SMT Today Issue 2

importance of Electronics Exhibitions Josephine Lee Reed Exhibitions

Commitment to Excellence Companies and faces that have been shaping our industry for many years

red carpet Who’s doing what, where?

inside APEX 2014 preview

meet the CEos Page 4

Glenn Qiu, GKG Precision Machine Co. Ltd (cover) Mike Konrad of Aqueous Technologies Corp Graham Norman of EVS International Graham Naisbitt of Gen3 Systems David Bennett of Mirtec Europe Anthony Ambrose of Data I/O Corporation

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

smttoday.com

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welcome to smt today Welcome to the second edition of SMT Today - a bi-monthly global magazine solely dedicated to the people, technology and innovation within a constantly changing electronics industry This issue of SMT Today focuses on Test and Inspection and includes a preview to next month’s IPC APEX EXPO Technical Conference in Las Vegas, which we’ll be attending. I’m really looking forward to meeting industry leaders like yourselves and hope to have the opportunity to share what we can offer you as a major player within the electronics industry - maximum media exposure, a quality printed magazine, multi-platform compatibility and complimentary videoing capabilities.

Prior to APEX we’ll be issuing a special edition of SMT Today, so I would really appreciate your feedback on the content/format of this magazine together with any suggestions or input for forthcoming issues. Our contact details are included on the next page.

2014’s business outlook within the electronics industry is positive and I’m looking forward to working with you to achieve mutual success.

Lin Ramsay Editor

magazine contacts...

DIRECT Marketing

Editor Lin Ramsay lin@smttoday.com

+44(0)1292 834001

skype: lin-smttoday

European Advertising Lyianne Carson lyianne@smttoday.com

+44(0)1292 280022

skype: lyianne-smttoday

Design Big Blue Dog bigbluedogdesign.com

+44(0)1292 280022

USA Advertising Ron Friedman ron@smttoday.com 1-860-523-1105

skype: ron-smttoday

Website

smttoday.com

NEXT EDITION March 2014 Book your space now and have your products and services exposed to the right people at the right time.

inside this issue...

APEX 2014 Preview

Who to see and where

8

10

Technology Today

Industry experts share their knowledge

Advanced Modelling Technique

8 Advanced modelling technique achieves near to zero set up time and minimal tuning

by Sean Langbridge, CyberOptics Corp.

22 MatriX Technologies awarded the ‘Best Practices Company of the Year Award 2013’

by Amy Grace Torres, Frost & Sullivan

52 Juki’s reputation for quality & speed continues

4

Meet the CEOs

24

Importance of electronics exhibitions

by SMT Today Staff Editor

Special Features

Exclusive industry reports and features

50

Red Carpet

4

Meet the CEOs

42

Commitment to Excellence

46

Horizon Sales is a bright light on the horizon

by SMT Today Staff Editor

52 Juki’s reputation for quality & speed continues

by SMT Today Staff Editor

New Products

Exciting new industry innovations

24 Importance of Electronics Exhibitions

Industry News

32

What’s happening in the world of electronics

Red Carpet

38

Photo gallery of industry personalities and events

50 Page 3

meet the CEOs the people that make it happen Our industry is driven by a global network of CEOs with the energy and vision that brings new technology and innovation down the line. Every edition, we will introduce you to the faces behind the companies.

Aqueous Technologies Corporation

Mike Konrad is President & CEO of Aqueous Technologies Corp., North America’s leading manufacturer of aqueous cleaning systems. Aqueous Technologies manufactures batch-format aqueous cleaning/defluxing systems. The company also manufactures ultrasonic stencil cleaning systems, PCB and stencil cleaning chemistries and the Zero-Ion ionic contamination (cleanliness) tester. Aqueous Technologies’ products have won more than 40 industry awards.

EVS International

Graham Norman is the Managing Director of EVS International. The company has become the leader in the

solder recovery market and today holds 16 International awards for its equipment. EVS focuses on solder dross recovery equipment and the benefits it provides are not only to the industry but also to planet Earth. While there are many advantages to using solder dross recovery equipment, the most important include reduction in carbon footprint, significant ROI, ISO 14001 environmental management, improved process and productivity, reduced wave maintenance, reduced shorts and rework.

Gen3 Systems

Graham Naisbitt is the Managing Director of Gen3 Systems, a specialist manufacturer of test and measurement equipment used to help predict reliability of electronic circuits and systems in the field. The company also

designs and manufactures dip and spray coating process equipment in both in-line and bench-top formats.

Gen3 is a specialist distributor for several leading equipment manufacturers and provides training, equipment and expertise for manufacturers requiring assessment of their electronic product’s reliability.

Mirtec Europe

David Bennett is the President of Mirtec Europe, a leading global supplier of automated inspection systems

to the electronics manufacturing industry. The company manufactures technologically advanced AOI, SPI and LED inspection systems designed to provide unprecedented performance, quality and cost-effectiveness to the inspection environment. Mirtec’s products cater to diverse vertical markets and a customer base that ranks product quality, inspection speeds, reduced false call rates and increased throughput ahead of price. Its products not only offer substantial ROI but also unmatched brand value, which has enabled it to acquire key accounts from its competitors.

Data I/O Corporation

Anthony Ambrose is the President & CEO of Data I/O Corporation, a leading global provider of advanced

programming and IP management solutions for flash, flash memory-based intelligent devices and microcontrollers.

The company develops innovative solutions to enable the design and manufacture of electronic products for automotive, medical, wireless, consumer electronics, industrial controls and military/aerospace markets. Data I/O provides programming solutions for devices in any package, whether programmed in a socket or on a circuit board. Its expertise in programmable integrated circuits, global supply chain processes, IP management and protection helps bring innovative new products to life.

Page 4

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

director

spotlight

an interview with glenn Qiu, GKG Precision machine co. ltd Headquartered in Dongguan, China (Guangdong province), GKG is the leading China brand for fully automatic vision printers supplied to the SMT industries for PCB assembly. Numerous printers are installed worldwide and GKG is the fastest growing company in this sector. The company’s marketing and training center, GKG ASIA PTE LTD, was incorporated in Singapore in 2009 to further enhance its global presence. Today, the company’s products are represented in more than 20 countries outside China by established sales and service partners. Here we speak with Glenn Qiu, the founder of GKG Precision Machine Co. Ltd., to learn more about this young but dynamic company.

Q. We understand that GKG Asia Pte Ltd is a division of GKG Precision Machine Co Ltd. and was founded in Singapore in 2009. Why was the creation of this division necessary and what role does it play within the company?

A.

Understanding the best timing and having the right partners in business is paramount to every success. My vision was to create GKG to ultimately become the most famous screen printer company from a China manufacturer since our products are price/performance valued.

Within a five-year period, our sales took off very successfully in China with the support of customers, suppliers, industry professionals and diligent employees.

Therefore, I am fully confident that GKG products could also be successful outside of China if we do it right. Before 2009, GKG was working with several oversea distributors to sell and distribute GKG printers freely without much sales channel

control. However, I got better acquainted with some Singaporeans that already were actively distributing GKG printers into the South East Asia market. I observed that these youthful people were honest, technically inclined, experienced and — most important — had common culture values and spoke my language, eliminating communication barriers between us.

By mid-2009, these four Singaporean gentlemen came to me with a well-drafted business plan to grow GKG internationally.

Immediately I saw the intelligence of this plan with these four holders managing and directing the new company. With the combined experience, technical and market knowledge plus the GKG brand name, we were confident that this synergy would propel the new company forward rapidly. Since Singapore is conveniently located, it was chosen as the location for GKG Asia’s marketing and training centre servicing the international market. All international enquiries are now channelled

to GKG Asia for follow up, including technical support and a secondary spare parts supplies centre. Additionally, with the formation of GKG Asia, it leaves GKG China to focus primarily on the R&D, manufacturing sectors and China domestic sales.

Q. GKG is known worldwide for its high-performance printers as well as its cost-effective pricing. How is the company able to offer better printers at lower prices?

A.

We are selective with suppliers and ensure that they provide us with quality parts and on-time delivery from the very beginning. GKG places orders in bulk for our purchases to our reliable suppliers who willingly offer us their best price. We also need to pay tribute to our strong R&D in driving cost/design engineering, our production team in ensuring all assembly details are followed through thoroughly

director

spotlight

without mistakes and our purchasing team who does everything to control the cost structure. It takes true teamwork to create the best value chain for our customers.

Q. It appears that GKG has a strategic and aggressive growth plan. How do you see GKG Asia continuing to contribute to this growth plan? Do you believe this sales path will continue?

A.

GKG Asia is our bridge to the world - this company represents our eyes, ears and mouth. They form a competent team, understand their set goals and customer needs. GKG Asia will continue to network closely with all other partners and distributors’ requirements, technical support and training to ensure they know our product in-depth. With the right partners in place, I am sure we will see our sales continue to multiply.

Q.

We have heard that the company is finishing an expansion of its screen printing factory. Will it be complete by 2014? What will the expansion include? What benefits will this expansion provide for the company as well as its customers?

A. Our new six-story 50,000 m2 GKG headquarters in DongGuan, China will be ready to move into in 2014. It will provide a unique working environment that we created specifically for all our staff to feel satisfaction and pride at being members of the GKG team working there. This new factory is also our commitment to our customers and industry that we are serious about our success and that we will continue to reinvest in order to create product innovation. Every floor will have its own team and assembly line separated by a product mix of GKG products. In the future, when customers visit the GKG factory, they can clearly observe how GKG products are built and tested before they leave the factory. We expect that this will generate intangible benefits to us because customers will feel more confident with the GKG brand name.

Q. Does the company have a strong sales partner channel? What regions are you able to reach through your partners? How has this helped the company grow?

A.

Certainly. We have reputable distributors from Australia to Asia, Russia, South Africa directly serving their local customers. Juki Automation Systems is one of our most important and strategic partners for the entire North/South American and European market. Also, we OEM our printer to Juki under its label.

Over the past two years, JAS has helped GKG successfully penetrate the Western market. They are active at all the major

Page 6

trade shows in the United States and most recently at Productronica 2013 in Munich, where we received an overwhelming response during the four-day exhibition.

These activities have helped us earn significant publicity in the industry and JAS share some of the different expectations of their market needs.

Q. Perhaps the best known sales partnership is with Juki Automation Systems. Can you tell us more about this relationship? What benefit does it provide to each company? Do you anticipate growing and strengthening this relationship in the years to come?

How does this partnership with Juki fit into your growth strategy?

A. I may say this is the great effort between

GKG Asia and Mr. Bob Black of JAS. Bob was searching for a value-added printer that could fit into the Juki line solution plan. JAS and GKG Asia got into a serious conversation and a GKG printer was sent to a US customer for a six-month punishing trial. Eventually, GKG passed the test set by the customer and satisfied Juki. However, JAS asked for special standard features to better match into the US market. GKG paid attention to Juki’s request and the improved product was developed immediately. By nature Juki is a pick-and-place company and GKG is a printer specialist, we both complement each other perfectly. Juki gets to offer a full line solution to customers or simply can offer the GKG printer to nonJuki customers in need of a printer. Thus, the GKG printer is able to capture sales from customers of any mix and any volume.

Since Juki is listed as a Japanese company, it was not easy to accept a China branded manufacturer. However, we worked it out as by developing a close partnership through hard work and open communication.

