FEATURES

• Screen Printing
  Reducing Variation Through 'Intelligent' Stencils
  Stencil variation arises from equipment error and human intervention. A study reveals sources of variation and a system for controlling them.
  Chrys Shea, Valentijn Van Velthoven, Ron Tripp and Ranjit Pandher

• Stencil Developments
  Next-Generation Interchangeable Foils
  Said to be easier to load and unload and safer to use, new and improved foils are finding a home in high-mix manufacturing.
  Neil MacRaild

• Cover Story
  An On-Board Mass Calibration System for Liquid Encapsulation
  For dispensing epoxy, engineers often focus on short-term pump repeatability as an equipment selection and qualification criterion, though it is useful only as a snapshot of pump capability. More important, as this investigation reveals, is the ability to quickly and easily measure and adjust the process centering over time.
  Thomas Karlinski

• Pb-Freee Soldering
  Considerations for Implementing Lead Free
  Planning to upgrade or replace your line to meet new lead-free standards? Be sure you know what you're in for.
  Mark Cannon

• Products
  ATExpo Product Spotlight
  What's new at the annual ATExpo trade show later this month.

PERSPECTIVES

• Editorial
  New packages: smaller and greener.
  Mike Buetow

• The Fine Pitch
  Q&A with Neil MacRaild, DEK Americas general manager

• On the Forefront
  Tin whiskers: Still scratching after all these years.
  E. Jan Vardaman

• Focus on Business
  Three EMS providers discuss challenges and opportunities of adopting lead-free practices.
  Sue Mucha

• ESD Basics
  The six elements of a successful program.
  ESD Association

• Process Doctor
  Moisture plus flux residues add up to failures.
  Terry Munson

DEPARTMENTS

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ON THE COVER - Eye of the needle: improving dispensing repeatability through weight management tools. (Photo courtesy Speedline Technologies.)