MSX 80 and MSX 90 are cost effective machines for manual inspection of PCBs and components. The MSX line replaces the previous MXR series.
 
The automated system MSX 2000 A will be presented during the SMT/Hybrid/ Packaging show. The fully automated inspection system has automated test program generation and inspection. Fully automated load and unload capacity options are available.
 
MSX Image software allows a complete calibration of the x-ray system, off-axis inspection and enhanced image processing.
 
MSX 3000 series have 2-D transmission and 2-D off-axis mode, as well as real 3-D inspection (Laminography). A real 3-D reconstruction delivers a complete set of slices through the tested object –in common production cycle times.
 
An off-line version of this system family will be at the SMT show in Nuremberg. An in-line version is in development.
 
Macrotron Scientific Engineering (MSE), www.m-se.com
 

Newark InOne, a small-quantity distributor of electronic components and test equipment in North America, has launched its exclusive RoHS catalog as an interactive online vehicle. The catalog (at newarkinone.com) features 40,000 RoHS-compliant products.
 
Engineers and component buyers can search by part number or description, evaluate products and buy them. The catalog groups components by type (rather than brand) for easy comparison, and includes a detailed guide to RoHS compliance.
 
Pages can be turned one by one, or the user may jump to any product category on the index: semiconductors, passive components, interconnect/wire & cable, electromechanical/power/circuit protection, optoelectronics or soldering. A page can be flagged with an electronic note and emailed to colleagues or purchasing departments.
 
The catalog also features helpful tool tips. "Most component manufacturers changed
their part numbers when they released their RoHS compliant versions," remarks Susan Fischer, senior vice president marketing/eCommerce, Newark InOne. "By scrolling over a part number, a pop-up window with the old part number will appear. This helps our customers to confirm that they are buying the right part."
 
Manufacturers in the catalog include: Texas Instruments, On Semi, Maxim/Dallas, IR, National, Intersil, AMD, Fairchild, Freescale, Avago, Kester, Littelfuse, Honeywell, Tyco, Molex and Amphenol.
 
Newark InOne, www.newarkinone.com/rohs

TheLabelDispenser line of semiautomatic electric label dispensers is built with durable photo sensors to increase speed and accuracy along production lines. Durably designed with an all-metal construction to perform in industrial environments.
 
Eliminate several steps in manufacturing by advancing labels, separating them from their lining and positioning each label for the operator to remove. As the operator takes the label, a solid state photo sensor detects its absence, the spool is wound forward and the next label is presented for removal. The sensor makes no contact with the labels.
 
Includes 18 machines that can dispense labels from .125 to 12” long and from .25 to 8” wide. Each dispenser can perform on a range of dimensions, as the specifications can be customized by moving the adjustable photo sensor.
 
Can be used in product identification, packaging and assembly.
 
START International, startinternational.com

Legex 574 CNC Coordinate Measuring Machine offers ultra-high accuracy (MPE_E = [0.35+L/1000] µm); a measuring range of X: 510 mm, Y: 710 mm, Z: 455 mm; traverse speed  of 200 mm/sec.; and robust worktable loading capacity. Applications include measurement of large lenses to inspection of metallic molds, engine blocks and similar components, whether in production runs, or small lots.
 
Is driven by MCOSMOS (Mitutoyo Controlled Open System for Modular Operation Support) software with modules supporting virtually every CAD format while providing routines for in-line measurement, data feedback and process management. MCOSMOS reportedly makes training easy and intuitive.
 
Spheroidal graphite ductile cast iron is used for the chassis which, together with air-damped spring isolators, effectively attenuate vibration.  FEM (Finite Element Modeling) analysis optimizes its configuration to ensure geometric accuracy by minimizing the deformations caused by normal machine operations.  Thermally-stable components and real-time temperature compensation maintain high accuracy, even under a range of operating temperatures (64.4° to 71.6°F / 18° to 22°C).
 
A variety of probes is supported including contacting scanning and touch-trigger as well as laser and vision.
 
Mitutoyo America Corp., mitutoyo.com 

 
Craig Curk, national sales manager, notes that “most customers are ordering two solder pots, one for lead-based, one for no-lead. The pots are clearly marked and color-coded to prevent mix-ups that can result in cross- contamination. Each pot is equipped with its own solder pump and solder delivery systems; extra nozzles are ordered separately.”
 
Changeover between pots is fast and simple. The nitrogen supply is removed via a "quick connect” fitting, pump power is removed and reattached with power plug, and re-heating from a cold start takes about an hour.
 
Applications include assembly, prototyping and rework, post-reflow offline assembly and other soldering applications such as odd-form devices.
 

Assembléon is introducing a Speedpack upgrade to its AX range of pick-and-place machines. The upgrade reportedly increases the output of the SMD placement equipment lines by up to 15%, while improving line balancing.
 