Regularly, we have top-level correspondents that share development and discussions with each other. Our relationship with Juki is based on constant communication on all levels and as a result, I am hopeful that our relationship will continue growing stronger each day.

Q. Quality is important to GKG. With some Chinese companies that is not the case. So what does your company do differently to keep its reputation of being a quality and performance manufacturer? Do you have performance data available to potential customers?

A. Quality is the root of our success. First, GKG set up our own R&D team including drawing, software, electrical, control, hardware, CAE and system section to cope with and provide rapid reactions to market demands as well as customer feedback. Second, we have strict control for assembly process, quality process,

final inspection process and after-sales engineering teams to support/service customers. Last year, I was honored to visit Juki Japan to witness and exchange views on their production and quality control in the production line. Like Juki, it is our primary duty to maintain and ensure consistent quality in our work. Before export, all our printers pass through a complete test cycle. Additionally, we invested in a CetaQ machine in 2012. All printers are sent to our test lab for CPK & CMK testing after the burn-in test cycle.

Only machines that reach the highest acceptance performance levels are shipped. As a result, our customers can be assured of quality performance from the printer with a certification report. It is a stamp of quality assurance from GKG!

Q.

What goals would you like GKG to meet by the end of 2014? Is the acquisition of companies included on your list of goals?

A.

We hope the move from our current factory to our new factory will be a smooth transition. We want to show the world that a China manufacturer can be a worldclass manufacturer and capture the higher market share. Also, we see the need to build strength within our own team and so we are working internally to explore their full potential.

Q. What developments within the marketplace do you predict for 2014?

Will LED become more important in the upcoming year?

A. There will be demand for customers who need to replace or upgrade their existing printer with better features and, of course, a price/performance machine.

We can provide these customers with the solution. There will also be a high demand from LED customers for large-format automatic printers, for which we already cater. In addition, GKG also provides solutions to complement the LED wire bonder, LED die bonder, LED sorting and taping system to customers.

Q.

Does the company have plans of entering other fields in the market?

Why or why not? If so, what are the first few steps you hope to accomplish?

A. GKG is a technology company and we do have the appetite for new product development under the GKG house brand.

We will seek advancement into a market that has rewarding potential and is within our capacity. Recently we have also developed printers that cater to the touch panel market. However, our main priority remains ensuring that our existing product line is stable and can continue to bring in good numbers for the company.

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

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1/14/14 7:57 PM

Advanced modelling technique achieves near to zero set up time and minimal tuning

by Sean Langbridge, European Managing Director of CyberOptics Corp.

Automatic Optical Inspection Technologies Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI) is now an established solution for the reliable inspection of printed circuit boards (PCB’s) in the electronic manufacturing industry.

AOI systems have developed considerably since their introduction in the mid 90’s, and now appear on most surface mount technology (SMT) production lines worldwide. The majority of AOI systems utilise standard vision analysis technology in the form of multiple controlling algorithms and, although there are many variations of this approach, most are “programmed” and “tuned” in the same way. Modelling technology however is completely different in that it does not use a standard algorithmic approach but calculates process variation in real time on real production data by analysing pixel by pixel the image of the real production PCB. First conceived in the mid 1990’s and extensively developed since Modelling [1] is based on Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and has many advantages for companies looking for a fast and versatile system that can be deployed to production very quickly and with the minimum of ongoing production tuning.

Importance of fast set up & minimal tuning time One of the key metrics when selecting AOI solutions is the total cost of ownership of the system once deployed to production.

Programming time and production tuning time are major contributors to the ongoing ownership costs, hence, should be measured and understood well in advance of production integration. In low volume / high mix applications set up time is even more important as the AOI programme has to be ready and capable of reliable inspection before the production run is complete to have any real value. With production batch sizes below 20 x PCB’s this is very difficult to achieve on most algorithm systems.

Page 8

Limitations of Algorithm technology approach for fast set up Most algorithm technology systems are set up with the user having to anticipate the possible range of defects that could occur in production. The set up process includes selecting combinations of algorithms and setting their parameters in addition to those controlling image acquisition. This can be very time consuming with careful attention required to ensure everything is set up accurately. ____________________________________

The system ‘‘ “learns real

world variation” based on operator interaction with the reported results of the inspection tasks

____________________________________ Advantages of modelling technology for controlling process variation Statistical Appearance Modelling technology is set up very easily and simply from an image of the first production PCB. The system “learns real world variation” based on operator interaction with the reported results of the inspection tasks. This results in a very accurate statistical description of the normal variation in the product. Using this description during inspection allows accurate reporting of what is acceptable and what is not acceptable to the user based on individual process or quality requirements. Clear advantages of this approach are that the user does not have to anticipate potential defects or process issues as the system will “flag” anything that is outside of the “normal production

range” and secondly, because the system is programmed with real production variation, it is very sensitive to small subtle changes enabling very reliable defect detection. Recent developments to this technology include autonomous prediction of process variation which enables the AOI system to be set up from a single PCB with production ready performance. Set up time can be as low as 15 minutes from data input to first PCB inspection making it extremely attractive for new product introduction (NPI) and first off verification.

Performance comparison of modelling technology versus Algorithm technology The tables below are results taken from a recent production evaluation in the automotive industry. The PCB tested is a 6 up panel 300mm in length and 260mm in width with a total component count of 1380 and 73 individual component types. The inspection set up included tasks to reliably detect all component body, position, text, value, and solder joint related defects and the total individual inspection task count was 8,307 Table 1 below clearly illustrates a significant performance advantage of the modelling approach versus algorithm technology on this application with results of up to 3 x faster set up time for the modelling system. Of course a fast set up is only advantageous if the system can reliably inspect PCB’s afterwards with a very low false failure rate and provide some immediate value to the user.

Table 1

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

feature continued...

Table 2 below again illustrates a significant advantage from the modelling system when counting false failures after programming from 1, 10, and 30 panels.

Again the modelling system was around 3 x lower in false failure rates.

Table 2

Conclusion AOI systems have developed considerably over the past twenty years and, with the constant advances in computational technology, there is no doubt that this pace of development will continue. Modelling technology is a key area of image analysis that is benefiting from these advances and is already a very attractive alternative to traditional algorithm technology when applied in SMT inspection.

With the ever increasing demand for faster set ups and improved inspection performance on a wide range of applications, statistical modelling technology is a very interesting and valuable solution especially where set up times and cost of ownership are critical to success.

References [1] T.F. Cootes, G.J. Page, C.B. Jackson, C.J.Taylor: “Statistical Grey-Level Models for Object Location and Identification”, Proc. British Machine Vision Conference, (Ed. D.Pycock) BMVA Press.

1995 pp.533-542

ipc Apex expo Las Vegas MANDALAY BAY RESORT AND CONVENTION CENTER

With the IPC APEX EXPO around the corner, we found it only suitable to give it a feature. At one of the biggest international SMT exhibitions this year, you’ll have a great chance to: Be Inspired!

Hear about the latest advances in technology, materials and processes to pursue your own innovation.

Build Relationships!

Connect with thousands of your peers and thought provoking leaders from more than 50 countries.

Drive Your Continued Success!

Get the tools, expertise, contacts and insights to address your most pressing challenges and prepare for the future.

Read on to find out more about the exhibition, what’s happening and where to eat whilst you’re in Vegas.

Don’t forget to share your experience with us by emailing red@smttoday.com

Page 10

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

GKG takes the screen printer market by storm From the leading supplier of fully automatic vision printers comes the popular GL Series of printers. GKG Asia Pte Ltd’s GL printer is designed for PCBs with a maximum size of 510 x 510 mm and proven 01005 printing.

The GL Series comes standard with many advanced features: • Stencil Position Memory • Combination of top/side PCB clamping function • Bottom-side PCB support pins locating guidance system • Auto squeegee pressure check

• Auto PCB thickness adjustment • Core cycle time of less than 8.5 seconds • Intuitive operation for quick and easy model changeover • Best in class for price performace

For more information and to find out how to get a GL printer into your facility, contact us today!

GKG Asia Pte Ltd • 52 Ubi Avenue 3, #02-38 Frontier • Singapore 408867 Tel: +65 65478065 • Fax: +65 65475451 • www.gkgasia.com Distributed by

MW/GK/2/Jan SMT Today adb.indd 1

1/14/14 12:38 P

Schedule at a Glance Tuesday, MArch 25

Weds, MArch 26

Thurs, MArch 27

7:30 AM–8:30 AM FREE IPC First-Timers’ Welcome

7:30 AM–8:30 AM FREE Women in Electronics Networking Meeting

8:00 AM–5:00 PM Standards Development Committee Meetings

8:00 AM–5:00 PM Standards Development Committee Meetings

9:00 AM–10:00 AM FREE Keynote

8:30 AM–9:30 AM FREE Opening Keynote 9:45 AM–10:00 AM Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Standards Development Committee Meetings 10:00 AM–6:00 PM EXHIBITS OPEN 11:00 AM–12:00 PM IPC Government Relations Committee Open Forum

9:00 AM–10:00 AM FREE Keynote 10:00 AM–12:00 PM Technical Conference Sessions 10:00 AM–12:00 PM FREE BUZZ Sessions

9:00 AM–5:00 PM Professional Development Courses 10:00 AM–12:00 PM Technical Conference Sessions 10:00 AM–12:00 PM FREE BUZZ Sessions 10:00 AM–2:00 PM EXHIBITS OPEN

10:00 AM–6:00 PM EXHIBITS OPEN

12:00 PM–1:30 PM Event Luncheon & IPC Annual Meeting

12:00 PM–1:30 PM Event Awards Luncheon

1:30 PM–5:00 PM Technical Conference Sessions

1:30 PM–5:00 PM Technical Conference Sessions

1:30 PM–5:00 PM FREE BUZZ Sessions

1:30 PM–5:00 PM FREE BUZZ Sessions

4:30 PM–6:00 PM FREE Show Floor Reception

3:30 PM–4:30 PM FREE Poster Presentations by Authors 6:00 PM Exhibitor Networking Functions

make the most of your stay in Las Vegas eating out

ROY’S RESTAURANT

MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB

Cuisine: American Fusion Restaurant Call (702) 691 2053 620 East Flamingo Road www.roysrestaurant.com

Cuisine: Steakhouse and Seafood Call (702) 798 7115 3720 Las Vegas Boulevard South www.mastrosrestaurants.com JOE’S SEAFOOD Cuisine: Prime Steak and Stone Crab Call (702) 792 9222 3500 Las Vegas Boulevard South www.joes.net WEERA THAI RESTAURANT Cuisine: Thai Call (702) 873 8749 3839 West Sahara Avenue, Suite 9 www.meerathai.com

PF CHANG’S Cuisine: Chinese Call (702) 836 0955 Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino www.planethollywoodresort.com

MANDALAY BAY RESORT AND CONVENTION CENTER 3950 LAS VEGAS BLVD. SOUTH, LAS VEGAS Special IPC rates will be available until March 3, 2014, or until all rooms are booked.

weather March One of the most pleasant times of year to visit Las Vegas. Early in this period you may still want to bring a light jacket or a long-sleeved shirt, but by lateMarch it’s usually perfectly comfortable to be wearing short sleeves.

Share your Las Vegas experience with us...

Send your photos and stories in to red@smttoday.com and we’ll feature them on our social pages and the best will get a special place in next editions Red Carpet. Remember to keep them clean!

