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IPC APEX EXPO 2010: Exhibits Preview I
February 22, 2010 |Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
— IPC APEX is coming up April 6–9 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Over the next several weeks, SMT will bring you new product previews and highlights of the exhibit floor. This preview includes a new boundary scan program, loaded selective soldering system, tilt/rotate capability to improve conformal coating, halogen-free solders that meet high reliability and performance targets, updated vapor-phase rework, a new vision system for inspection, and advanced pick-and-place technologies.
Not attending? Follow the IPC APEX stories from SMT throughout the show, on our Website www.smtonline.com and Twitter, www.twitter.com/surfacemount.
New Approaches to Boundary Scan
JTAG Technologies is releasing JTAG Live, debugging boards too crowded for traditional probing becomes a whole lot easier. This is a new approach to supplying tools for debugging boards with a mix of free and paid for products targeted at different aspects of the debugging process. JTAG Live is for electronics engineers and technicians to use in checking PCBs for basic continuity and correct operation. The family consists of three products, Buzz, Clip, and Script. And to keep start-up costs down, to connect to the board, JTAG Live is compatible with the popular JTAG programming cables from Altera and Xilinx, as well as with the two-port USB Explorer from JTAG Technologies. Buzz provides the ability to check quickly (direct and indirect) connections between devices supporting boundary-scan while Clip offers ways to verify cluster logic using vector-based cluster tests; and Script enables users to adopt a functional, device-oriented test approach to take control of a design through on-board JTAG/boundary-scan compliant devices. Buzz is available free of charge from the JTAG Live website. Clip and Script are also available for download, for a nominal charge. JTAG Technologies will also demonstrate an interim update to the ProVision boundary-scan development tools-suite. Service Pack One for CD release 15 (CD15-SP1) is now available for download for licensed users with a current support contract and includes the new free continuity test module Buzz. JTAG ProVision was first released in 2006 uses a unique project database structure, automatically analyzing the boundary-scan and non-boundary-scan elements of a design to create rapidly a full set of tests and in-system programming applications. The new Buzz module allows a user, with minimal design information, to quickly check the continuity between two or more pins. Using an intuitive user interface the user can quickly drag and drop pins into a continuity test panel within the user interface and 'Buzz-out' a connection as you might traditionally do with a DMM. A new 'Watch' feature uses the JTAG SAMPLE instruction to monitor asynchronously the activity of a selected pin without disturbing the operation of the UUT. Adding the Buzz feature gives users a quick method to check out up to 10 pin to pin connections in one hit without the hurdles that are sometimes encountered when importing design data. JTAG Technologies, www.jtag.com, Booth 2325.
“Stimulus Package” Selective Soldering System
A.C.E. Production Technologies has packed their popular KISS 101 Selective Soldering platform with bonus features and extras within a full enclosure, and is offering it priced for the budget-conscious buyer. The value-priced KISS 101-B has all the capability needed to perform all required selective soldering functions, including programming, camera-assisted alignment, spray flux application and the capability to take advantage of all ACE soldering nozzle technologies. The KISS 101-B is suitable for lead-free solders and can reduce hand soldering operations by up to a factor of 10, resulting in return on investment of just a few months. KISS 101-B debuts as a practical, full-featured, affordable system that contract manufacturers, job shops, and even mid-sized EMS companies need to implement selective soldering in their processes. Rugged, reliable, and compact, the KISS Windows-driven (PC included) KISS 101-B features an optional lead-free compatible solder pot and is ideal for assembly, prototyping, rework, post-reflow offline assembly and other selective soldering applications such as attaching odd-form devices. A variety of standard and custom nozzles are available, from a 3-mm bullet nozzle to a 3” wide wave. This low-cost system is a free-standing, fully enclosed, CE-compatible model. The KISS 101-B is simple to set up and use, features analog controls, and provides flexibility for quick-turn rework or light assembly. The system will accommodate PCBs from 2 x 2″ up to 12 x 12″. ACE Production Technologies Inc., www.ace-protech.com, Booth 464.
