Version 8.7 of the CAM 350 PCB CAM solution makes what was once "optional Functionality" standard in their entry-level Gerber analysis and editing configurations. Includes Fast Array and ODB++ Import and Export modules. Bidirectional ODB++ format allows for easy import and/or export including symbols, step and repeat, components and drills.

Supports Altium's PCAD 2004 and the next product update of Mentor's PADS PCB layout software, as well as other software corrections. The company expects to ship the Fast Array and ODB++ Interface modules to over 4000 existing customers.

DownStream Technologies, downstreamtech.com

Surftest SV-800 surface roughness measuring machine is engineered around a column-moving mechanism that virtually eliminates load capacity limitations.  The  large measuring envelope (800 X 500 X 200 mm) and long-stroke probe arm accommodate sizable, heavy workpieces such as crankshafts and camshafts as well as other powertrain, engine and similar components.  The long reach of the probe arm can measure multiple cross sections and waviness over a wide range.     

Constructed to attenuate vibration and minimize measurement deviations attributable to machine deflection. SURFPAK software provides straightness compensation, which improves the linear accuracy of the x-axis; circular compensation, which enhances accuracy related to vertical movement of the stylus; and stylus-tip diameter wear compensation.     

Mitutoyo America Corp., mitutoyo.com 

Effective January 1, KIC 24/7 continuous thermal process monitoring and traceability system ships standard with KIC Navigator process development and optimization software.   

Prior to beginning production, the software selects the oven recipe that positions the thermal process towards the center of the narrow process window. This ensures a stable process while accommodating the natural process drift that exists in any process. It avoids the frequent alarm syndrome caused by a poorly developed initial processes teetering on the edge of the process window. Operates in real-time to warn of an out of control process, and immediately alarms on an out-of-spec situation.

KIC, kicthermal.com

Micro-Lite FL-1000 and FV-1000 ring lights for microscopes now feature full spectrum lighting (FSL) bulbs at no extra charge. FSL contains the entire range of visible wavelengths, so all objects and a wide range of materials can be seen. FSL is critical for lead-free solder connections inspection.

The FL-1000 fluorescent ring illuminator features advanced electronic ballast for control and stability, and dimmable intensity without flickering or humming. The FV1000 offers full intensity variability due to its patented microchip-controlled, dimmable fluorescent technology. Operators can adjust the lighting to their own comfort level. Both are ESD-safe and offer a pluggable bulb design for replacement.

Micro-Lite, micro-lite.com

Three new UV-cure encapsulants for use in Smart Card IC module manufacturing are now available: Hysol 3323, Hysol 3327 and Hysol 3329. Developed using single-component epoxy technology, they reportedly provide faster curing times, improved adhesion, minimized tape warpage and excellent performance during reliability testing, compared to existing UV- or thermal-cure encapsulants.

Designed specifically for the encapsulation of wire-bonded dies used in Smart Card ICs. Hysol 3323 has high viscosity and a thixotropic nature, and is used to form the dam, while Hysol 3327 and 3329 are low viscosity materials used for the fill process. 3329 has a higher T_g of 155°C (compared to 110°C for Hysol 3327) and a higher Shore hardness.

Are easy to dispense, adhere strongly to a range of carrier substrates and possess a low coefficient of thermal expansion (45ppm below T_g and 130ppm above T_g). Typical UV cure times per IC module are 26 to 46 sec., which enables a maximum of 10,000 UPH.

Henkel, henkelelectronics.com

LDS9000 mechanical dispensing system is a fully programmable, electric powered and mechanically operated system that is air-free.

Features an easy-to-program control unit and a hand-held dispensing gun that employs a precise, linear actuator-driven piston to push a fluid or adhesive through a plastic syringe. Permits repeatable shots, runs on 115 VAC and eliminates the problems associated with conventional air dispensers such as variations in pressure, moisture and fluid viscosity.

Suitable for in-plant assembly and field maintenance, has a microprocessor-based portable control unit, a foot or hand operated pedal, and gun stand. The software-driven unit  knows the I.D. of the syringe, dispense rate and required volume; calculates the precise distance the piston needs to travel. It also draws back to prevent oozing.

Fishman Corp., fishmancorp.com

Version 5 of the Web-based Flopack software enables the creation of Delphi compact models that predict the performance of electronic components under soon-to-be-published thermal testing standards from JEDEC committee JC-15.1. Produces behavioral compact models that can predict the temperature of component packages at critical points such as the junction, case and board. New features include a faster, more accurate nonlinear optimizer, support for additional nodes, user access to setup parameters and the ability to create compact models from non-Flomerics simulation data.

Consists of a collection of "Smart Part" modules installed on a central web server. Users enter data describing the IC package through simple forms using a standard Web browser.