Page 12

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

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an interview with Dee Claybrook, President/CEO of Rapid Tooling Inc. In a fast-paced world, the word “rapid” can seem like music to your ears. Rapid Tooling Inc. was created to address the challenges faced by engineers and managers in PCB assembly and semiconductor packaging, and has been music to their ears since 1994.

SMT Today recently spoke to President/ CEO Dee Claybrook of Rapid Tooling about the company, some of those milestones and why he believes, wholeheartedly, in keeping it in the family.

Q.

We understand that Rapid Tooling is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2014 — congratulations on this milestone! Looking back to 1994, how has your business strategy changed?

What do you hope to accomplish as your business enters a new decade? ____________________________________

‘‘

Our process uses the latest CAD/CAM automation software

____________________________________

A.

When Dion Casto and I founded the business, our original idea was to offer sustaining engineering design services as an outsource service. Initially, we would design the projects and take the data on floppy disc to local machine shops to manufacture. We always paid cash in advance so we could move up in priority.

That is how we came up with the name Rapid Tooling. We soon realized that we needed captive machining capability to meet customer deadlines. Currently, Rapid Tooling has 13 CNC machines operating 24/7. Dion is the chief engineer and directs a staff of designers that are producing tools used by semiconductor and electronics manufacturers, military contractors, consumer electronics manufacturers, energy companies, aviation and medical companies. Starting our 21st year, we have substantial production projects. We continue to add capabilities in equipment and software. Going forward, with our partners, we continue to develop tools for handling substrates in JEDEC Trays for simultaneous processing, Radome Designs, LED projects and down hole energy instruments. We also plan to

Page 14

introduce an additive or 3-D printing capability in the near future.

Q. Rapid Tooling is a family-run business, correct? What benefits do you believe this provides to customers?

A. We feel that a family/friend run business benefits customers and the company by remaining deeply empathetic to each individual we associate with — both customers and employees. We are dependent on our customers and employees for all of our goals and aspirations.

Q. Can you explain the processes and services you offer?

A.

Rapid Tooling Inc. is a reliable resource for manufacturing and product development needs. We have 13 CNC machining centers and a lathe center that is staffed 24 hours a day and can deliver product to you when needed. Same day and 24-48 hour turns are not unusual depending on material availability and finish requirements.

Rapid Tooling is a combined CNC machine shop/design and prototyping center. We specialize in the design and tooling for manufacturing. We can also manage short run, fast-turn sheet metal requirements.

Our engineers and designers can help in many areas, for example, if a customer has existing drawings, we can machine the parts or, if a customer has a basic design but would like to have it critiqued or if they need design assistance but want to coordinate machining elsewhere, we can help. Our main goal is to assist in any way possible.

Additionally, we offer sustaining engineering services as an outsource provider. In collaboration with our customers, we can take a concept to implementation in a very short time frame. Additionally, we provide PCB fixtures for solder paste printing, component placement and

dispensing applications. We offer solder pallets, semiconductor wafer process tooling, router fixtures for depanelization, CMM fixtures, prototyping models and placement feeder refurbishment. We mainly do what our customers ask in the shortest possible time frame.

Q. How Does Rapid Tooling differ from other machine shops?

A.

Many CNC capable, ISO-registered machine shops focus on volume machining and avoid the short runs and costly setups. We have volume capability at Rapid Tooling, but we focus on quick turn/ low- to medium-volume manufacturing.

Our process uses the latest CAD/CAM automation software, which enables our designers to create a concept and begin machining parts in a very short time frame.

If a customer is in product development, we can assist in manufacturing functional mockups in either metal or plastic. Rapid Tooling designers will provide three dimensional (3-D) drawings when required (and we can provide viewers). We can simulate many parts that are ultimately going to be die cast or injection molded, allowing the designs to be tested before spending big money on molds. Complex contours and thin features are not a problem for our state-of-the-art software packages. We can coordinate all the requirements of any product; including machining, coating, silkscreen, wiring, component procurement and assembly.

Rapid Tooling also offers a new-age prototyping practice known as 3D Printing.

Rapid Tooling has acquired through its resources the use of Objet Polyjet technology to produce prototypes. Rapid Tooling’s prototyping capabilities and deep technical knowledge can provide the competitive edge necessary to help customers get products to market faster.

We specialize in quick turnaround without sacrificing the quality you need.

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

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an interview with Kevin Buckner,

new European Sales Manager at kyzen Kyzen recently named Kevin Buckner as its newly appointed European Sales Manager. We recently spoke with him to find out more about his plans for this region.

Q. Can you tell our readers a bit about

your background and how you come to this new position?

A. This year – 2014 – marks my 10th year in the precision cleaning marketplace.

I started back in 2004 with a leading aqueous cleaning machine manufacturer as their International Sales Manager with the intent of making them a global power in cleaning technologies. I have always worked closely with the chemistry side of the business so when the opportunity arose to join Kyzen it was a natural, easy transition. My efforts to this point have been primarily focused on West Coast US growth but, with my European background and knowledge, this was an obvious choice for me. ____________________________________

‘‘

It certainly has not been an overnight success – many late nights in the lab and customer facilities has made us the “go to” company

____________________________________

Q. While Kyzen has become a global market leader providing cleaning agents for electronics assembly, power electronics and advanced packaging, it has not been an overnight success. How has Kyzen become the “go to” company for leading-edge cleaning technology?

A. It certainly has not been an overnight success – many late nights in the lab and customer facilities has made us the “go to” company. What separates us is our ability to listen not only to customer demands but also to those of the machine manufacturers.

For example, seven years ago the evolution

Page 16

of the batch machines demanded a new formulation. Kyzen listened and a specific solution was born. Now with the newer, tougher demands placed on cleaning, Kyzen is again listening and developing more and more relevant products for use in all types of equipment for all types of processes.

Q.

It seems the UK and broader EU markets have quite demanding and disparate needs from their cleaning technology. Is this so? And if so, how do you meet and keep up with those changing requirements?

A.

We try to stay ahead of the curve by anticipating what the demands of our customers will be. What is acceptable for one may not be acceptable for another.

We expect to understand our customers’ definition of clean and attain those results.

Q.

It is said that research is the life blood of many industries. Can you tell us about research at Kyzen and how that makes a difference for your customers?

A.

Research is incredibly important to all of us here at Kyzen; we are very thankful to have a staff dedicated to finding us solutions to the ever-changing introductions of new paste and flux combinations. Every week it seems that a newer generation of manmade product is being released. Most of us know these to be considered no-cleans. We like to refer to them as low-residue products but the name says it all: no-clean. Our research staff gets the unheralded job of finding solutions to clean in the world of no-cleans.

Q.

What technology trends have you seen emerge over the last 12 months, and what do you expect to develop in 2014?

A.

With PCB development, what used to be a 12 x 12 board is now a 3 x 3 board.

The components have gotten smaller and

the pitch has decreased. Our challenge has to be focused on tomorrow and what customers will need when it comes to cleaning. For example, are they expected to have a coating applied because what is considered clean for one may not be clean for another? Also, what type of equipment is being used? The world is changing and so are the requirements of cleaning. ____________________________________

Again, it comes ‘‘ down to listening to what your customers have to say

____________________________________

Q. Kyzen’s latest product introduction

was AQUANOX A8820 for stencil cleaning. Why was stencil cleaning a high priority for that precious R&D budget?

A. One word: yields. When production is down, boards are not leaving the facility and that means money is being lost. Our insight and introduction of the A8820 is to keep the line moving, keep the misprints down and increase the yield. A little preventive maintenance on the front side or during the product run can go a long way to increasing those all-important yields.

Q. The world economy has had a “challenging” few years.

What is Kyzen’s general outlook for 2014 and beyond?

A. We are very excited about the new year.

We have shown nice growth through new product implementation and have several new technologies yet to be released.

Again, it comes down to listening to what your customers have to say and to have the ability to respond to their demands.

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

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In addition, closed loop processing seamlessly communicates upstream and downstream. The world’s most intelligent SPI. PARMI has delivered more than 2,000 systems in the most demanding applications and is committed to deliver all promised value in its products and services.

Contact us today to see how we can help you and to learn more about why others are making the switch to PARMI.

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1/21/14 11:57 AM

Popping the Bubble on Today’s PoP Concerns

By W. Scott Fillebrown, President & CEO of ACD ACD is a leading supplier to the electronics industry and a leader in Package-on-Package (PoP) assembly.

PoP is a quickly evolving 3D packaging trend (or, to be more politically correct, “technique”) that meets today’s demand for lighter, faster and miniaturized electronics, especially in the assembly field. PoP involves stacking one peripheral array BGA package on another full, peripheral or custom array BGA package. ____________________________________

‘‘

One of the largest issues is that the final assembly yield is affected by package warpage

____________________________________ Sounds good, right?

Right…except that there are some issues.

One of largest of these is that the final assembly yield is affected by package warpage. The widely adopted process for PoP assembly is single pass reflow of the top and bottom packages after being assembled on the PCB. The solder balls of the top package are dipped in flux or solder paste before being placed on the top of the bottom BGA package during assembly.

The flux or paste dip, unlike solder paste print, is unable to accommodate for the solder ball co-planarity issues and package warpage between the top and bottom packages, thereby making PoP assembly challenging, especially in the manufacture of electronics assembly devices. ACD, however, has the capability to place, test, profile and rework PoP assemblies, effectively removing this concern from manufacturers’ minds. Seems too good to be true, but it is both true and realistic.

How? Quite simply through the purchase and unique combination of advanced technology systems.

Page 18

ACD has two lines from Juki Automation Systems, each consisting of two chip shooters and one flexible placer with PoP capability. This flexibility allows ACD to process complex builds like PoPs back-toback with very little down time. Additionally, during functional testing, operators verify that each of the various product capabilities defined in the design or test specification meet customer requirements.

This is instrumental in providing customers with quality, defect-free PoP assemblies.

Finally, ACD uses PDR’s SMT/BGA rework system, which is designed specifically to cope with the challenges of repairing today’s PCB assemblies using focused IR technology. The system provides ACD with 100 percent yield BGA rework without any complications. It also provides extremely high levels of profiling and process controls for the effective rework of the most advanced packages, including PoP assemblies.

ACD’s assembly business model is geared toward supporting high-mix, hightechnology assembly from prototypes through low- to mid-volume production.

We stay up to date on the latest trends in order to help our customers succeed.

Contact us to find out more about PoP assemblies and why they are so popular in the medical devices industry. We can also share more about our PoP capabilities, knowledge and experience. ____________________________________

‘‘

This flexibility allows ACD to process complex builds like PoPs back-to-back with very little down time ____________________________________ At ACD, the goal is the same in every department and every model: Provide our customers with a single source from product conception to product delivery.

Partnership — that’s our business.

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

2013 Company of the Year for SMT Automated Optical Inspection

by Mireya Espinoza, Frost & Sullivan Based on its recent analysis of the surface mount technology (SMT) automatic optical inspection (AOI) market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes MIRTEC Co. Ltd. with the 2013 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Company of the Year.

MIRTEC is a pioneer in 3D AOI technology and has demonstrated an ability to provide innovations ahead of its peers, allowing it to command premium prices in a cost-conscious market. It stands head and shoulders above its competition in addressing the constantly evolving complexity within electronics assembly.

This singular focus on technology helped its annual revenue for 2012 increase by more than 15 percent in a market where Tier 1 companies are struggling to grow.

