FEATURES

• IR Rework
  A Novel IR Rework System
  Lead-free raises the reworked board temperature – and increases risk of frying other parts. Dynamic temperature control and sensors help manage the heat.
  Mark Cannon

• Cover Story
  Mixed Technology Gets Selective
  Through-hole is still a fundamental processing step – most boards today mix SMT and PTH technology. Selective and fountain soldering can reduce skips and opens over traditional wave processes. Here's a primer.
  Scott Buttars

• Academic Research
  Program for Calculation of Flip-Chip Standoff Height
  A simple Visual Basic file easily calculates bump heights and predicts flip-chip standoff gaps.
  Joshua Ampofo, Richard LaBennett, S. Akwaboa and Dr. F. Ferguson

• Pb-Free Transition
  Switching to Pb-Free: Wave Soldering
  How to adjust conveyors, pots, preheaters and solder modules for Pb-free processes.
  Markus Walter

• AOI
  Zero-Defect IC Inspection
  What role does camera view play in catching potential defects? The advantages and disadvantages of inspections performed with orthogonal and inclined cameras.
  Peter Krippner

• Backend Processes
  0.1 Cent RFID Chip Assembly?
  While the world argues over the "nickel tag," the pursuit is on for technologies that would slash manufacturing costs.
  Hugo Pristauz

FIRST PERSON

• Caveat Lector
  When exporting becomes smelly.
  Mike Buetow

• Talking Heads
  OK International's Mark Cowell.
  Mike Buetow

MONEY MATTERS

• Focus on Business
  Project launch procedures.
  Susan Mucha

• Global Sourcing
  Strategic procurement teams.
  Don Payne

TECH TALK

• On the Forefront
  How a fire may stop the margin burn.
  E. Jan Vardaman

• Screen Printing
  Wafer bumping and BGA ball placement.
  Clive Ashmore

• Better Manufacturing
  Meeting the test.
  Peter Grundy

• Soldering Tips
  'No-flow' reflow encapsulants.
  American Competitiveness Institute

• Wave Soldering
  Soldering non-plated through-holes.
  Gerjan Diepstraten

• Test and Inspection
  The shotgun approach.
  Stig Oresjo

• Countdown to Pb-Free
  Flux-component and flux-alloy interactions.
  Dr. Ning-Cheng Lee

• Process Doctor
  Cleanliness is next to ... reliability.
  Terry Munson

• Equipment Advances
  Samsung Techwin's SM Series

• Technical Abstracts

DEPARTMENTS

Industry News
Market Watch
Assembly Insider
Ad Index
Product Spotlight
Classifieds

On the cover: Selective soldering is gaining momentum for PTH processing. (Photo courtesy Juki Automation Systems)