Self-Cleaning Squeegee system was showcased at the IPC Innovative Product Showcase during Apex.  A panel chose 10 products out of 556 entrants.    
 
Both Pb-free and traditional solder paste printing processes exhibit a high degree of solder paste sticking. This produces undesirable affects, such as paste bleeding defects, premature contamination of the stencil surface and requirement for more cleaning interruption.  Process cycle time is affected negatively as the paste requires time to drop off the squeegee after each print stroke. 
 
The Permalex Paste Manager achieves lower overall sticking compared to normal dual squeegees, and the system reduces the migration of solder paste within the print area. 
 
Reportedly offer improved printing in Pb-free environments.  
 
Transition Automation, www.transitionautomation.com

SCS Precisioncoat and Precisioncoat EL spray coating systems precisely spray and dispense a variety of solvent-based, water-based and 100% solids coatings to printed circuit assemblies and other substrates. 
 
The systems are controlled and operated by proprietary SCS software on a Windows XP operating system with a point-and-click interface. The two systems include internal Ethernet connectivity, and they both meet SMEMA conventions for manufacturing system integration.
 
The standard configuration applies coatings on three axes, with optional tilt and rotate capabilities. This enables coating of both simple and complex assemblies, devices and components used in the electronics, military, medical and automotive industries.
Custom configurations are also available, including optional bar code readers, vision systems, offline programming and CAD or Gerber download. The entry-level Precisioncoat EL is offered for those with smaller production runs or less demanding coating needs.
 
Specialty Coating Systems, scscoatings.com

Arlink 8000 modular workstations offer flexibility to accommodate changing or future needs.  Ideal for a variety of applications, such as assembly, computing environments, service, repair, research and technical work, can be assembled and reconfigured quickly.   
 
Arlink workstation products have been integrated into Lista International’s technical workstation offering.
 
Each workstation can be configured in a variety of heights and lengths to suit specific needs.  Available in five standard industry widths and in three different heights up to 84”.  The “starter and adder” system, with the option of back-to-back configurations, enables unlimited layout possibilities to adapt to any space or support any process requirements.
 
Definite Positioning System makes relocating or adjusting worksurfaces, storage, shelving, lights, power beams, footrests, etc. fast, easy and safe. The virtually tool-free assembly process allows the user to make unlimited changes to the workstation with minimal effort or cost. Worksurfaces are available in standard laminate or static dissipative. Available on casters to create mobile workstations or parts carts.
 
Lista International Corp., listaintl.com

nanotom is a high resolution computed tomography x-ray analysis system in a compact package. The 160 kV nanofocus computed tomography system is tailored for the special needs of material science, micro mechanics, electronics and biological applications. 
 
The compact system consists of a granite based CT-construction with a 160 kV high-power nanofocus x-ray tube and a special digital detector to reach a voxel resolution of < 500 nm. The fully digital detector has 5 Megapixel resolution and a measurement range expansion for the highest possible resolution. 
 
Can examine samples with diameters up to 120 mm (4.7”) and a weight up to  1 kg (2.2 pounds). Special door construction and advanced sample fixture permit simple, precise positioning of the samples.
 
Comes with CT-software, datos|x. This software offers easy, intuitive operation and requires minimal training. An available PC cluster further reduces reconstruction times.
 
Suitable for the 3-D examination of sensors, complex mechatronic samples, micro electronic components and material samples in every type like synthetic materials, ceramics, composite materials, rock samples and more.
 
phoenix|x-ray Systems + Services Inc., phoenix-xray.com

EP76M is a two component, room temperature curing, nickel filled, electrically conductive epoxy adhesive. Has a one to one mix ratio by weight or volume. Has a volume resistivity of 5-10 ohm-cm and excellent low outgassing properties. Thermal conductivity is 8-9 BTU/in/ft²/hr/°F. Readily develops a tensile shear strength of 2,000 psi when measured and cured at room temperature.
 
Said to feature superior durability, thermal shock and chemical resistance. Exhibits high bond strength to similar and dissimilar substrates. Coefficient of thermal expansion is 30 in/inx10^6/°C. Has a service operating temperature range of -60°F to +250°F. A higher temperature version, EP76MHT, can resist up to 400°F.
 
