SMTA International - Orlando, FL - 7-11 October 2007

With many people barely home from one US electronics assembly event, we find ourselves planning for the next one, a little over one week away.  Below are some exhibitor highlights for the coming SMTA event in Orlando. If you have a product you would like us to include in the next preview, send details to editors@emsnow.com


Aqueous Technologies - Booth 205

Aqueous Technologies Corporation will launch the SMT1000-QUAD Multi-Batch Automatic Defluxing System, the industry's first multiple-chambered, fully automatic defluxing system that is capable of removing all post-reflow flux residues. Unlike single-chambered, batch-format defluxing systems, Multi-Batch technology uses multiple process chambers that allow for multiple synchronous or asynchronous batch defluxing processes.

SMT1000-QUAD has four process chambers. Each process chamber is singularly capable of providing wash, rinse, cleanliness test and dry functions. Each process chamber is autonomous, allowing for up to four unique process "recipes" to be processed simultaneously. Additionally, each process chamber is connected to a single built-in wash solution filtration and recycling system, which significantly lowers the machine's operational costs because the wash solution is captured, filtered and reused.

Each process chamber is equipped with its own computer control system featuring a large 10.4" graphic touch-screen display that is easy to and use. As a further benefit, each computer provides full control over its assigned process chamber. Full statistical process control (SPC) data capture and recall are standard with each process chamber.

Because up to four process chambers are capable of operating simultaneously, board throughput is up to four times that of a single-chambered defluxing system.

Aqueous Technologies Corporation will also exhibit Simple Green Stencil and Misprint Cleaner.

Simple Green Stencil and Misprint Cleaner combines exceptionally effective results with a high level of user and environmental safety associated with Simple Green products.

Simple Green Stencil and Misprint Cleaner is designed for use in immersion stencil cleaning systems such as ultrasonic stencil cleaners and is also available in a trigger spray for manual stencil cleaning applications.


BTU International - Booth 529

BTU International, Inc., a leading supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment, will display the PYRAMAX® 100.

With 8-zone air or nitrogen models, 350ºC maximum temperature, flexible platform configuration, low nitrogen and power consumption, and a comprehensive menu of options, the PYRAMAX 100 provides optimized lead-free processing, maximizing productivity and efficiency. "The PYRAMAX 100 takes lead-free production to the next level. The ability to control the profile is enhanced in the heated section by the use of 8 zones and in the cooler with the use of programmable closed loop convection cooling," said Rob DiMatteo, BTU product manager. "In addition, we've created the lowest Cost of Ownership through reductions in nitrogen and power consumption."

The PYRAMAX 100 utilizes BTU's exclusive Closed Loop Convection Control to provide precise control of heating/cooling and the constant heat transfer that delivers maximum process control flexibility, assuring process repeatability from site to site and line to line. The system delivers proven quality features like side-to-side recirculation that enhances temperature uniformity, and unmatched convection efficiency that reduces zone temperature set points.

Like the other PYRAMAX ovens, the PYRAMAX 100 features user-friendly Windows-based WINCON® oven control software, a wide range of options for flux management, advanced conveyor solutions and smart tracking SMEMA, as well as a comprehensive warranty backed by BTU's world-class product and technical support.


CyberOptics 

CyberOptics Corporation will exhibit Process Insight statistical process control (SPC) software.

Process Insight is a fully featured SPC software package based on an enterprise-level database and open computing standards. Process Insight provides complete analysis of process performance. Offering comprehensive SPC charting capabilities, the software is a common interface for SE 300 Ultra and Flex Ultra for data analysis and correlation. It features chart-specific alarms to signal out-of-control data and trends, and data output from an SQL database for connection into shop floor control software. Not only does Process Insight provide real-time information to operators and customers, but it also can be integrated into a shop floor management system, allowing full traceability.

New features include the ability to access password-protected databases, faster loading of databases from SE 300 and Flex with new XML file watcher, and improved database structure, which provides increased performance for generating most charts.

By offering real-time SPC, Process Insight provides updates within line cycle times to allow for real-time corrective action. Additionally, it features tools to access and manage all system data to allow for historical analysis. Data output for shop floor management system integration allows users to identify trends and increase yields.


Finetech - Booth 210

FINETECH will demonstrate the Fineplacer® CRS 10 compact rework system.

FINETECH's complete rework station is designed specifically for customers needing a fixed configuration, with quick set up and easy operation. The rework system is most useful for small- to medium-scale series assembly or highly precise rework of soldered components on medium to large size SMD boards. Applications include BGA, CSP, microBGA, MLF, QFP, TSOP, PLCC, small passives, connectors, RF-shields, shielding frame, flip chip rework as well as customized applications.

The rework station features a Plug-and-Work design, eliminating the need for time-consuming cabling. Additional features include a patented Vision Alignment System with stationary beam splitter, controlled Z-height during reflow, a reliable rework process, proven soldering head technology, and an automated component place and lift-off function. The Fineplacer® CRS 10 is equipped with a sophisticated Controlled Mixed Soldering System (COMISS) reflow module for top heating and high-performance full-area bottom heating.

