KIC to participate in a lead-free, hands-on workshop this week

KIC announces it will co-sponsor a lead-free workshop to be held Thursday, September 22 and Friday, September 23, 2005, at the DEK USA facility located at 1308 Plum Grove Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173. The workshop is co-sponsored by KIC, Henkel Technologies, DEK, Engent, Vitronics Soltec and OK International.

The conversion from a leaded process to a lead-free process is not a simple transition. A solid understanding of the alloys, fluxes, board and component finishes, and how they impact the process will be required. Additionally, another critical aspect of converting to lead-free is the shrinking process window caused by the higher solder melting temperatures butting up against the temperature tolerances of the most sensitive components.

This comprehensive two-day, hands-on training program is designed for both engineers and engineering management, and will provide participants with a broader knowledge of lead-free materials interactions, and a greater understanding of the process including advantages and limitations. A sample lead-free board manufactured over the two-day course will be produced and taken away by each attendee. Additionally, engineering and technical representatives will be available for one-on-one discussion.

A Panel of Industry Experts will be present, and will discuss key issues related to lead-free technology.
-- Dr. Neil Poole and Dr. Brian Toleno of Henkel Technologies will present on material interactions, surface mount adhesives, underfills, conformal coatings and alloy reliability.
-- Dr. Daniel Baldwin of Engent will discuss process engineering methods, analytical tools and design of experiment (DOE).
-- Rob Lela of DEK will present on accuracy requirements for lead-free paste printing, stencil design for lead-free printing and characteristics of Sn/Pb paste vs. lead-free.
-- Mark Vininski of KIC will discuss management of the thermal processes as they relate to the conversion to lead-free manufacturing.
-- Grant Miller of OK International will present on rework with lead-free devices.
-- Ursula Marquez of Vitronics Soltec will present on high-speed, lead-free reflow and success factors for wave soldering.

The workshop, designed for engineers and engineering management, will feature ample hands-on production floor training in the following areas:
-- Screen printing surface mount adhesives and solder paste, and placement
-- Reflow profiling
-- Inspection/analytical
-- Rework
-- Wave.

On September 22, registration will begin at 8 a.m., and sessions will convene from 8:45 a.m. until 5 p.m. On September 23, sessions will take place from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.  Cost is $495 USD per attendee.

A detailed agenda, as well as additional information is available at www.kicthermal.com/index.html. Reservations must be made in advance of the seminar.