Fifth-Axis Tilt and Rotate Capability in Conformal Coating Applications
Nordson ASYMTEK will introduce a fifth-axis tilt and rotate capability for its conformal coating system. The applicator can now tilt 0° and 30° and rotate 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°. While the nozzle is tilted to 30°, the mechanism can be rotated in 90° increments to direct the fan pattern to the left, right, front or back to coat all four sides of a component. This new mechanism is faster, quieter, and weighs less than the current tilt-and-rotate implementation. The operation saves about 0.3 second in moving from any given position to any other one. The tilt and rotate accessory is ideal for coating vertical surfaces and underneath components and enhances access to tight or hard-to-reach areas that may not be achievable with the standard downward approach (0°). The tilt and rotate capability, combined with Nordson ASYMTEK’s SC-205 film coater, can do the same job that typically requires multiple valves. The new fifth-axis tilt and rotate option is available for Nordson ASYMTEK’s Film Coater Applicator SC-105/ SC-205 to be used on Nordson ASYMTEK’s Select Coat SL-940E and SL-941E conformal coating systems. The new design uses two pneumatic motors and is integrated into the applicator-rotate-tilt assembly making installation and service easier. It is more flexible as the tilt-and-rotate assembly and the applicator can be mounted as one piece on the Z-head. The rotate and tilt commands are embedded in the Easy Coat for Windows XP (ECXP) conformal coating program. The SC-105/205 Film Coater Dispensing Module provides non-atomized, selective application of conformal coating materials with viscosities of less than 100 centipoise. Achievable coating thicknesses range from 0.5 to 8 mils for solvent-based materials and 4 to 8 mils for 100%-solids materials. With transfer efficiency in excess of 99%, the film coater helps improve material utilization by 30 to 50%. Because the conformal coating material is not atomized, overspray, masking, and rework associated with conventional conformal coating processes are minimized. Using Nordson ASYMTEK's proprietary dispensing technology, the film coater applies conformal coating material in a controlled, uniform film rather than an atomized spray. Material is directed under low pressure through the dispenser and a patented dispensing nozzle, and applied to the circuit board prior to the point of atomization. A variety of nozzles are available to dispense film pattern widths from 0.25 to 0.75″. Each delivers excellent edge definition with a tolerance of ±0.030″. Nordson ASYMTEK, www.nordsonasymtek.com, Booth 1925.
Halogen-free Solders to Prevent Tin Whiskers, Promote Excellent Fillets
Nihon Superior will display a full range of products based on its unique lead-free solder SN100C. This will include the company’s completely halogen-free solder paste, SN100C P602 D4. Also, to showcase the versatility of SN100C, the company will display a range of production boards soldered with SN100C. A highlight of this new range is the halogen-free solder paste and flux cored wire that use no halogens, fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br) or iodine (I) in their formulation, while still delivering excellent wetting on all substrates. Halogen-free, lead-free flux-cored solder wire SN100C(040) is a solution for tin whiskers caused by corrosion. No whiskers were observed as a result of testing for 1,000 hour exposure under the condition of 85°C/85% humidity. SN100C (040) halogen-free flux cored wire is an effective solution in preventing whiskers due to corrosion of the solder surface. Different formulations of so-called halogen-free fluxes on various board finishes still need to be carefully examined for the possible incidence of whiskers. The new, completely halogen-Free SN100C P602 D4 solder paste is a high activity lead-free solder paste with excellent fillet formation at the exposed ends of the lead terminations. Nihon Superior Co. Ltd., www.nihonsuperior.co.jp, Booth 1426.
Updated Vapor-phase Rework Station
Vapor Works will exhibit the newly updated V-Works Vapor Phase Rework Station, V-Works 24, with improved vision, placement, a redesigned x/y table, and a smaller footprint by more than 30%. V-Works 24 is designed specifically as a single component rework tool using vapor phase technology to transfer heat for removal and replacement of single components and connectors on circuit boards. The tool uses proven vapor phase technology to deliver uniform condensation heat transfer to the single component rework environment. The V-Works 24 allows users to utilize the absolute limits to maximum temperatures, small delta at peak temperatures, and uniformity and heat transfer ability of vapor phase. The V-Works 24 solves many of the problems now plaguing the rework sector of the electronics industry and, specifically, lead-free applications. Hot air and IR rework stations may bring issues such as overheating, shadowing, deflection and reflection to rework. These become non-issues with the new V-Works 24 Vapor Rework Station. The rework station comes standard with numerous features including a 24 x 24" working envelope, split mirror and camera vision system for aligning components, on-board recipe storage for precise rework parameters, touch screen operator interface for ease of use, manual x, y and z adjustment, vacuum system for containment of working fluids and vapors, bottom-side global preheat, semi-automatic cycle for removal and replacement of components, cool down function, high-quality construction, and full safety features. Vapor Works, a division of R&D Technical Services Inc., www.rdtechnicalservices.com, Booth 1276.