Very high accuracy (better than 10 µm placement accuracy) allows the system to be used for the smallest components with pitches down to 100 µm. On the other hand, the large field of view makes it possible to align large components, e.g., Super BGAs with side lengths of up to 45 mm, without additional optics. Even larger components can be aligned using the company's Split Field Optics "MIRAGE".

Additional characteristics include lead-free approved, very high reproducibility, no operator influence during the process, compact design, low cost of ownership and much more.


Inovaxe - Booth 618

Inovaxe Corp., will exhibit both a one- and a two-bay INOCART material handling system (INOCART-2BAY).

INOCART is a material handling solution that allows numerous electronic package types to be stored in a secure, controlled manner, whether it be reels, tubes, waffle trays, or printed circuit boards (PCBs). The material handling system helps increase inventory accuracy, reduces product nonconformance, and dramatically reduces floor space dedicated to inventory management.

INOCART is a mobile bonded stockroom capable of locating wherever material is needed throughout the production plant. It eliminates the need for inflexible caged bonded stockrooms as INOCART is fully locking.

Available in a variety of sizes including one, two and three bays wide, INOCART has a maximum storage capacity up to 1,200+ component packages in distinct locations in a very small footprint. Each individual location is given its own unique barcode, which is the basis for managing inventory and kitting functions.

INOCART offers users many benefits, including the ability to receive material directly into INOCART on the dock, eliminating non-value added labor and the effort of moving/transacting material into another stockroom after receipt.


KIC - Booth 608

KIC will showcase KIC Explorer, a new generation of thermal profiler.

KIC Explorer, featuring an impressively compact design, moves easily through the restrictive process dimensions encountered in today's thermal applications. It incorporates state-of-the-art SMT technology and high-temperature rated components, backed by KIC's distinguished reputation for reliability. You can depend on this rugged, innovative hardware to endure the harsh conditions of real-world factory use.

As a standard feature, the KIC Explorer has 12 thermocouples to meet your requirements. The ingenious miniature-TC harness design makes this possible, and it is less expensive than using a standard Type-K thermocouple. (If you prefer Type-K thermocouples, the KIC Explorer is available in a standard Type-K, 7-channel model.)

The KIC Explorer provides the highest sampling rate available, greater memory capacity and superior data precision. Thermal profile data are conveniently transferred to your computer via a USB connection. The KIC Explorer is powered by standard AAA batteries; rechargeable batteries are optional.


Kyzen Corp. - Booth 501

Kyzen Corporation will exhibit AQUANOX A4625.

AQUANOX A4625 is a versatile aqueous chemistry designed for optimum effectiveness in cleaning the latest lead-free residues while providing brilliant mirrored solder finishes. This easy-to-use product is environmentally friendly, has a long tank life and is safe for multiple pass applications. A4625 runs at low concentrations and low temperatures, providing consistent results and low cost of ownership. Additionally, it has proven compatible with all materials commonly used in electronics assembly manufacturing and cleaning processes.

AQUANOX A4625 is a biodegradable low-VOC aqueous solution that contains no CFCs or HAPs. The Kyzen Applications Laboratory has evaluated AQUANOX A4625 for effective removal of nearly 300 soldering materials from the world's leading suppliers including, Senju, Alpha, Kester, Indium, AIM, Koki, Nihon Superior, Amtech, Cobar, EFD, Florida Certek, Formosa, Heraeus, Interflux, Metallic Resource, Multicore, Promosol, Qualitek and Shenmao.

AQUANOX A4625 is available in one-, five- and 55-gallon containers.


Juki - Booth 317

Juki Corporation will exhibit the Juki 300 High Value Selective Soldering System.

The Juki 300 is part of a line of Selective Soldering Systems designed to meet the demands of a rapidly changing electronics manufacturing industry. The system is compatible with both lead and lead-free alloys, and offers high reliability and industry-leading service and support features.

The Juki 300 is a complete, high-level package ready for lead-free production. It comes fully equipped with all of the functionality necessary to begin production immediately. The system includes a soldering unit with nitrogen inertion at the mini-wave. Nitrogen inertion limits dross build up, opening the process window and reducing maintenance. An innovative nitrogen management system is used to reduce nitrogen consumption.

Other standard features of the Juki 300 include: a micro-dot drop jet fluxer, a pressurized flux tank that supplies flux consistently to the spray heads, a convection pre-heater for flux activation, an exchangeable quick exchange mini-wave nozzle from 4mm to 30mm in diameter (custom nozzles are available by request), an auto feeder solder roll device, programming software that can accept images such as JPG, BMP, TIF, as well as Gerber files for easy programming, a float sensor for keeping constant levels of solder in the pot at all times, and a lead-free exchangeable solder pot with 25 kg capacity, and more.


Polyonics - Booth 113

A leader in harsh environment label materials for product marking and industrial identification, Polyonics Inc., will showcase its RoHS compliant Color Polyimide Labels.

