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New Products
December 31, 1969 |Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Stencil Inspection SystemStencilScan is a stencil and screen inspection system designed for SMT assembly. It reportedly is a fully integrated, off-line inspection workstation using a PC Windows-based software package integrated with a high-resolution, calibrated, A3 flatbed scanner. This combination allows inspection of both stencils and screens for accuracy and blockage after cleaning or after fabrication, and the ability to inspect 100 percent for absence/presence and correct size of apertures, stencil damage, distortion and stretch. StencilScan is said to improve print yields, quality and accuracy. Smart Sonic, Van Nuys, Calif.
Direct-solder FusesThe SMD 5 x 20 mm fuses cut space as well as assembly time and expense because they are soldered directly onto the PCB with gold plated end-caps. Reportedly, this eliminates the need for conventional axial leads (or pigtails), which consume more board space, and may jam during auto insertion because of lead-to-hold misalignment. The size is larger than a typical miniature 250 V SMD fuse, however, these fuses are said to provide more electrical characteristics including slow reaction time and good time-lag opening. The FST type has a current range up to 20 A at 250 V A. The SPT type offers a capacity up to 1,500 A at 250 V AC, allowing for safe interruption of dangerous faults. Schurter Inc., Petaluma, Calif.
Odd-form CellHiSAC 1500 uses a LeadScan Sensing System reportedly to provide on-the-fly inspection of odd-form, through-hole components. It can detect bent or missing leads prior to component insertion, regardless of the number of leads, lead shape or profile. The system reportedly uses a special scanning technique to inspect each component as it is moved to the placement location; and produces a scan of the component leads, allowing spacing and lead position to be measured precisely. Defective components are rejected automatically, inaccuracy in component feeding is compensated for automatically and the system stores images of defective components to provide feedback to suppliers. PMJ Automec USA Inc., Grand Prairie, Texas.
Hand-held Dispensing SystemThe MIXPAC is a hand-held adhesive dispensing system for two-component adhesives. The system consists of a manual or pneumatic dispensing gun, a cartridge, and a static mixer, all designed to work as an integrated high-performance system. Intended to increase the user's choice of adhesives for any application by making two-component adhesives as easy to use as a single component, the system reportedly allows bonding decisions to focus on performance rather than application. ConProTec Inc., Salem, N.H.
Camera-based Vision SensorThe new In-Sight ID Reader is a self-contained, Ethernet-ready machine vision sensor reportedly designed for reading 2-D matrix and linear bar codes on parts. The ID reader is said to combine a high-performance vision camera with vision processing technology in a single, compact unit. It is expected to provide high-speed performance, reading up to 50 codes per second, and can read codes that have been poorly formed, distorted or degraded. It is anticipated that manufacturers in multiple industries will use this product to track parts, ranging from direct-marked engine pistons to labeled pharmaceutical packages, through the manufacturing process. Cognex Corp., Natick, Mass.
Pump ConfigurationsThree new configurations have been added to the DP-3000 Linear Pump Series to provide high throughput for numerous dispensing applications, including flip chip underfill, IC encapsulation, thermal materials and die-attach adhesive. The new configuration packages include an improved refill module that reportedly increases refill speeds, pump enhancements allowing for faster priming and a version configured with a low-speed gearbox for more precise dispensing. Asymtek, a Nordson Co., Carlsbad, Calif.
SMT MATERIALS
Precision Conductive InkCircuitWriter is a precision conductive ink that applies instant traces on most surfaces such as epoxy, glass, plastic or metal. The tool reportedly draws traces on circuit boards, repairs defective traces, makes jumpers and shields electronics. It also designs prototype circuits and repairs rear-window heater traces. It is available in a 7 ml pen format, as well as in 59 and 354 ml liquid dispensers. CAIG Laboratories Inc., Poway, Calif.
Electrically Conductive GradesSix electrically conductive grades of Fortron polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) with consistent volume resistivities have been introduced for electronics applications in which electrostatic dissipation is important. Four of the grades are moderately conductive with volume resistivities of 106 to 1010 Ω/square, a desirable range that is said to be difficult to produce commercially. The line of specialty products is compounded with novel carbon-based materials that feature conductive fillers uniformly blended to ensure that resistivity is distributed evenly on part surfaces and that volume resistivity is comparable in the central and skin layers. The uniformity of the carbon-based filler greatly reduces irregularities in charge buildup in molded parts that can affect sensitive electronics. Ticona, a business of Celanese AG, Summit, N.J.
Two-component EpoxyA highly flexible, two-component epoxy compound designed for bonding, sealing and casting, EP40 reportedly bonds well to many substrates including engineering plastics, metals, glass and ceramics. The epoxy has a 1:1 mix ratio by weight or volume and can cure at ambient temperatures or more rapidly at elevated temperatures. The high flexibility is said to enhance resistance to mechanical shock and vibration, as well as thermal cycling and thermal shocks. Additionally, the epoxy adheres to plastic such as polycarbonate and acrylics, and has a service range of -100° to 230°F. Master Bond Inc., Hackensack, N.J.
Epoxy AdhesivesThree new Scotch-Weld epoxy adhesives are part of a line of premixed and frozen formulations. After Parts A and B of the new adhesives are weighed and mixed, they are degassed before freezing, reportedly resulting in fewer bubbles and a cleaner, better bond for the end user. 190-PMF Gray is a premixed and frozen version of DP-190, a high-performance, flexible adhesive designed to offer good shear-and-peel adhesion and aging characteristics. 460-PMF Off-White is a premixed and frozen version of DP-460, which is said to offer outstanding shear-and-peel adhesion and high levels of durability. Finally, 2216-PMF Gray is a premixed and frozen version of 2216, a high-performance, flexible adhesive developed to offer excellent shock and vibration resistance. The new adhesives are available in 3, 5, 10 and 30 cc syringes. 3M Co., St. Paul, Minn.