Prototype Vision System, AOI/SPI Systems
The 15 Mega Pixel ISIS Vision System, although still under prototype development, provides speed and performance to the inspection industry. MIRTEC will feature an MV-7xi configured with the new ISIS Vision System. The MV-7xi In-Line AOI System, fully configured, provides one top-down view 5 MP camera, with a Precision 9.8-µm Telecentric Compound Lens and four 5 MP side-view cameras. The proprietary Quad Angle Lighting System provides four independently programmable zones for optimal illumination of inspection areas. The MV-7xi at APEX will feature a 2D camera bar code reader, a high-throughput, three-stage PCB conveyor and a PCB under board support system. This system will also be configured with MIRTEC’s exclusive Intelli-Scan Laser System. This system provides the ability to precisely measure the Z-height of a given region of interest. This advanced technology offers superior lifted lead detection for gull wing devices, four-point height measurement capability for co-planarity testing of BGA and CSP devices, and enhanced solder paste measurement capability. A comprehensive Package Type Library provides simple “Drag and Drop” component programming. The Automatic Teaching Tool (ATT) software provides automatic teaching of component locations using CAD centroid data. The MIRTEC MV-3L Desktop AOI System, a five-camera desktop AOI system, will be displayed configured with a top-down-view 5 MP camera with precision 9.8-µm telecentric compound lens and four 5 MP side-view cameras, along with the Intelli-Beam Laser System. The MIRTEC MS-11 In-Line SPI System uses Shadow Free Moiré Phase Shift Imaging Technology to inspect solder paste deposition on PCBs post screen print. The MS-11 will inspect for insufficient solder, excessive solder, shape deformity, shift of deposition and bridging. The MS-11 is configured with an high-resolution 4 MP telecentric camera system for enhanced image quality and superior accuracy. The MS-11 uses the same robust platform as MIRTEC’s MV-7 Series. Inspection heads are interchangeable between the two systems. The total quality management system software Intellisys promotes continuous process improvement by allowing the manufacturers to track and eliminate defects on inspected assemblies. Intellisys also provides remote debugging and monitoring of up to eight production lines. Typical programming time is under one hour per assembly. MIRTEC, www.mirtecusa.com, Booth 2219.
New Assembly Equipment, from Storage to Pick-and-Place
Essemtec will feature a range of new equipment at APEX. Essemtec’s Tower is an automatic storage system for SMD reels and trays. The SMD Tower delivers up to 546 SMD reels or trays and requires 8-12 seconds to dispense any component required. The Tower is recommended in low- or high-volume production. Particularly if batch sizes are low and changeovers are very frequent, the automatic storage system saves time and reduces search trouble. The storage system can be expanded with additional Towers at any time. The convenient control software takes over all tasks of storing. The software supervises the stock and ensures the use of the “first in first out” principle. Each component can be assigned to a moisture class (IPC-Standard 033A), and the allowable operation time in a wet environment is controlled. Paraquda from Essemtec is the company’s most modern SMD pick-and-place machine. New materials used lead to higher quality and a new high-speed control system provides higher speed and precision. The Paraquda features short changeover times, a new intuitive operation system, Eplace, and an integrated quality management system that reduces manufacturing costs for electronics. Paraquda offers up to 210 feeders capacity and its pick-and-place head can simultaneously hold and measure four components. The range of components is 01005 resistors up to 4 × 4″ components, which can be up to 1″ in height. The minimum pitch is specified with 0.01″. The high-resolution fly-by vision system is equipped with the latest Cognex SMD image processing technology, thus can detect any kind of component, even odd-shaped parts. Essemtec, www.essemtec.com, Booth 1059.
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