Contact pressure is only required for cure. The adhesive spreads evenly and smoothly, is 100% reactive and does not contain any diluents or solvents. Cures can be accelerated by the use of heat. Parts A and B are both colored gray. Available for use in glass jars and metal containers. Packaged in small and larger sizes (pint and quart units) for convenient application.
 
Master Bond Inc.,  www.masterbond.com

A new ProLINE-RoadRunner in-line programming solution is configured specifically for Siemens X-Series placement machines.
 
Support is designed for the Siemens Flexible Feeder Interface ("FFI").  The FFI allows simple, flexible connection of a variety of different feeders to SIPLACE placement machines.
 
The in-line automated device programming solution programs flash memory and microcontroller devices and presents them to the pick-point of the SIPLACE machine for placement. By providing "Just in Time" programming capability, it results in inventory cost reductions and high quality standards.
 
Mounts directly onto the placement machine, with no additional floor space requirements.
 
Data I/O Corp., www.dataio.com

Concept FX is a multi-axis, x-ray inspection system featuring configuration flexibility with 80/90/130 kV x-ray source options, six axes of motion control, operator-friendly ergonomic design and a no-clamp sample tray for fast load and unload.
 
The x-ray source and detector tilt offaxis in relation to the sample providing oblique object viewing in real-time. Has a small footprint of 46 x 52” yet is capable of inspecting PCBs up to 20 x 24”; 60% larger board handling than similar sized systems. The high-resolution high-magnification imaging train provides clear imaging of electrical connections. Applications include: failure analysis of bare boards, assemblies and parts, component interlayer prototyping, manufacturing process validation and rework verification.
 

Loctite 3549 is a high flow underfill formulated for use with advanced CSP and BGA packages. Is designed to quickly fill the space beneath the CSP and BGA packages and cures rapidly at low temperature, which minimizes thermal stress to other components on the PCB and allows for in-line curing. 
 
When fully cured, it reportedly delivers excellent protection for solder joints against mechanical stress such as shock, drop and vibration in hand-held devices. Testing of the material to JEDEC drop test standards on 0.4 and 0.5 mm Pb-free devices has shown that it offers five times the reliability over non-underfilled Pb-free devices.
 
Compatible with modern lead-free solder materials and is completely reworkable, allowing for an increased process window and the recovery of high-cost substrates and PCBs.  Has long pot life (14 days at room temp. and up to 7 days at processing temp.) and simple, standard refrigeration temperature storage.
 
Henkel, electronics.henkel.com

Version 2.5 of the Environmental Material Aggregation and Reporting System (EMARS) completely supports the IPC-1752 Material Declarations standard for the RoHS directive.

"The IPC-1752 materials directive is a critical industry standard to help control the data formats and forms involved in complying with RoHS," said German Avila, product manager for environmental products. "Thoroughly understanding IPC-1752 is extremely important for OEMs and suppliers trying to streamline their processes and reduce the cost and burden of exchanging data related to RoHS.  Our new version of EMARS has been designed to support IPC-1752 and ease the pain of gathering, organizing and storing the mass amounts of data involved in compliance."

EMARS is an off-the-shelf solution that can analyze and track compliance at the substance, material, part and product level as well as efficiently manage the data collection and reporting process. Version 2.5 fully supports the IPC-1752 Class 1 through Class 6 forms, providing the ability to generate IPC-1752 requests and reports, and validating and loading IPC-1752 reports.

Synapsis Technology, synapsistech.com

MicroLine 350Ci laser system offers stress-free depaneling of assembled PCBs. Uses a laser technology featuring higher cutting speeds then mechanical depaneling methods and requires no expensive artwork related tooling.
 
The laser technique leaves no residual dust on the PCBs does not damage sensitive components. Cuts any contour while maintaining a higher precision than mechanical routing systems. Non-contact cutting with a laser means no mechanical stress for both the board and its components. Using a very small beam diameter allows components to be placed close to the edge of the board for optimum utilization of the panel.
 
The compact system can be integrated in an existing SMD production line, or used as a stand-alone work station. The laser works straight off of CAD data. The cutting speed is reportedly superior to most mechanical methods, especially when using thinner board materials. A dual fiducial camera system provides instant fiducial recognition over the entire working area.
 

Heraeus, 4cmd.com