MIRTEC’s products cater to diverse vertical markets and a customer base that ranks product quality, inspection speeds, reduced false call rates, and increased throughput ahead of price. Its products not only offer substantial return on investment but also unmatched brand value, which has enabled it to acquire key accounts from its competitors, especially in the automotive industry.

Meanwhile, as the electronics industry is transitioning toward miniaturization and micro ball grid arrays, MIRTEC is adopting new technologies that impact electronics assembly. Already, its 3D AOI equipment’s features and technology are peerless; it has strengthened its competitive position by ramping up its own camera division as well. Headquartered in the USA, MIRTEC’s Camera Divsion, ISVI Corp, is a leading supplier of High-Speed, HighResolution Industrial Camera Systems servicing a wide range of applications such as Microscopy, Machine Vision, Factory Automation, Robotics, Medical, and more.

Customers include O.E.M.’s, system integrators, end-users, researchers, and developers.

“The company’s advanced cameras are based on CoaXPress technology, a high-speed, point-to-point, serial communication standard for the transmission of video,” said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Lavanya Rammohan.

“This interface technology combines the simplicity of coaxial cable with state-ofthe-art, high-speed serial data technology

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to offer a revolutionary leap forward in high-speed image and data transmission.”

Recently, MIRTEC introduced a 25-megapixel CoaXPress camera that was designed for the AOI market to meet specific inspection demands such as faster inspection speed and high inspection quality. The technology roadmap that MIRTEC offers its customers, coupled with its ability to embrace and inspect the latest electronics technology, sets MIRTEC apart in the market. ____________________________________

‘‘

Its product lines are well-suited for high-volume as well as low-to medium-volume manufacturing, making them perfect for a wide range of markets

____________________________________

AOI equipment will help the company benefit from the growing demand for 3D and 2D-3D combination technology,” noted Rammohan. “Its product lines are well-suited for high-volume as well as lowto medium-volume manufacturing, making them perfect for a wide range of markets.”

Brian D’Amico, President of MIRTEC’s North American Sales and Service Division, stated: “We are very proud to accept the 2013 Frost & Sullivan Company of the Year Award on behalf of MIRTEC’s extremely talented team of engineering, sales and service professionals for their outstanding performance in the design and development of our technologically advanced products and support of our valued customers.

We are confident that our business practices will serve to set a new standard by which all other inspection equipment manufacturers will be measured.”

MIRTEC has also been well served by its ability to tie in product development excellence with customer needs. The company leverages its instinctive understanding of its customers’ dynamic needs to provide best-in-class solutions and outpaces the competition by delivering superior-quality service and support.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated excellence in terms of growth strategy and implementation.

The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies, and the resulting leadership in terms of customer value and market penetration.

The company’s main focus is on developing the absolute best inspection equipment in the industry, dynamically addressing customer needs and enhancing customer service with a strong sales and support network. Frost & Sullivan’s research has shown that customers clearly appreciate the robustness of MIRTEC’s products and support through the lifetime of their ownership.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service and strategic product development.

Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

“Frost & Sullivan fully expects that the quality, reliability, and flexibility of MIRTEC’s

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

SMS Electronics Ltd SMS House, Technology Drive, Beeston Nottingham, United Kingdom NG9 1AD T 0044 115 943 1616 E sales@smselectronics.co.uk

europe’s leading EMS provider with over 100 years of history ss a l c d ons l r ti o w olu the s ic s or n f ro ry t ec ust l e nd i

building partnerships smselectronics.co.uk

MatriX Technologies awarded the ‘Best Practices Company of the Year Award 2013’

by Amy Grace Torres, Frost & Sullivan MatriX Technologies GmbH (MatriX), a German-based supplier of industrial X-ray inspection equipment, was acknowledged as the market leader in the worldwide SMT AXI market (Automated X-ray Inspection Equipment).

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting organization, identified the top players in the SMT AXI equipment market. MatriX was recognized as the top achiever in the AXI Market award category, which demonstrates excellent qualities in meeting the increasing demands and requirements of clients in the electronics assembly industry market. Frost & Sullivan has based its study on five main criteria: growth strategy, growth implementation, degree of innovation, customer value and market penetration. Throughout all criteria, MatriX has demonstrated its continuous and dedicated efforts toward technology innovation to support the growth of the entire AXI market. The company also outperformed in its practices across functional disciplines such as after-sales support and training. ____________________________________

‘‘

With these constant technology innovations and upgrades, the company has been successful in obtaining a clientele with global manufacturing sites which, in turn, increases installation rates

____________________________________ According to Frost & Sullivan’s 360-degree analysis, MatriX’s integrated growth and innovation strategy is groundbreaking; during 2012-2013, the company built up a manufacturing partnership in Singapore and opened subsidiaries in China, Singapore and Japan in order to position its engineering and support teams close to its customer base to ensure short delivery and response times. Additionally, and by acquiring FocalSpot Inc. San Diego (now operating as MatriX-FocalSpot Inc.), the company is well-positioned to increase its

Page 22

North American market share via this new sales platform for its existing AXI series.

Furthermore, the company extended its product range by a manual and semiautomated X-ray inspection equipment product line (XT-series) during 2013, becoming an integrated supplier from entry-level MXI to high-end integrated AXI solutions. ____________________________________

‘‘

MatriX supplies manual, semi-automated and automated inspection solutions for non-destructive testing of other nonelectronic materials

____________________________________ By translating customer feedback into R&D and steadily seeking innovations, MatriX’s experienced engineers continue to set X-ray inspection standards and achieve the best solutions to increase their customers’ inspection quality and production efficiency with a solid return on investment. Smooth software interfaces and flexible hardware enable perfect integration into the customers’ production line. Continuous service, trainings and updates, as well as production integration support, ensure the most effective inspection strategy at any time.

“With these constant technology innovations and upgrades, the company has been successful in obtaining a clientele with global manufacturing sites, which, in turn, increases installation rates,” noted Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Lavanya Rammohan. “Attention to detail and delivering superior-quality products will strengthen its bid for greater market penetration and reinforce its position in the SMT AXI market.”

MatriX Technologies GmbH, founded in 2004 and headquartered in Munich/ Feldkirchen (Germany), is a leading global supplier of high-speed Automated Inline X-ray inspection systems (AXI for Electronics) and semi-automated/manual X-ray Inspection systems (MXI) that are used to control the manufacturing process and to ensure the quality of critical electronic devices/components and electronic printed circuit boards manufactured by its customers within series production. In addition, MatriX supplies manual, semi-automated and automated inspection solutions for nondestructive testing of other non-electronic materials, such as casting or medical parts, by using X-ray or computer tomography (CT) technology (AXI for NDT). MatriX inspection system solutions assist its global customer base to achieve and fulfill the highest quality demands for critical parts and components. As of 2013, MatriX Technologies employs a growing 80 staff in Germany, Hungary, China, Singapore, Japan and the US.

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

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importance of Electronics Exhibitions by smt today staff editor The world’s largest event organizer declares “face-to-face events will continue to be our core business”.

In 2010, Reed Exhibitions brought together more than seven million event participants from around the world, generating billions of dollars in revenue. It is now the world’s leading event organizer, with over 460 events in 36 countries. Reed also has 34 fully-staffed offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

Would you rate the 2013 editions of NEPCON China and NEPCON South China as your most successful to date?

We also launched a new seminar onsite, the Strategic Electronics Manufacturing Summit with a series of high-level presentations and inspiring panel discussions that catered to 300+ senior managers from China’s electronics manufacturing industry. It was a great networking platform to get top-level executives from the EMS, OEM and ODM industries, government bodies, and trade associations to interact with each other and share their views on the future development of the industry. With renowned industry executives and government officials sharing their expertise and senior officers from MIIT providing detailed interpretations of industrial policies, the event proved to be a great way to get a helicopter view of the influential innovations driving this fastmoving industry.

A.

Q.

Our editor spoke with Josephine Lee, Senior Vice President of Reed Exhibitions East China, to learn more about NEPCON China and NEPCON South China, two powerful electronics manufacturing industry exhibitions and to get an overview of the industry. ____________________________________

‘‘

Exhibitors see it as a great opportunity to launch new products

____________________________________

Q.

NEPCON is not only the largest, but also the most respected SMT event in Asia. It has made a massive contribution to the electronics industry. Exhibitors see it as a great opportunity to launch new products and it is undoubtedly the preferred platform via which to generate business and expand market share.

Electronics manufacturers see it as a valuable way to network with potential partners and customers and to stay on top of the latest trends. It has definitely been very successful over the years - 2013 included.

This year, our Customer Relationship Agents ran a Targeted Attendee Program (TAP), which was designed to target and invite key buyers. We basically invited potential buyers to the show and offered

Page 24

them tailored services, such as a business meeting facilitation - customized itineraries, that met their needs and networking. It was a great way to ensure that we make the relationship onsite and make the show a success.

What trends did you notice on the show floor? What effect do you see these trends having on local and international markets in 2014?

A.

Over recent years we’ve seen more Chinese brands emerging and the establishment of a greater number of JVs. China must transit from simply being the ‘world’s factory’, to being the best factory in the world by fulfilling demand for more sophisticated, advanced products.

This demand is creating opportunities to import more advanced equipment and technology to China. At the same time, Chinese companies are exporting products, so rising numbers of visitors from Asia and Latin America are coming to NEPCON to source equipment.

Also, NEPCON’s EMA pavilion showcased a type of “smart factory” - a hot topic in electronics manufacturing.

Since automation is the best way to optimize cost structures, NEPCON China and NEPCON South China 2014 will feature new automation solutions so buyers can make the best decisions for their businesses.

The need to be cost-effective is not the only challenge that electronics manufacturing is currently facing. It also needs to ensure that all production and assembly procedures can be adapted to this fast-moving industry. Topics including manufacturing and advanced packaging, business focus and practical skills development, emerging technologies and lead-free reliability, will be thoroughly examined and deconstructed during the 2014 EMA Conference. Also, SMTA will run technology workshops, issue SMT Engineer Certifications and host the SMTA China Annual Award Ceremony. ____________________________________

‘‘

We plan to strengthen our position over the next few years

____________________________________ Next year, we will also host NEPCON West China in Chengdu. This expo will feature dedicated PCB and IC pavilions.

These two segments are booming in West China and represent the fastest emerging markets there. The pavilion will provide another strong promotional platform for exhibitors to showcase their products and create new business opportunities.

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

Q. How can NEPCON contribute to the

growth of electronics manufacturing?

What advantages does the series of shows offer over other trade exhibitions?

A. NEPCON is driven by our aim to deliver value to customers. Our continued focus on customer satisfaction ensures that we keep innovating and adding to the value we offer by integrating online and offline marketing solutions that broaden the exposure of our exhibitors. At NEPCON South China 2013, we hosted a CEO Forum to bring key players in the electronics industry to the show floor.

We will continue to develop this Forum into the most authoritative and beneficial networking event for the industry. ____________________________________

‘‘

We consistently blend valuable learning and networking experiences into our shows and that is why many key associations continue to support NEPCON ____________________________________

We intend to enhance the overall show experience by organizing customized pre-show match-making services. These will ensure that customers and exhibitors alike receive the maximum return on their investment.

We consistently blend valuable learning and networking experiences into our shows and that is why many key associations continue to support NEPCON China, NEPCON West China and NEPCON South China. I have no doubt that our exhibition will have a lasting influence on electronics manufacturing industry production processes across the whole of China.

Q. Can you specify how Reed Exhibitions has grown during 2013 and what new development strategies the company is focusing on for the future?

