CADSTAR 3D has been upgraded to include increased functionality and performance improvements.
New windows XP functions include drag and drop loading of designs, floating toolbars and modeless and dockable dialogues for Design Browser and DRC Results. Registration of file extensions with Windows Explorer allow a design to be opened by double clicking on its icon.
Design transfer has also been enhanced to optionally ignore objects on the inner electrical layers, which are unnecessary for carrying out 3-D checking functions, reducing memory required and increasing the application speed. STL file importing is reportedly up to 100 times faster, with design file sizes reduced by approx. 10%.
Other improvements include: custom views, new commands for grouping and ungrouping geometrical objects, and automatic selection of entities for DRC and collision check functions. Keepout volumes can be viewed in a semi-transparent format and a PCB design can be merged into an existing 3-D design, preserving enclosure positions.
CADSTAR 3D 4.4 is priced from $5,000. For more information, visit www.cadstarworld.com/3d
Zuken, zuken.com
Self-clinching fasteners in the product line made from 400 series stainless steel include PFC4 panel fasteners, which incorporate captive screws to reduce loose parts; SO4 through-hole threaded standoffs (available unthreaded for spacing multi-panel assemblies); BSO4 blind threaded standoffs designed for stacking or spacing; and FH4 flush-head studs.
The product line also includes SP PEM 300 nuts, whose corrosion resistance is similar to 300 series stainless steel. All are machined from specially hardened stainless steels and can be installed permanently in stainless sheets as thin as .030”/0.8 mm.
Non-clinch fasteners for use in stainless steel include PFS SNAP-IN panel fasteners -- which can be installed without tools -- and PFF HYBRID floating panel fasteners featuring a flare-mount design to enable “floating” in mounting holes.
PennEngineering Fastening Technologies, pennfast.com
Current rating is 3 amps and mates with a 0.025" square or round pin with entry on either end. Can accommodate a minimum of twelve mating cycles without degradation.
Designed for automation with existing pick-and-place equipment and the Surf-Shooter SMTT feeder system—to avoid fixturing and hand placement. Available in surface-mount tape pockets for use with a standard tape and reel feeder.
Zierick Manufacturing Corp., zierick.com
LS-5238-10 is an optical fluid composed of chemically inert synthetic polymers. Typical applications include projection display components, metrology fluids and testing and troubleshooting.
LS-3238 is an ultra-clear encapsulation gel composed of a cross-linkable synthetic polymer fluid designed to protect sensitive photonics and electro-optics from dust, moisture and mechanical vibration. Typical applications include light pipe cladding, encapsulation and fuel resistant sealing.
NuSil Technology Inc., nusil.com
The system joins a host of recent introductions that has enabled the transition of the SlimKIC 2000 from primarily a reflow tool to a universal thermal process tool for cure, rework and wave solder.
Is designed to be used repeatedly in the wave solder machine. Holds the SlimKIC in place during each run to measure pertinent process data, including peak temperature, dwell time, parallelism and conveyor speed.
KIC, kicthermal.com
ProtoMat S62 circuit board plotter delivers prototyping capabilities at an entry-level price, reducing board production time while increasing overall accuracy and ease-of-use. Combining its maximum milling speed of 6" (150 mm)/sec. with its system resolution of 0.01 mils (0.25 µm) and 62,000 RPM spindle motor, the plotter produces extremely fine traces for all types of PCBs, including RF and microwave boards.
Has integrated head lighting and a 10-position automatic milling tool changer. Its motorized z-axis drive independently moves the plotter milling head over multiple axes, providing 3-D plotting capability for machining front panels and housings. Does not require external compressed air or chemicals, is enclosed by a soundproof acoustic cabinet. Optional accessories include a fiducial recognition camera system for automatic front-to-back alignment and an integrated vacuum tabletop for mounting PCB substrates on the plotter.
LPKF, lpkfusa.com
SKF profile rail guides reportedly provide precise positioning, smooth operation, high load-carrying capacity, high stiffness and unlimited stroke for linear motion applications in the semiconductor, electronics and medical industries.
Feature four precision-ground raceways and a slide unit with four ball circulation paths. The square configuration of raceways results in a guidance system with good rigidity able to accommodate equal load capacity in all directions. Incorporate a two-point contact of rolling elements with the raceways promoting high-speed operation, quiet running and low friction.
Includes high-performance, heavy duty, compact, medium and miniature series. Each is available with various slide configurations (normal, wide, long) and lengths. Different carriage designs can meet particular load and stiffness demands (long carriages promote higher load-carrying capacity and wide carriages promote higher moment stiffness). Guides with specific preload can be supplied.
SKF Motion Technologies, linearmotion.skf.com