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COLLEGE PARK, MD - DfR Solutions and Interface Sciences Corp. have begun a joint investigation into potential improvements in CAF resistance through the application of ISC's molecular assembly and deposition technologies.

DfR Solutions, which has extensive experience in CAF experimentation and failure analysis, has identified this technology as a critical link in ensuring CAF robustness in high-density printed boards subjected to Pb-free reflow. The ISC process increases the uniformity and surface density of silane coupling agents on glass reinforcement - up to four times denser - compared with current technology, the companies said in a joint statement. This is expected to improve the intrinsic resistance of the fiber/epoxy bond to hydrolysis and cracking (during drilling), decreasing the influence of manufacturing defects on CAF. In addition, the process enables the deposition of novel surface chemistries that are expected to suppress filament formation. Substantial increases in CAF resistance are expected from the combination of these effects.

DFR and Interface are currently establishing supply chain development channels with glass, laminate and PCB manufacturing companies.

NEW ALBANY, IN - Key Electronics Inc., a provider of electronics manufacturing services, has acquired the assets of Accutronix Manufacturing Services. Financial details were not disclosed.

Accutronix is a privately-held electronics manufacturer with 47 employees in Owingsville, KY.

Mark Fulks, senior vice president at Key, becomes general manager for the Kentucky operation.

Key employs about 100 workers at its New Albany factory, and is constructing a 104,000 sq. ft. office and manufacturing facility in Jeffersonville, IN. The new plant is scheduled to be opened this summer.

TORONTO -- EMS provider SMTC Corp. today reported fiscal 2004 net earnings of $1.3 million on revenue of $245 million. This compares with a net loss of $40 million on revenue of $306 million last year.

The fourth-quarter net loss narrowed but sales declined sharply. Revenue and earnings were hurt by an unanticipated volume decline from a major customer that operates in a cyclical sector, the company said.

For the year the company generated $5.1 million in cash from operations. down from $5.5 million for 2003.

In a press release, John Caldwell, president and chief executive, said, "We expect to produce sequential revenue growth by the second quarter of 2005 and continue with positive momentum through the back half of the year."

For the fourth quarter the company reported a net loss of $2.5 million on sales of $48 million. SMTC took $700,000 in restructuring and other one-time charges. SMTC lost $2.6 million on revenue of $76.9 million a year ago.