A.

Reed is the largest event organizer in the world. We host over 500 events in 42 countries. These activities attract over seven million visitors from 44 industries and revenues of US 500 million have been forecast for 2013. ____________________________________

‘‘

we see that production of mobile communication station equipment rocketed from 6.96 million to 11.78 million, an increase of 69.15 percent

____________________________________ Face-to-face events will continue to be our core business.

We plan to strengthen our position over the next few years by transforming our relationship with our customers, strengthening our performances, increasing revenue from high growth areas, creating a culture of innovation, and leveraging current processes and technologies.

Q. For your 2014 shows, what platform changes will be made to ensure you remain on the cutting edge of technology and cater to exhibitors and visitors?

A.

NEPCON always embraces new technology to encourage interaction between the exhibitors and visitors. We use multiple digital and social media channels like NEPCON Weibo, Wechat, NEPCON TV, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and mobile apps to make sure we have the broadest reach possible when spreading the NEPCON message.

The NEPCON mobile app gives participants an easy way to access all the information they need, while the NEPCON matchmaking platform is designed to encourage business opportunities between exhibitors and visitors. Both of these are NEPCON proprietary solutions.

Q. What is your opinion of the current state of business in China? Do you foresee any changes during 2014?

A. It is challenging right now but there are definitely opportunities in certain areas. For instance, the state government just issued a 4G license to operators. If we compare statistics from NEPCON 2011 to those from 2012, we see that production of mobile communication station equipment rocketed from 6.96 million to 11.78 million, an increase of 69.15 percent. The manufacturing of mobiles also increased by 4.32 percent. Therefore, we can confidently forecast that this new 4G license will provide great opportunities to electronics manufacturing in the same way 3G technologies did.

Additionally, technology providers looking to establish themselves in the booming Chinese automation market will create demand. China’s Process of Automation Sector has grown 40 percent since 2002 and since the Chinese gravitate heavily towards market leaders, it is essential that we continue to build relationships with larger companies so we can be more readily accepted by Chinese businesses.

Inspection Innovation Extravaganza!

We look forward to a successful, innovative 2014 and know that inspection is going to be part of making the electronics assembly industry the strongest, most efficient it has ever been. Below is a round-up dedicated to all types of inspection and the important role it plays in the manufacturing process. From automated optical inspection (AOI) and automated X-ray inspection (AXI) to 3-D and solder paste inspection (SPI), we have gathered the newest, most technologically-advanced products for you.

ASC International

CyberOptics Corp.

AOI and 3-D SPI expert ASC International introduces two inspection systems: VisionPro AP500 and VisionPro M500. The VisionPro AP500 SPI system incorporates the most advanced, rapid 3-D inspection technology within a vibration-free, fully automated platform. Designed with feature-rich software including onboard real-time SPC run charts, customized data reports and simple-to-use GerberProTM conversion programming software make the VisionPro AP500 the most desired offline SPI solution around the globe. The VisionPro M500 SPI system incorporates the most advanced, rapid 3-D inspection technology coupled with an intuitive Windows® XP Pro/Windows 7 OS and packaged in a bench-top platform. Using the completely automatic measurement mode, errors associated with manual measurement subjectivity are eliminated, making the VisionPro M500 an exceptional value for electronics manufacturers concerned with improving production yields.

CyberOptics Corp. presents awardwinning SPI and AOI inspection solutions SE600, QX600, QX100 and QX100i.

SE600 is the company’s flagship 3D SPI system and brings together best accuracy and world-class usability on a single platform, making it the most ideal inspection solution for automotive, medical, military and other top niche markets. QX600 AOI system comes with an all-new Strobed Inspection Module (SIM), delivering the best 01005 and solder joint inspection ever.

www.ascinternational.com

A higher sensor resolution (12 µm) captures brilliant and crisp quality images for accurate defect review. With AI2 (Autonomous Image Interpretation) and standard SAM (Statistical Appearance Modelling) technologies, users can inspect anything without having to set parameters or tune algorithms. QX100 redefines tabletop inspection by combining the performance of an in-line inspection system with the flexibility of a tabletop system.

Also from the AOI family, the QX100i system offers high value and flexible inspection for all applications, making it the ideal choice for selective solder and pre-reflow applications.

www.cyberoptics.com

MatriX-Focal Spot A leading AXI supplier, MaxtriX-Focal Spot’s latest innovation in semi-automated X-ray inspection is the XT-3.

The XT-3 frame covers five configurations and supports a new trend in X-ray inspection called Automating Manual Inspection. Additionally, the system is a high-quality, high-resolution semiautomated X-ray inspection system designed to address fast and intuitive operation, low-volume production capacity and advanced failure analysis for SMT production inspection and quality control protocols.

The small footprint allows passage through a standard door width. The XT-3 offers exceptional image quality and, together with the MatriX Image Processing Software (MIPs), provides industry-leading automation for testing and measuring to IPC specifications, BGA, QFN, FET voiding as well as barrel fill on connectors.

www.matrix-focalspot.com

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| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

feature continued...

MIRTEC Corp.

Nordson YESTECH

A global, award-winning leader in inspection, MIRTEC Corp. is constantly improving upon or introducing new products. The award-winning MV-9 2D/3D In-Line AOI Machine is configured with the company’s revolutionary OMNI-VISION 3D Inspection Technology that combines MIRTEC’s exclusive 25 Mega Pixel 2D ISIS Vision System with revolutionary Digital Multi-Frequency Quad Moiré 3D system to provide precision inspection of SMT devices on finished PCB assemblies. The powerful MV-7xi In-Line AOI Machine is configured with the exclusive 10 Mega Pixel ISIS Vision System. This revolutionary optics system is comprised of a 10 Mega Pixel Top Down camera and a Precision 13.4 Micron Telecentric Compound Lens. MV-3L Desktop AOI System is the industry’s most widely accepted five camera desktop AOI system and provides four-point height measurement capability for co-planarity testing of BGA and CSP devices as well as enhanced solder paste measurement capability.

Nordson YESTECH’s newest AOI and AXI systems are taking the industry by storm.

The FX SL AOI offers high-speed “capture on the fly” inspection and uses a flexible, comprehensive set of inspection tools.

Configurable for all line positions, the FX Series is equally effective for paste, pre-/ post-reflow and final assembly inspection.

The BX AOI offers off-line benchtop PCB inspection with exceptional defect coverage. The BX-UV makes inspection of conformal coatings simple and convenient by automating the inspection process for quality and consistency of coatings under UV lighting with the use of proprietary inspection algorithms. The X3 AXI provides complete inspection of solder joints and other critical hidden features found in electronics assemblies, PCBs and packaged semiconductors. Ideal for in-line or off-line operation, the X3’s innovative algorithms enable fast, reliable automated inspection and real-time monitoring of critical process information.

www.mirtec.com

www.nordsonyestech.com

Nordson DAGE Nordson DAGE’s Ruby and Diamond X-ray Inspection systems are industry favorites, and for good reason. XD7600NT Ruby X-ray inspection system is the benchmark system for the most demanding production applications. The unique Nordson DAGE NT maintenance-free, sealed-transmissive X-ray tube, providing 0.5 µm feature recognition and up to 10 W of power, together with the 2 Mpixel XiDAT3 digital image intensifier covers all the failure analysis and manufacturing tasks required in the production environment. XD7600NT Diamond X-ray inspection system provides 0.1 µm feature recognition and up to 10 W of power, together with the 2 Mpixel XiDAT3 digital image detector, thus making it the choice for the highest performance and highest magnification imaging tasks.

Both systems feature the revolutionary X-Plane®option, which uses a proprietary, patent applied for tomosynthesis, or CT technique, to create 2D X-ray slices in any plane of a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) without the need to cut the board.

www.nordsondage.com

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with more than a dozen screen printer and placement machine suppliers, bare board mapping, exclusive and innovative real-time PCB warpage compensation with Z axis motion, 100 percent material compatibility, user-defined GUI, complete SPC package, remote monitoring and control, and more. The system inspects pads smaller than 01005 and sizes as small as 100 μm.

www.parmiusa.com

Seika Machinery, Inc Seika Machinery, Inc., a leading industry provider, highlights the Anritsu, its 3-D highprecision in-line inspection system. Anritsu features numerous advanced technology features including ultra-high resolution, highspeed inspection and easy programming and maintenance in that program generation is accomplished in approximately five minutes and consistent results are provided, regardless of the operator. Also, the system offers many benefits to users, such as an automatic calibration function for easy maintenance, SPC software that is included as standard for detailed analysis and traceability, reliable and accurate zero plane reference points.

www.seikausa.com

Viscom Inc.

PARMI PARMI, a premier SPI provider, introduces the SIGMA X Series, the next-generation 3D in-line SPI system. The system hosts numerous features including measuring speed of 100 cm2/sec and 10x10 μm resolution and revolutionary Printer Doctor process support tools. Process support tools include the monitoring of screen printer squeegee blade, board support and board clamp conditions, and more.

Along with automatic feedback to the printer and corrective action messaging to the operator, the system supports the entire process, screen printing and solder paste inspection. Other system features include innovative Dual Laser Beam technology, state-of-the-art closed-loop upstream and downstream processing

Inspection expert Viscom’s S3088 solder joint inspection system combines the advantages of its market-leading AOI system with powerful 3-D SPI sensor technology and inspects solder paste printing with the highest possible speed and precision. The Viscom S3088 SPI performs inspection tasks reliably and at the highest speed. All essential 3-D features such as volume, height and form are recorded and checked, as well as surface area, displacement and smearing.

The new Quality Uplink feature uses available highly accurate measurement data of the paste print to optimize postreflow AOI at the end of the production line. SPI measurement data is typically only used to classify paste print, allowing high tolerances of up to ±50 percent volume.

Viscom’s new SPI-AOI Quality Uplink feature enables the use of information later in the process to assure post reflow defect detection while allowing high variability of the paste print process. The SPI-AOIUplink function links paste inspection and post-reflow inspection results for both easy and effective process control as well as improved classification of AOI results.

www.viscom.com

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

Conception : Delivered What Will Your Board Grow Up To Be? Best-in-class equipment with world-class employees results in the nation’s premier EMS company. Check us out at the IPC APEX Expo (Mar 25-27th)!

Traceability to ISO-13485 & AS-9100 standards.

APEX Booth 125

Automatic Defluxing and Cleanliness Verification Systems meeting IPC Cleaning Standards.

APEX Booth 2063

Precision Cleaning Solutions.

APEX Booth 1963

High speed AOI for solder joint inspection.

APEX Booth 2263

High-speed pick & place equipment.

APEX Booth 211

Dual-sided Flying Probe Test & Boundary Scan.

Let’s Test

APEX Booth 2239

Award Winner of: 1250 American Parkway 1250 American Parkway 2011 Global Technology Richardson, TX 75409 Richardson, TX 75081 2011 NPI Award 972.664-0900 2012 Global Technology 972.664.0900 www.ACDUSA.com 2012 NPI Award www.ACDUSA.com 2012 EM Asia Innovation

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feature continued...

