earnings jumped to $1.6 million from a loss of $2.4 million last year.

For the quarter ended Oct. 2, net sales were up 17% and net income doubled sequentially.

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GUADALAJARA – Electronics manufacturing in Guadalajara is recovering, sometimes even at the expense of China. Electronics exports – mostly telecom and computer equipment – from the region are expected to rise 10% this year, to a record $11.3 billion. The city was the site of the annual Mexitronica trade show this week.

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