DORNSTADT, GERMANY – ASYS GmbH has stepped deeper into the screen printer market, acquiring EKRA, the Germany-based printer manufacturer, in a deal announced today. Financial and other terms were not disclosed.

The deal, which closed July 1, includes EKRA’s divisions in Asia and the U.S. The combined firm will employ more than 350 persons worldwide.

TEMPE, AZ – The manufacturing sector grew for the 25th straight month in June, boosted by spikes in new orders and production. Manufacturing rebounded from three months of slowing growth, according to the latest Institute for Supply Management poll.

“The improved rate of growth in new orders is quite encouraging, particularly when combined with a slower rate at which prices are escalating,” said ISM chairman Norbert Ore.

San Diego — DEK USA will host a lead-free workshop on Sept. 22 -23, at its Schaumburg, IL, facility. The workshop is co-sponsored by KIC, Henkel Technologies, DEK, Vitronics Soltec and OK International.

The hands-on training program is designed for engineers and engineering management, and aims to provide participants with a broader knowledge of lead-free materials interactions, and the advantages and limitations of the process. A sample lead-free board will be produced and taken away by each attendee.

The workshop will feature 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.

A detailed agenda will be available mid-July at kicthermal.com/index.html. Reservations must be made in advance.