ViTrox Technologies Sdn. Bhd. ViTrox Technologies, an automated vision provider, debuts its newest technology: the V810 XXL In-Line 3D Advanced AXI system. V810 XXL provides the fastest inspection speed and widest test coverage with four key technologies innovated for speed/throughput: loading/ unloading optimization, dynamic scan path technology, progressive alignment technology and machine operation optimization. It can inspect boards up to 26” x 38” and provides the best support on the market for boards up to 500mils thick weighing up to 15kgs. V810 XXL is further enhanced with incredible Head-in-Pillow (HIP) and Intelligent Voiding inspection capabilities, which yield zero escape and low false fail rates. Additionally, the inline system provides multiple slices of PTH images (> 10 slices), and is currently known as the best in the market for this technology.

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VJ Electronix Inc. Global provider of advanced AXI systems, VJ Electronix, Inc. launches its newest lowcost, easy-to-use X-ray inspection system: the X-Quik, which is a small, generalpurpose X-ray system that inspects items such as electro-mechanical devices, sensors, molded parts, mail parcels and biological samples. With a size of just more than two feet cubed and a low, affordable price point, the X-Quik is well suited for engineering labs, machine shops and quality control departments for a wide variety of applications. With simple “Click to Scan” operation, there is no training required. Available image analysis tools include data archival, image annotation, automatic contrast optimization and digital zoom. Some of the image output formats include BMP, JPG and DICOM.

www.vjelectronix.com

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Perfecting your AOI and X-Ray operations Your AOI image of BGA and PoP components

Your Batch X-Ray image of 99%+ of your BGAs / PoPs

The ProBot complements both your AOI and Batch X-Ray inspections by measuring the thermal process for 100% of your PCBs. The automatic system verifies that the components were processed within their thermal specs.

AOI cannot see the leads underneath a BGA or PoP body. Batch X-Ray typically inspects less than 1% of the PCBs. The ProBot will flag any out of spec PCBs so the suspect boards can be sent to the X-Ray machine. This allows a more effective selection of PCBs for X-Ray inspection.

ProBot – The Profiling Machine for your Profile Machine KIC World Headquarters 858.673.6050 sales@kicmail.com www.kicthermal.com

KIC International Sales - Europe +39.342.147.9460 europe.sales@kicmail.com www.kicthermal.com

KIC International Sales - Singapore +65.6744.4998 asia.sales@kicmail.com www.kicthermal.com

KIC International Sales - China +86.512.6763.5171 asia.sales@kicmail.com www.kic.cn

new products exciting new industry innovation Keeping you informed of the latest developments in technology and innovation within our global electronics industry.

Kyzen Announces AQUANOX® A4639 Electronic Assembly Aqueous Solution A4639 protects solder joints from chemical attacks and is effective on B-side misprints. The biodegradable aqueous solution does not contain CFCs or HAPs. AQUANOX® A4639 is designed to meet the demanding needs of customers: long bath life, a stable, filterable product, effective on the popular lead-free, no-clean soldering materials that often present cleaning challenges. A4639 meets those needs and is very economical, easy-touse, safe for the user and the environment, and is available throughout the world.

BPM Microsystems Launches 3800-MK2 Automated Programming System TBPM Microsystems announces the release of the BPM model 3800-MK2.

The new system was launched during the Productronica International Trade Fair in Munich, Germany.

The 3800-MK2 combines the fastest universal programming technology, 8th Gen, with a fine-pitch handling system capable of processing the broadest range of programmable devices, from the largest QFP to the smallest WLBGA. Applications for very small package (VSP) devices are accelerating and devices continue to shrink. The 3800-MK2 includes newly designed vision and pneumatic systems that provide this critical VSP support, achieving the required accuracy and repeatability for packages as small as 1 mm x 0.5 mm. With throughput capable of programming millions of devices per year, the highly configurable 3800-MK2 can simultaneously support tape, tray, tube and marking, all while maintaining a small footprint. ____________________________________

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AQUANOX® A4639 is an engineered aqueous cleaning fluid that has proven effective on a wide range of soils including the latest lead-free, no clean formulations at low operating temperatures and concentrations. It was designed for use in batch spray systems and provides exceptional cleaning results and protection of metallic surfaces with minimal monitoring and no sump-side additives.

AQUANOX® A4639 is available in five, 25 and 200 litre (one, five, and 55 gallon) containers. In addition to A4639, Kyzen offers a full line of precision cleaning chemistries to address a vast range of manufacturing cleaning challenges.

ECT Offers ZIP® Z0 and Z1 Contacts in HyperCoreTM Base Material Everett Charles Technologies (ECT) announced that the .4mm and .5mm ZIP® Z0 and Z1 performance production contacts are now available in the highperformance HyperCore™ base material.

HyperCore™ is a non-plated homogenous material specifically designed for use in semiconductor test. The proprietary material possesses properties that prevent oxidation, ensuring premium performance throughout high-volume production cycles.

With its 600+ Knoop hardness, it is inert to common wear related to contacting tough device surfaces and cleaning processes.

Additionally, HyperCore™ is very conductive. Its electrical specifications are virtually unchanged when compared to gold-plated BeCu yielding premium performance even in the most severe environments.

HyperCore™ plungers are exclusively available on ECT’s high performance ZIP® Z0 and Z1 family of contacts.

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High-Speed

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IC-X25 • 25 MP @ 30fps • Extreme Accuracy • High Definition

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new products continued...

Pick-and-Place Machine with Integrated Solder Paste Jet Printer Essemtec AG presents its new SMT production centre for the first time at Productronica in Munich. Jetting of solder paste instead of printing saves costs for stencils and enhances the production flexibility especially for lower to midsize volumes. Until today, separate machines have to be bought to fulfil this requirement.

Essemtec is merging its dispensing and pick-and-place know how of the Scorpion and Paraquda machines into an SMT production centre.

High productivity

Data I/O Announces New PSV7000 High-Performance Automated Programming System The PSV7000 exceeds the most demanding programming requirements.

The PSV7000 is capable of programming up to 2000 devices/hour with tray, tape or tube input and is capable of handling the smallest programmable devices on the market, as small as 1.5 x 1.5 mm.

Changeover times have been reduced by up to 75 percent compared to other systems. High-precision laser marking, 3D co-planarity, serialization and traceability software are available options to support the highest quality process requirements.

Utilizing Data I/O’s proven FlashCORE III programming engines, the PSV7000 can have up to 96 individual programming sockets installed and supports all device types, including FPGAs, CPLDs, Microcontrollers and flash memories (including eMMC, NAND and NOR devices). Existing Data I/O customers can leverage their installed base of FlashCORE III adapters, software, and algorithms as well as the superior handling and I/O capabilities of the PSV7000.

New Data I/O customers can take advantage of the world’s most reliable and trusted programming engine and the most advanced handling system.

The combination of high throughput, fast changeover features and extreme flexibility allows manufacturers using one PSV7000 to program what previously required multiple systems to produce. ____________________________________

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Jet printing is faster (up to 80,000 dots/h) and more precise than any other dispensing system for solder pastes. So far, jetting of pastes has only been possible with specially designed, costly solder pastes. The new system from Essemtec opens the range of pastes to most type 4, 5, 6 or 7 pastes.

The combination of jet printing with pickand-place eliminates the need to program two different machines and reduces the

Storagesolution Systems Introduces ACS2000, Its Newest Intelligent, Automatic Storage System Designed for optimal management of large reels, Storagesolution Systems introduces the ACS2000 intelligent automatic storage system for SMD. With the ACS2000 automatic warehouse, reels up to 15” and 24mm in height and JEDEC trays can be safely stored and managed with ease. The system features a patented multiple outlet, allowing the simultaneous extraction and insertion of up to 27 reels at a time.

Additionally, the rapid outlet allows the extraction of a single reel in record time.

investment costs dramatically. Set up is done directly from CAD data using an integrated paste library. Production is fully automated and the application of solder paste and the placement of components are seamlessly integrated while process monitoring ensures high quality results.

All ACS intelligent static warehouses can be configured with the humidity control module. Thus, it is possible to control and monitor humidity, and to maintain an internal environment with humidity of less than five percent. Additionally, with the AutoSMD Software, the systems can trace all component movements and automatically calculate the exposure time beyond the limits, notifying the operator and blocking the component if the maximum limit is exceeded.

Quick return on investment

____________________________________

The return on investment of the Jet Printing option is achieved approximately within 150 - 200 stencils and even faster if the products require stepped stencils.

For higher throughput, the Jet Printing option can also be installed on the multiple module Production Centre Paradoble which was premiered at Productronica at Essemtec’s booth.

ViTrox Technologies Announces V510 G2 Series High-Throughput AOI Solution

____________________________________

ViTrox Technologies introduces the G2 Series of its V510 Advanced Optical Inspection (AOI) solution. The V510 G2 Series offers powerful technologies and high-throughput productivity for SMT line production. The new generation V510 G2 Series AOI system offers

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

The new StripFeeder Modular (.mod) System version 2 features a mechanical lock-spring to hold the tape in place by the sprocket hole for part registration and repeatable pick-and-place applications.

This means the user only has to teach the pick-up location one time and consistently reload the unit with the same parts over and over for longer runs.

greater performance for faster inspection with inspection speeds up to 55 cm2/ sec for post-reflow and 65cm2/sec for pre-reflow. The system features low power consumption with a brilliant LED monitor display and improved ergonomic adjustment to increase viewing comfort (sit-stand operation). Additionally, the new multi-shot imaging technology enables the system to capture up to 180 frames per second and the multi-core processing technology significantly enhances inspection time.

The V510 Advanced Optical Inspection solution has a reputation for providing the ultimate synergy in inspection coverage, flexibility, support and programming methodology. The new V510 G2 Series now offers an assortment of new features including Optical Color Inspection (OCI), Color Pattern Matching (CPM) and Network Offline Programming (NOLP), as well as enhanced features like Flexible Universal Fiducial, Pad Overhang Detection (VPOD), and Centralized Library Distribution (CLD) to further expand the test coverage and call accuracy of PCA inspection requirements. ____________________________________

Count On Tools Inc. Unveils Redesigned StripFeeder Modular System Count On Tools Inc. (COT), a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, introduces the next version of its award-winning StripFeeder System for loading tape-and-reel components onto compact modules for prototyping and high-mix, low-volume applications.

COT was awarded a 2013 NPI Award from Circuits Assembly magazine in the category of Automation Tools for its StripFeeder Modular System. Customers who have already purchased StripFeeder System can contact COT about upgrading their systems to the latest version.

Additionally, the StripFeeder .mod System version 2 features removable rails that can be mounted to accommodate a wide array of tape sizes in the same feeder. Unlike the fixed width version, the StripFeeder .mod can be adjusted by removing the rails and re-positioning them on the base plate at the desired width (4mm pitched hole pattern). The rails align with precision pin locaters and lock down tightly with magnets to guarantee a stable, repeatable application.

The innovative design holds the components securely in the machined tracks to prevent parts from being misspicked, flipped in the pocket, or lost.

Customers can also remove rails to accommodate larger components up to

enable fast changeover between product runs without unloading from the machine.

The StripFeeder trays are compatible with both paper and emboss tape simultaneously and are ideal for lowvolume, high-mix applications and prototyping. ____________________________________

GKG Asia’s Fully Automatic GL Printer Provides New Levels of Innovation GKG’s most popular GL Series is designed for printed circuit boards (PCB) with a maximum size of 510 x 510 mm. The printer comes standard with advanced features such as Stencil Position Memory (SPM), Auto Pressure Check (APC), auto PCB thickness adjustment, a combination of top/side PCB clamping function and bottom-side PCB support pins locating guidance system.