The AX5, for example, increases from speed 94,300 to 110,000 components/hr. The package runs on new machines, and currently installed machines can be upgraded.  
 
Raises outputs without trading off accuracy (4 sigma @ 50 micron). This reduces the production cost per component.
 
It is the first of several developments planned to bring performance of installed machines up to the latest machine standards. The platform’s modularity allows specific modules to be upgraded without having to change the entire machine setup or design.
 
Assembléon, assembleon.com

Lista Xpress program ships over 80 of the company’s most popular products in two to three days. Pricing, ordering information and additional details are available at listaxpress.com.  The Website offers an easily navigated series of steps to place orders online.
 
The program includes Drawer Storage Cabinets, which have 50% more storage capacity than conventional shelving and feature more usable storage space than competitive cabinets. The cabinet drawers feature a 440 lb. load capacity each and are available in seven full sidewall heights for maximum storage capacity.
 
Other products in the program include Shelf Cabinets, Mobile Cabinets, Technical Electronic Workbenches, Align Adjustable Height Workstations, Industrial Workbenches, Computer Cabinets and Seating.
 
 Lista International Corp., listaintl.com

Lackwerke Peters introduces environment-friendly conformal/permanent Elpeguard coatings SL 1301 ECO-FLZ, SL 1400 ECO-FLZ and the water-borne SL 1305 AQ, the fast-curing Elpeguard  thick film lacquer Twin-Cure DSL 1600 E-FLZ as well as the silicone thick film lacquers of the series DSL 1700 FLZ.
 
Lackwerke Peters GmbH + Co KG, peters.de
SMT/Hybrid/Packaging 2006 Booth 9-604

GÖPEL electronic has introduced a new series of specific JTAG/Boundary Scan controllers with PXI Express interface as part of the Boundary Scan hardware platform Scanflex.
The prototype of the new controller family (SFX controllers), SFX/PXIe1149-(x), includes three models for different performance classes.
 
After SFX controllers for PCI, PXI, USB/LAN and FireWire, the new series is the fifth family of controllers – available in performance classes A, B and C. The models differ in the maximum TCK frequency (20, 50, and 80 MHz, respectively) and in the degree of implementation of the enhanced Space chip set for high performance scan operations. Integrated Fastscale technology allows an upgrade of the controller’s performance class on the fly, without mounting additional hardware.
 
The x1 configuration achieves transfer rates up to 264 MB/s in “zero wait state burst mode” and is based upon the PXI Express hardware specification 1.0, with support for defined Local Bus, trigger, and synchronisation methodologies. In combination with additional modular components, PXI Express based high performance Boundary Scan systems with up to eight test access ports (TAPs) can be configured and synchronised with other functional modules. All TAPs provide programmable input and output voltage as well as programmable input and output impedance. 32 dynamic I/O, two analog I/O channels, three static I/O and trigger lines are standard features.
 
GÖPEL electronic, goepel.com

Sales of Cookson EAM’s high reliability Alpha Vaculoy SACX now account for 46% of its lead-free bar sales in Europe.
 
“Since its introduction in early 2004, sales of SACX have grown steadily, and over the last six months we have experienced growth as our customers are looking for the high performance, reliability and value they find only in SACX," said Gerry Campbell, global product manager. "The recent increases in the prices of tin and silver have forced our customers to look at lower cost alternatives to reduce the cost burden of moving to Pb-free processes. SACX costs 30% less per kg…without compromising process yield or reliability."
 
Its fast wetting speed and improved solderability reportedly outperforms all Sn/Cu-based alloys. Is said to provide excellent drainage and minimize bridging defects. Creates strong, mechanically sound joints with long-term reliability. Minimizes dross generation, resulting in low process maintenance and reduced product waste. Its process window supports the use of a range of flux technologies.
 

No. 926 is an electrically-heated, 250°F shelf oven from Grieve, currently used for aging electrical components.  12kW installed in Nichrome wire elements provide heat to the load.  Workspace measures 68 x 30 x 66”.  A 1000 CFM, 1 HP recirculating blower provides horizontal airflow.
 
Shelf oven features 4” insulated walls, aluminized steel interior and exterior, plus a 20 x 56” double-pane Lexan window in each of the unit’s two doors.
 
Includes a disposable fresh air filter, digital indicating temperature controller, manual reset excess temperature controller with separate contactors, recirculating blow airflow safety switch and a remote control panel.
 
The Grieve Corp., www.grievecorp.com

SSM4A rework machine is suitable for power semiconductors,  bobbins, sensors, transformers and other components. Is ergonomically designed, fast and productive, even for semi-skilled operators.
Retrofits for existing SSM 4-, SSM 9- and PCBRM machines are available. Can be equipped with a nitrogen option.
 
Zevac AG, zevac.ch