SOFTWARE
Process Control SoftwareQPC, a real-time quality process control software tool, was designed for use in conjunction with the company's Trion-2000 AOI series. The software processes statistical data and visualizes inspection data results for line performance monitoring and reporting at selected process stages. With this tool, manufacturers reportedly can identify undesirable trends and problems and take corrective action to avoid negative impact on yield. Orbotech Ltd., Yavne, Israel.
Selection and Design SoftwareCOMBICON SELECT, an online selection and design software for PCB terminal blocks, reportedly allows engineers instant access to the industry's broadest line of PCB wiring solutions. Users input application requirements, select a product solution, and review technical specifications and drawings. Product drawings and board layout data can be downloaded in 2-D or 3-D and can be imported easily into the design. The software uses a variety of formats (DXF, IGES, STEP, VRML) to import into the CAD software of choice. Phoenix Contact Inc., Harrisburg, Pa.
Flying Probe Systems SoftwareVERIFI software reportedly expedites hard-to-test production board runs or converts atg flying probes into rework stations with a few keystrokes at the operator's console. After input data is formatted to IPC-D-335A, or an alternative data structure provided by the company, the prober systems will accommodate single boards or batch feeds. The new software module reportedly accepts test program and fault data from most universal testers, so atg flying probes running this Windows NT application can perform "tandem" operations with grid systems, double as fault verification stations following grid testing or take over if the grid system fails. Everett Charles Technologies, Pomona, Calif.
Image Processing SoftwareAn X-ray image processing software, GTI-5000 reportedly can empower a PC work-station running Windows 2000 or Windows NT to perform complex inspection routines required for leading-edge packaging technologies like TGBAs, Super BGAs, DSPs, CSPs and microBGAs. The software is fully networkable and capable of allowing users to share image and data files. The software package, which performs real-time image processing of X-ray images, reportedly requires a PC with a 10/100 PCI network card, imaging hardware to support RS-170 video, a 32MB AGP graphics card, an Intel PIII CPU with a minimum of 667 MHz and at least 128 MB/133MHz of SDRAM memory and a CD and floppy drive. Glenbrook Technologies Inc., Randolph, N.J.
SOLDERING EQUIPMENT
Reflow OvenGF-120 is an extended in-line benchtop reflow oven that reportedly features a computer controller with 100-menu profile storage; a seven-day programmable timer for automatic machine startup; a built-in, real-time graphic temperature profiler; ISO 9000 SPC fault monitoring and reporting; and more. The system uses forced-air convection; true three-vertical-zone heating in a 41" tunnel; a separate cooling zone; an all stainless steel, 12" wide conveyor; stainless steel chambers; and a lighted interior with viewing windows throughout. Cyclonic generator speed, temperature and cooling fans reportedly are programmable independently through the controller in each zone to ensure complete control of the heating profile. Automated Production Systems Inc., Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
InterfaceThe company implemented GEM/SECS (Generic Model for Communications and Control of SEMI Equipment) on profile reflow oven control software. A host using HSMS (Ethernet) monitors and remotely controls the oven. The GEM/SECS interface on the profile oven is said to offer a set of events, alarms and data variables to accommodate various applications and process requirements. Conceptronic Inc., Portsmouth, N.H.
Microwave Curing Process TechnologyVariable frequency microwave (VFM) technology, said to provide rapid curing, selective heating and precise control for advanced materials processing and adhesive curing, is introduced. The technology reportedly speeds up cure rates of standard adhesives by a factor of one or more, reducing processing time, inventory and labor costs. Microwave energy also has shown added advantages of reduced stress and improved yields during the curing process. Process applications include curing of flip chip underfill, glob top, coatings, structural bonds and die attach. Lambda Technologies, Morrisville, S.C.
SOLDERING MATERIALS
Water-soluble Solder PasteThe WS300 Series reportedly is the only complete line of solder pastes in the industry providing 100 percent water solubility. Suited for a wide range of environments, the series facilitates high-speed printing. Features include fine pitch to 0.012", low foaming, and no saponifiers or damaging residues. OMG Americas, Needham, Mass.
No-clean Solder CreamA high-speed, no-clean solder cream suitable for fine-pitch stencil printing at rates up to 150 mm/second, RP11 is a medium residue level product for printing and reflow in air where process yield is critical. This low-viscosity, highly thixotropic solder ream ensures excellent definition and slump resistance, while maintaining good rolls and drop off behavior. The product reportedly offers excellent printer open time and track life, extended "between print" abandon times, and high activity for components with poor solderability. High squeegee pressures are not required, making the product particularly suitable for second-side printing processes. Multicore Solders Inc., Richardson, Texas.
TEST EQUIPMENT
Computer Interface ModuleDCU-100 allows measurements from the Laser Microgage to be recorded and analyzed on a PC or laptop. The module is packaged in a compact, durable, aluminum housing with a serial RS232c output connector that reportedly couples directly to any serial port. The module is shipped with Pinpoint software that allows customers to record and scale displacement measurements as small as 0.00001" in the Windows program. Pinpoint Laser Systems, Newburyport, Mass.
Digital MultimetersThe 170 Series digital multimeters, a versatile family of test tools, was designed for front-line industrial, electrical and electronics technicians and engineers. The series includes the 175, 177 and 179 models, developed for use in areas that range from relatively "clean" to some of the harshest work environments imaginable. Backed with a lifetime, worldwide guarantee, the series features a True-rms engine, and reportedly features 0.09 percent accuracy, with 6,000 counts of resolution on a bright, backlit display. Additionally, the series is said to offer impressive speed during the power-up phase and instant measurement readings. Fluke Corp., Everett, Wash.