HUDSON, NH – CeTaQ Americas has thrown its name into the ring of companies performing analysis of lead-free line capability.

Unlike programs that assess end-product compliance, however, CeTaq conducts machine capability analysis testing designed to ensure that production equipment is performing to spec.

In a press release, Michael Sivigny, general manager of CeTaQ Americas, said, “Lead-free solders don’t wet as readily as traditional tin/lead solders; thus, printing and placement accuracy is more important. In an instance where SMT pads are not accurately printed, such as partly printed onto a non-solderable area, or mask, it is likely in some cases that the solder will not wet the entire pad. Similarly, a lower surface tension in the liquidous solder may inhibit the ‘auto-centering’ effect that assemblers always counted on to center slightly offset components with tin/lead solders. Thus, placement accuracy is more critical than before. Keeping the lead-free process window as wide as possible requires, at the least, that assembly equipment operate optimally at its original performance specification. This keeps the process in control and helps ensure minimal defect levels and maximum yields.”

Recently, CeTaQ Americas announced the availability of a new service that verifies feeder and shuttle motion repeatability. This service was developed, Sivigny says, because one of the consequences of the move to lead-free assembly is less tolerance for even slight variations in placement accuracy. Components do not self-center as easily during reflow with lead-free solders. CeTaQ’s feeder calibration helps ensure repeatability of pick location, feeder indexing, component location and sprocket repeatability.

PAOLI, PA – AMETEK Inc. has formed a materials analysis division, joining its Spectro analytical instruments and EDAX units.

EDAX business unit manager Alan Devenish has been named vice president and general manager of the new division.

Manfred Bergsch has been named vice president and Spectro business unit manager.

AMETEK will leverage the manufacturing operations, technology and distribution of EDAX and Spectro to improve the support and services of its customers around the world.

AMETEK provides analytical instrumentation such as x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers for the electronics and other markets. 

ZURICH -- DEK International was among 26 recipients of Intel Corp.'s Preferred Quality Supplier award, the company said today. It was the second time the maker of printers has won the award.

DEK was awarded for its efforts in supplying Intel with printing machines.

The PQS awards are part of Intel’s Supplier Continuous Improvement process that encourages suppliers to strive for excellence and continuous improvement. To qualify for PQS status, suppliers must score 80% on a report card that assesses performance and ability to meet cost, quality, availability, delivery, technology and responsiveness goals. Suppliers must also manage and deliver on a challenging improvement plan and a quality systems assessment.

John Hartner, CEO of DEK International, said, “DEK is extremely proud to be honored with Intel’s PQS award for the second time.  This award is a testament to DEK’s committment to delivering innovative deposition technologies with the highest level of customer satisfaction.”

“Congratulations to DEK for being a two time PQS winner. DEK continues to provide quick, reliable, and dedicated technical support to our all our factories worldwide. Their continued flexibility in meeting Intel’s demands, and their superior training and coaching abilities prove they are one of the best assembly service providers to Intel,” said Ron Rinfret, director of assembly capital equipment development at Intel.

For seminar times and locations, or to register visit: jtag.com.