An advanced nonlinear optimization method reportedly provides more accurate Delphi compact models. The new algorithm automatically optimizes the area assigned to each node, eliminating the need for manual nodal partitioning. Provides a more flexible objective function that combines flux and junction temperature contributions. In addition to the top inner/outer and bottom inner/outer nodes supported in the past, the new version also supports up to two side nodes for all packages and up to four lead nodes for leaded packages.

Flomerics, flomerics.com

FKI Logistex has added new features to its 2100 and 2200 series vertical carousels to cater to the SMT, pharmaceutical and automotive dealership industries.

Designed to promote ergonomics, security and safety, the high-throughput capacities and small footprints of the 2100 and 2200 carousels are ideal for high-density small item storage and retrieval solutions.

For the SMT market, the company has added a 19-in. pitch to the 2200 series. The new pitch allows both 7 and 14 in. standard reels to be stored in the same unit. Also has a removable intermediate shelf to enable customization and offers various ESD totes and storage media to maximize unit capacity.

In the semiconductor industry, FKI Logistex will offer an automated variation of the 2100 series, designed to accommodate clean room standards up to Class 1.

Other new features include an upgraded standard keypad controller that allows the operator to key in the pan number for product retrieval and the ability to upgrade the units for software control.

FKI Logistex North America, fkilogistex.com

Full spectrum lighting (FSL), a critical feature for lead-free assembly and inspection applications, is now supplied free of charge on all illuminated magnifier products. Full spectrum light contains the entire range of visible wavelengths, so that the human eye can see all objects and a range of materials; helps to inspect lead-free solder connections.

According to president Richard May, "Lead-free solder connections are not smooth and shiny like those of lead-bearing solders; they are rough, irregular and frosty-looking. This surface appearance makes it even more difficult to see microscopic cracks, voids and defects in a solder joint, or to judge between an acceptable defect level and an unacceptable one. Full Spectrum Lighting gives the inspector or assembler a critical edge in working with lead-free connections, adding enhanced visibility to duller and rougher lead-free alloys so that effective inspection can be accomplished."

The O.C. White Co., ocwhite.com

WILSONVILLE, OR - Expedition and Board Station RE PCB layout tools now come with advanced design capabilities for flex and rigid-flex boards. The Board Station and Expedition design flows now permit definition and checking of flex circuit design rules, including curved trace settings by area, complex contour following for routes, teardrops at pins, t-junctions and route width changes, cross-hatching of shielding areas and selective pad modifications. The enhancements are available now; pricing starts at $7,500 per year. Mentor Graphics www.mentor.com

O.C. White Offers Full Spectrum Lighting for Pb-Free Assembly, Inspection
12-20-2004

Full spectrum lighting (FSL), a critical feature for lead-free assembly and inspection applications, is now supplied free of charge on all illuminated magnifier products. Full spectrum light contains the entire range of visible wavelengths, so that the human eye can see all objects and a range of materials; helps to inspect lead-free solder connections.

According to president Richard May, "Lead-free solder connections are not smooth and shiny like those of lead-bearing solders; they are rough, irregular and frosty-looking. This surface appearance makes it even more difficult to see microscopic cracks, voids and defects in a solder joint, or to judge between an acceptable defect level and an unacceptable one. Full Spectrum Lighting gives the inspector or assembler a critical edge in working with lead-free connections, adding enhanced visibility to duller and rougher lead-free alloys so that effective inspection can be accomplished."

The O.C. White Co., ocwhite.com

Cybersolv is a low-VOC, water-based aerosol maintenance cleaner to remove dirt, oil, grease, wax, flux, paste, adhesive, marker, ink, brake dust, grime, monomer dust and fingerprints from copper, aluminum, iron, brass, stainless, ceramic, cement, glass, plastic, rubber and cloth. Available in 14 oz. cans; 12 cans per case.

The product family is a collection of traditional chemistries packaged for use in benchtop and maintenance applications. Offer the convenience of pre-saturated wipes, trigger spray bottles, hand cleaners and specialty solvents. 

The cleaning solvents are based on simple organic compounds that are clean, effective and designed with the operator in mind. Chemistries are made from renewable resources; low vapor pressure and high flash points allow the formulations to operate safely in under-screen cleaning applications. 

Kyzen, kyzen.com

Loctite 3629 is a low-temperature cure epoxy adhesive suited for high-speed dispensing on a range of standard machines, including ProFlow cassettes for printing.

Has been successfully tested in lead free production environments. Low-temperature cure requirement makes it ideal for applications where heat sensitive materials need to be bonded prior to wave soldering.  Lower oven temperatures also reduce energy use.

Meets on-board reliability testing standards, suitable for use on PCBs in high reliability equipment used in harsh operating environments.

Unique color makes visual inspection easy; uncured adhesive is fluorescent under UV light.

Available in a range of syringes and cassettes.