Winner of the 2007 EM Asia magazine award for Innovation, in the category of ID Systems, these color polyimide label materials are innovative because they are coated with a high opacity, medium gloss topcoat available in 6 tinted colors that won't fade ï?? pink, yellow, orange, blue, green and violet.

Designed for barcode or alphanumeric identification of PCB's or related electronic components, they are the ideal labels to withstand mixed circuit board processes, on either the top or bottom side of the board. Additionally, the label materials survive both standard or lead free processes and have excellent resistance to harsh fluxes, cleaning agents, saponifiers, wave solder environments, and resist all commonly used methods of cleaning.

Polyonics developed this extremely cost-efficient series of colored polyimide labels for manufacturers looking to color code production/process lines. Besides being easy to use, these color-coded labels allow manufactures to tell at a glance those that are compliant subassemblies from those that are non-compliant, resulting in reduced numbers of errors.


Practical Components - Booth 510

Practical Components' products are designed to help engineers qualify their technology, and train and grow their business while making significant cost savings.

According to Practical President Kevin Laphen, "Practicals' dummy products are selected with care to be the finest "factory quality" components as well as boards and kits that simulate real world production. Special attention is given to lead-free availability and formulations including all the various SAC formulations."

On display will be state-of-the-art Amkor Technology PoP (PSvfBGA), a stackable very thin fine-pitch BGA package; Amkor tsMLF (Thin Substrate Micro LeadFrame-TAPP); the New Sub-100 µm Flip Chip Test Die; and the redesigned Cookson, Indium and AIM Print Test Board and Kits.

Supporting these products is the new 2007 free catalog and design guide that is organized by package type/category with each product accompanied by drawings, description, part number with special attention to lead-free availability and formulations as well as the new CD ROM containing bonus material, CircuitCAM tryout, and gerber and CircuitCAM project files.

Practical dummy components are used in assembly process evaluation, lead-free conversion, calibration, qualification, training and other situations where only the mechanical characteristics and not the functioning components are required.


PROMATION - Booth 705

PROMATION will demonstrate a new line of handling solutions that is being boasted as "the Best Value" in today's conveyor market.

Gary Goldberg, President and CEO, said, "The new E-Series line has been created to compete in a cost-competitive global market by mixing value-added features with cost-valued manufacturing practices. For our North American operations, this line should set a new standard for all future pricing within this business segment."

PROMATION has created a separate Web link for this new series to be viewed at www.Promation.biz. PROMATION will continue to offer its Standard and Signature Series lines that serves those customers requiring special or slightly modified handling requirements.


RMD Instruments - Booth 311

RMD Instruments LLC will demonstrate its innovative LeadTracer-RoHS XRF system with new sample preparation stand.

The system is a major innovation and advancement of the XRF analysis technology, and is the only XRF system designed specifically for the electronics industry to provide fast, accurate and portable screening capability to meet RoHS directives.

The LeadTracer-RoHS XRF system has a unique approach as it analyses the entire body of the components, in a short period of time, rather than simply carrying out a surface analysis. This speeds up the RoHS screening requirements and improves the overall throughput of the quality control process. The LeadTracer-RoHS' ability to analyse the entire energy spectrum eliminates the possibility of false-negative indications in components that otherwise would have found their way into the manufacturing process.

The LeadTracer-RoHS XRF system now comes with a sample preparation stand developed with the needs of the end user in mind. The stand has been ergonomically designed for optimum ease-of-use and accuracy and is equipped with RMD Instruments exclusive "quick disconnect" grip to enable the user to operate the hand-held, portable LeadTracer-RoHS as a bench top unit.


VJ Electronix - Booth 600

VJ Electronix will exhibit PMT400 Rework System.

Designed for rework of microBGA, BGA, CSP, SMT, MCM and THT assemblies, the PMT400 system was developed to meet the demands for high performance and low cost. Proprietary Windows® based X-PC Advanced Process software provides a simple graphical user interface, featuring intuitive programming and Teach Mode profiling. Additionally, PMT400 is "production ready" with many standard features, providing a superior value.

The rework system is lead-free capable, and offers excellent thermal performance, as well as a low cost of ownership. Additionally, it features precision gantry motion, a standard two-zone IR bottom heater and worldwide support. PMT400 provides significant performance in a small 28" (711 mm) sq footprint.

Standard features of PMT400 include a six-nozzle starter kid, network data management (XP Pro®), real-time thermal control (external TC), automatic retract optics and an automated component pick-up nest. Additionally, it can handle 0.010" (0.25 mm) minimum component size, and offers a 2" (51 mm) square field of view as well as 2" (50 mm) top- and bottom-side clearance. Providing 1 kW focused convection top heater and 14 x 20" (356 x 578 mm) maximum board size with 1.5 kW infrared bottom heater, PMT400 features look up/look down viewing, high-intensity LED lighting, motorized top heater and integral pick-up tube with component rotation.