Additionally, the GL features a rigid and stable machine body base structure to perform accurate paste printing for 01005 (0201) components. The printer provides numerous benefits to users including a core cycle time of less than 8.5 seconds, and intuitive operation for quick and easy model changeover. ____________________________________

120mm tape width. The StripFeeder .mod system is built to JEDEC-standards and size specifications to allow the unit to be utilized in most types of SMT equipment or JEDEC-style tray feeder units.

The new StripFeeder systems are a cost effective way to load many components, including odd-form and custom components, without having to purchase expensive feeders. The quickto-assemble, easy-to-install modules are designed for rapid loading of tape-and-reel components on existing SMT pick-andplace equipment. Additionally, the trays

High-end performance in reflow process control

By Continental Automotive GmbH, Villingen Germany Continental Automotive GmbH is a world leading original equipment manufacturer specializing in automotive electronics.

The factory in Villingen Germany, producer of electronics for commercial vehicles, has over the last few years invested in advanced thermal management tools to improve the operation of its reflow process.

This article describes the objectives of this decision and the impact on production after utilizing the tools.

Background The ultimate goal of an electronic manufacturer is to produce high quality products at the required cost and to deliver the products to the customer in a timely manner. Automotive electronics are used in very harsh environments such as extreme swings in temperature, vibration, dust, humidity and more. In addition, there are unique safety concerns for many of the products. For example those associated with tachographs, engine management units, instrument clusters, toll collect products and more. Proper production and process documentation are therefore indispensable. ____________________________________

‘‘

Automotive electronics are used in very harsh environments such as extreme swings in temperature, vibration, dust, humidity & more

____________________________________ In a modern SMT production line there are several machine and process control systems either built into the individual production machines or performed by specialized equipment such as SPI, AOI, X-Ray, shop floor management software and more. Traditionally, the reflow process

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has been a black box where only limited process information has been available.

Most factories will rely on periodic checks of the process recorded with a thermal profiler.

(The process is essentially the PCB profile measured against the required process window). The inherent weakness of the periodic check is that most of the time the process is running blind. Secondly, it is a manual process hence prone to variations and potentially interruptive to the production.

Goal setting At Continental in Villingen Germany we listed the following desired objectives to improve the management of our reflow process: 1. Record the process for each & every PCB 2.

Automate the process recording to secure reliable readings without interruption to the production flow 3. Improve the throughput of the reflow ovens 4. Improve documentation Overview of the acquired technology The solution selected by Continental Villingen was a system that comprised 3 parts: A. An automatic profiling system that would measure the profile for each PCB processed in the reflow oven in real time. The system called KIC 24/7 utilizes 30 thermocouples permanently embedded along the conveyor in the oven tunnel, one speed encoder for the conveyor speed, as well as a product sensor at the oven entrance to register each incoming PCB. B. A programming tool for the KIC 24/7 which is essentially a standard manual profiler. Just like programming a new PCB in the Screen printer or the pick & place machine, the KIC 24/7 is programmed for a new PCB design, or a group of PCBs, by a single initial reference profile.

C. A profile optimization tool called Navigator Power. With the knowledge

that any process has natural drifts, it is desirable that the initial reflow oven setup for a new PCB will position the profile deep inside the process window.

The process window is simply upper and lower process spec, for example peak temperature, demanded by the chosen solder paste as well as the most temperature sensitive electronic components. The Navigator Power is software that analyses the resulting profiles for each of the millions of alternative oven setpoints (combination of zone temperature settings and conveyor speed).

It automatically selects the oven recipe that produces the profile in the sweet spot of the process window. ____________________________________

‘‘

With the knowledge that any process has natural drifts, it is desirable that the initial reflow oven setup for a new PCB will position the profile deep inside the process window ____________________________________

While the programming tool, the manual profiler, can be shared by several production lines, the KIC 24/7 is a dedicated system for each reflow oven. If desired, the information from each of the KIC 24/7 systems can be connected to the LAN (Local area Network) in the factory and viewed from any authorized PC on the LAN. Impact of the production at Continental Villingen Reflow oven throughput The Navigator Power software can be programmed to search for the fastest conveyor speed that produces a profile deep in spec. This was important for us at Continental Villingen as the ovens

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

should never become the bottle neck for throughput. While all the ovens now produce profiles deep in spec, they do so with no reduction in conveyor speed.

The opposite is actually the case. Several ovens now operate at a faster conveyor speed than before. Production down time has also been reduced by nearly eliminating the manual periodic profiles.

Because the KIC 24/7 profiles each and every board, Continental Villingen has reduced its manual, monthly profile check with the profiler to a control plot from a running oven profile automatically.

In theory, all periodic profiling can be eliminated, but a decision has been made, for now, to continue with monthly control plot, down from the manual profiling once a month. ____________________________________

The Navigator ‘‘ Power software

can be programmed to search for the fastest conveyor speed that produces a profile deep in spec. This was important for us at Continental Villingen as the ovens should never become the bottle neck for throughput

____________________________________ Improved documentation While the reflow oven is the “black box” of the SMT production line, it is important to document the process, (meaning measuring the PCB profile relative to its process window). That also meant that thousands of PCB profiles would not be measured or documented until the next monthly manual profile and so on. Today, we automatically record the profile and how it fits with the established process window for each and every PCB. Instant reaction to thermal process issues Because we no longer run our thermal process blind, we will get notification the instant the first PCB profile is out of spec.

This provides us “peace of mind” but, more importantly, it allows us to react quickly to significant process issues. The KIC 24/7 shuts down our oven in-feed conveyor the instance an out of spec situation has been detected.

____________________________________

‘‘

the KIC Navigator process optimization software enables us to bring the oven back into spec quickly to further reduce production down time

____________________________________ We thereby reduce the risk of producing scrap or excessive rework. Our reflow ovens offer one level of security through their alarming capabilities on changes

to the ovens. There are several process variations, however, that the oven alarming capability is not designed to discover.

Examples include the impact on the PCB profile to variations in oven load, changes in the facility oven exhaust, as well as certain types of operator errors. Previously when relying on periodic checks, we did not have the capability of catching all the process issues in the oven. Instead we had to rely on subsequent checks such as AOI or ICT. Now we are able to catch these problems instantly. In addition, the KIC Navigator process optimization software enables us to bring the oven back into spec quickly to further reduce production down time.

Industry News Keep up to date with what’s new With each issue we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest industry news from around the globe.

ASM Pacific Technologies Acquired DEK from Dover Corporation In November 2012, DEK’s parent company, Dover Corporation, announced its intention to divest its electronics assembly and test businesses.

We are pleased to inform you that antitrust authorities have approved the transaction and that ASM Pacific Technologies (ASM PT), the world’s leading supplier of equipment for the electronics manufacturing industry, has now acquired the company.

ASM PT is the parent company of ASM Assembly Systems, which was established when ASM PT acquired the SIPLACE SMT placement machine business in 2011. DEK fully anticipates that ASM PT’s acquisition of our business will strengthen its position as the leading equipment supplier for the entire electronics production chain.

Strong strategic synergies and complementary business philosophies make the union of DEK and ASM PT a positive development for our valued customers, as we work together with our SIPLACE colleagues to develop innovative solutions for the interface between the print, inspection and placement processes. The overarching goal is to deliver significant improvements in terms of quality and efficiency in our customers’ electronics production operations.

DEK’s substantive contributions to advancing printing innovations in the electronics assembly, semiconductor packaging, solar cell and fuel cell markets are undeniable and we firmly believe this new ownership will enable even greater future success for DEK and our customers.

ASM’s commitment to outstanding support and value-driven development are completely aligned with DEK’s. Rest assured that the superior service, process expertise and product quality you have

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come to expect from DEK will continue unabated. DEK and ASM’s goal is to ensure the uninterrupted support and continuity of your business and, as such, the DEK direct and indirect sales and service contacts will remain unchanged. DEK printers will continue to be available as a best-in-class standalone offering and in combination with other placement solutions. ASM acquires the entire DEK team with all of its employees, management and locations.

Michael Brianda, President of DEK, will continue to lead the business and all contracts with partners and suppliers will retain their validity. ____________________________________

to contributing to the organization’s continued growth. Juki offers some of the most flexible and reliable machines for SMT manufacturing in the industry. I’m truly honored to have been chosen for the position, which aligns perfectly with my skill set and experience.” ____________________________________

PROMATION to Launch European Sales Q1 2014 A leader in the field of PCB Handling Equipment, Robotic Soldering Systems, Automated Label Placement and other complimentary Custom Automation, PROMATION announces that its line of robotic soldering systems will have a formal presence in Europe beginning in 2014.

PROMATION, in cooperation with Etek Europe, will establish a soldering lab in South Ayrshire, Scotland during the first quarter of 2014 to promote and sell the company’s line of robotic soldering systems.

Bill Astle Joins JUKI Juki Automation Systems Inc. is pleased to announce that Bill Astle will join the Juki Team as Eastern Regional Sales Manager and Latin America Sales Manager beginning in mid-December. He will be based at the company’s headquarters in North Carolina.

Juki President & CEO Bob Black commented, “Bill brings with him vast SMT experience, having worked in the industry for more than 25 years. His work ethic and high standards ensure his success with us in the years ahead. We are very happy he chose us among the many offers he had.”

Bill Astle stated, “I am thrilled to join the world-class team at Juki and look forward

The TT and G Series robots can perform many soldering tasks typically associated with hand soldering but with greater repeatability. The platform has been designed to consistently perform and operate in cost-sensitive production environments and touts Lowest Cost of Ownership vs. competing systems.

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Additionally, Etek Europe will announce a future date for a technology seminar that will be held at the company’s demo facility in Scotland. ____________________________________

Saline Lectronics to Install Factory-wide Traceability from Cogiscan Libra Industries Appoints VP of Operations Libra Industries, a privately held electronics manufacturing services provider, announces the appointment of Brian Bukovec to Vice President – Operations.

Bukovec joins the executive team with Jennifer Altstadt, who assumed her role as President of Libra Industries in April 2013.

“At Libra Industries we continuously seek out opportunities to build upon our leadership position and better ourselves in the marketplace,” said Jennifer Altstadt.

“Brian’s comprehensive background and passion for operational excellence will certainly enhance our company.”

Bukovec joins Libra Industries from Ohiobased Electrolock, Inc. Now, at Libra Industries Bukovec will drive transformation and continuous improvement in all areas including manufacturing, engineering, quality, purchasing, customer service, accounting, human resources and IT. He is proficient with utilizing lean, Six Sigma and design of experimental tools to focus the talents and energy of the team to solve problems, implement positive change, grow and succeed.

Bukovec is a hands-on transformational leader who has worked his way up from the shop-floor to the executive level. He has extensive experience leading multisite manufacturing companies through all business cycles. Bukovec has held full P&L responsibility, guided and grown businesses from $20 million to $38 million. Passionate in leading all facets of business, Bucovec has a track record for driving continuous improvement and achieving operational excellence with talented people. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio.

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Saline Lectronics, Inc., a leading domestic contract manufacturer, announces that it has purchased Cogiscan’s Track, Trace and Control (TTC) system. The system will allow Saline to track, trace and control the components that are placed on every single assembly down to the reference designator on the board. The order was facilitated by Dave Trail, President of Horizon Sales and installation is expected to be complete in early 2014.

