Custom SMT pick-and-place nozzles for Cree XLamp XM-L LED components provide secure picking of all fragile components and accurate placement. Designed for high-lumen applications, such as high-bay or roadway lighting. Avoid placing mechanical stress on the LED lens by not touching the optical surface during component picking or placement processes.

Count On Tools Inc., www.cotinc.com

ProLINE-RoadRunner high-speed automated inline programming feeder now supports Panasonic NPM SMT placement machines. Can be directly plugged in to program memory devices just before placement on board. Programs four devices in parallel by removing unprogrammed flash memory devices from tape. Is a just-in-time programmer featuring FlashCORE III.

Data I/O, www.dataio.com 

UltraSlic stencil now has a hydrophobic nano-coating that minimizes the ability of solder paste to stick to the stencil apertures and the bottom side of the foil. Reportedly increases number of prints up to 10 times before cleaning; prints at surface area ratios below 0.45. 

FCT Assembly, www.fctassembly.com

Variable Resistance Inks are used to manufacture printed rheostats, potentiometers, printed discrete resistors and other applications where repeatable electrical resistance is required or when the ink surface is exposed to mechanical abrasion cycles, high temperature and humidity. Come in different resistance ranges and can be blended. Reportedly have exceptional resistance to mechanical abrasion, and withstand 1 million linear or rotary abrasion cycles. Have outstanding electrical resistance linearity, output smoothness, total resistance and contact resistance variance. Can be applied by stencil or screen printing processes and adhere to PET (polyester) and polyimide films, FR-4, copper and printed silver ink conductive traces, as well as other substrates. Resistance values have a tolerance of +/-5% from lot to lot.

Conductive Compounds, www.conductivecompounds.com