The new software and hardware system will scan and track the part number, manufacturer, manufacturer part number and date code for each component placed on the circuit board. Saline’s incumbent system was only required to track which components were used on a specific job number. Once the installation is complete, Saline will have the ability to trace components all the way to the reference designator on the PCBA and will be able to provide its customers with the complete history for every component at each reference designator.

In addition to component traceability, the Cogiscan system includes factorywide Quality Data Collection and Repair Management. This will enable Saline to harvest critical inspection and test result data for each PCB, while ensuring that any failed unit is successfully repaired before it is allowed through subsequent operations.

This will provide Saline’s customers with assured product quality, along with traceability records that prove that every single product went through all required test and inspection steps.

“Cogiscan is honored to be selected by Saline Lectronics for factory-wide Track, Trace and Control. The team at Saline demonstrates a sincere commitment to providing their customers with the highest possible levels of quality assurance and traceability and Cogiscan looks forward to supporting these initiatives,” commented Mitch DeCaire, Cogiscan Sales Manager for the Americas.

This end-to-end traceability will enable Saline to offer the highest levels of quality assurance and traceability to its customers, especially for its target markets, which include medical and aerospace.

Additionally, the implementation of factorywide traceability will enable Saline to improve its processes and procedures.

Saline will know where every board has been and who specifically has touched it.

Dave Trail, President of Horizon Sales, commented, “This new Cogiscan system is going to propel Saline Lectronics in to a very elite, small group of EMS companies that can offer full end-to-end traceability. I think the future is going to get very, very exciting!”

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Rapid Tooling Completes ISO 9001 Recertification Rapid Tooling, Inc., “The Sustaining Engineering Outsource Provider” announces that it has completed its ISO 9001 recertification. QMI, a division of SAI Global, North America’s leading management system registrar organization, has assessed and approved Rapid Tooling for ISO 9001:2008 certification for its Plano, Texas USA location.

The ISO 9001:2008 standard specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organization needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Additionally, Rapid Tooling demonstrated its continued effort to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Rapid Tooling has been ISO certified since 2006 and is also ITAR registered. ____________________________________

industry news continued...

Microtronic Appoints LICO in Austria, Hungary and Romania

NCAB Group Continues Service Expansion with Rep in OR and CA

Microtronic GmbH, a leading sales specialist of microelectronics, today announced that it has appointed LICO Electronics GmbH as its representative in Austria, Hungary and Romania for the LBT210.

NCAB Group, with headquarters in Sweden, one of the world’s largest suppliers of printed circuit boards (PCBs), today announced the appointment of Jim Anderson at FlagIron, Inc. as its representative for key accounts in Oregon and California.

LICO has an extensive background in the microelectronic industry with experience representing a competing product line for many years. Additionally, the company has a stellar track record with its existing customer base that spans components, measurement and control, soldering materials, magnifier products and O.C. White – Europe.

LICO will represent Microtronic’s range of products and services for the microelectronic industries throughout Austria, Hungary and Romania.

“Jim joins the NCAB Group USA sales team with a long list of accomplishments and excellent credentials,” commented Joe Helms, VP Sales, NCAB Group USA. “We are very happy to add someone of Jim’s caliber and look forward to working with Jim for mutual success. Jim will work with and support specific accounts in the Western US region.”

EvolviSMT Ltd. Announces Successful Launch EvolviSMT Ltd., a supplier of quality used SMT equipment to the electronics industry, announced its successful launch at the 20th International Productronica Trade Fair in Munich, Germany.

Staying competitive in today’s SMT assembly marketplace means managing costs and getting the best value for your equipment investment. EvolviSMT Ltd. offers quality used SMT equipment at affordable prices, delivered anywhere in the world.

Evolvi provides various equipment solutions to customers based on their requirements.

Whether footprint, budget or specific equipment manufacturer needs, Evolvi allows customers to choose the solution that best meets their requirements.

Chris Herd is the newly appointed General Manager of EvolviSMT Ltd. Chris has more than 20 years of electronics industry experience and spent the last five focused on the second-user equipment supplier sector. Herd commented, “I am delighted to have been appointed General Manager of EvolviSMT and I am extremely proud to have accomplished a successful launch at Productronica 2013.”

Anderson has established and managed both direct sales forces and manufacturer’s representatives. Sales and marketing tools, CRM systems and marketing collateral are among his areas of expertise. He has a special talent for devising strategic account and territory sales initiatives. Jim holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University in Physical and Biological science.

He has written technical articles and been a guest speaker at technical events and college marketing classes.

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Evolvi not only buys and sells second-user equipment, but the company also offers its customers the best return on investment by brokering its excess items. This will allow the company to have its matches stored and marketed globally.

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Anderson has several decades of experience in electronics. He spent his early career in engineering and manufacturing, developing process improvements in piezoelectric and ultrasonic products. He holds several patents in this field. Anderson has served as president, vice-president and other executive management positions in Fortune 500 companies and smaller entrepreneurial companies. Most recently he has focused primarily on sales and marketing management. He has managed many growth situations and worked through several serious downturns.

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

YES, WE CAN! Surface Mount Technologies is a “can do” company that focuses on quality, service and partnership.

We do that by providing customers with a unique turnkey, one-stop electronics manufacturing solution to meet their exact requirements.

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE Aerospace & Military

Surface Mount Technologies specializes in the following key areas, all under one roof.

Medical & Personal Care Wind Energy Electric Vehicle Musical Instrument

PCB Assembly

Cable Harness Assembly

LED and Signage Box Build

Pressfit Motherboards

Commercial Industrial

714-238-9059 Call today – let’s get started on your next project.

Surface Mount Technologies, Inc. 1298 N. Blue Gum Street, Anaheim, CA 92806 Phone: 714 238-9059

Fax: 714 414-0912

www.smt-technologies.com

TOGETHER WE CAN

Commitment to Excellence

companies and faces that have been shaping our industry for many years

10

20

years

MatriX Technologies 10 Years

Seika Machinery 20 Years

Within the last 10 years, MatriX Technologies GmbH has become a market and technology-leading global provider of Automatic and Manual X-ray Inspection system solutions (AXI/MXI for Electronics & Non-Destructive Test) that are used to control the production process and to ensure the highest product quality of electronic devices, printed circuit boards and other non-electronic materials manufactured within series production.

Seika Machinery is the U.S. subsidiary of Seika Corporation, part of the Mitsubishi global group and an international trading company specializing in wholesale and distribution of industrial machinery, equipment and material. Headquartered in Torrance, CA, Seika Machinery is a supplier of SMT/ATE equipment and materials including solder, reflow ovens, PCB conveyors, PCB routers, in-circuit testers, solder paste inspection machines, low humidity storage cases, stencil cleaners and more.

Eckhard Sperschneider, Managing Director

MatriX’s inspection equipment offerings are based on the company’s common, inhouse developed and unique X-ray software platform (MIPS) and the latest in X-ray or Computed Tomography (CT) technology.

MatriX’s integrated system portfolio ranges from entry-level Manual X-ray Inspection solutions (MXI) to high-end Automated Inline Inspection equipment (AXI) provides a dedicated and individual inspection system offering according to each customer’s inspection goal, application, production layout and budget.

Over the last decade, the company’s pioneering and proven Automatic X-ray Inspection solutions have helped a number of renowned industrial customers to significantly increase non-defected production volume, product quality and overall production efficiency by further securing a solid and fast return on investment. ____________________________________

Page 42

years

Koichi Koba, Executive Vice President

____________________________________

30 years

ACD 30 Years

Scott Fillebrown, President & CEO For the last 30 years, ACD has supported the printed circuit board industry in a variety of ways; from design to laser photoplotting, to supporting engineering software, to final test. ACD was founded by Chuck Michie and Darrell Vaughn in July 1984 and incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas. The company actually began operations in

October 1984. Scott Fillebrown and Steve Schwaebler assumed complete ownership in October of 1999. Today, ACD is an AS9100 and ISO 13485 certified full service EMS company. The company’s services now comprise complete board layout, DFM/ DFA capability, printed circuit fabrication, component procurement, thru-hole, SMT and part-on-part mixed technology assembly, box build, rework, flying probe, functional and JTAG test and development. ____________________________________

30 years

Computrol 30 Years

Charles Scott, President & CEO Founded in 1984, Computrol has a long history of providing electronics contract manufacturing services and support to blue-chip customers ranging from military and medical electronics, to telecommunications and computer peripherals. The company continues to build on its core services and capabilities by investing in versatile, high-speed manufacturing equipment and technology, as well as continuing training programs for employees. Today, Computrol focuses on providing electronics manufacturing services throughout the lifecycle of highmix products. Maintaining this focus enables the company to provide faster assembly operations than those in large factories. Computrol provides fast turnaround and high quality on small to medium lot size assembly. ____________________________________

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

Is Your Cleaning Going Down The Wrong Path?

Let Point You In The Right Direction!

Kyzen specializes in precision cleaning chemistries for electronics, advanced packaging, metal finishing and aerospace applications. Our industry expertise and dedicated customer support provide integrated cleaning process solutions that meet any cleaning challenge. We offer a riskfree product trial that allows your business to witness Kyzen's results at no charge. Contact us today to learn how Kyzen can streamline your cleaning process.

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Manchester, NH  Maldegem, BE  Penang  Shenzhen  Shanghai  Guadalajara www.kyzen.com

30

30 CyberOptics 30 Years

Subodh Kulkarni, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO The company was founded in 1984

by Late Dr. Steve Case with its first office located at 2331 University Ave and many of its first employees being graduate students from the University of Minnesota. Today, with a strong team of 140 employees worldwide and a 24/7 global network of channel partners in 87 locations in 39 countries, CyberOptics’ state-of-the art inspection solutions are employed in hundreds of manufacturing plants around the world to measure solder paste and other components to eliminate defects and improve yield - providing the critical edge to their customers. ____________________________________

15

years

FCT Assembly 10 Years

An ISO9001 and AS9100-certified provider, Datest is the first test services company in the United States to fully integrate the latest SPEA 4060 doublesided flying probe tester with the latest Goepel boundary scan tools. This integration provides crucial benefits, such as increased digital test and fault coverage as well as significant time savings using automatic diagnostics.

Combining advanced test platforms (flying probe, X-ray, boundary scan and ICT) with 30 years’ experience, Datest delivers superior value-added services. Datest has been providing the CM/EMS as well as the OEM community with advanced, integrated PCBA testing and inspection services since 1984. The company offers incircuit testing (ICT) and test development (hardware and software) for all major ICT platforms (Agilent 3070, GenRad, and Teradyne). Additionally, Datest augments ICT with SPEA Flying Probe testing, Agilent 5DX and Dage Ruby 2D X-ray with X-Plane Technology, benchtop boundary scan, and functional testing.

Shortly after FCT Assembly was established in 2004, Fine Line Stencil was acquired. Memphis, TN was a strong stencil manufacturing location due to the industrial area and proximity to the main FedEx hub and headquarters, allowing Fine Line Stencil to cut and ship stencils up to midnight same day. In 2005, A-Laser was acquired to serve the precision laser cutting and processing market. FCT’s vast experience with stencil lasers was a perfect fit for the addition of A-Laser.

In 2006, FCT Assembly acquired the first license in North America for Nihon Superior’s SN100C® lead-free solder. In April 2008, FCT Recovery was started to offer a responsible source for recycling solder dross and electronic scrap from the electronic assembly process.

Robert Boguski, President

MIRTEC Corp 15 Years

Mike Scimeca, President & CEO

15

Brian D’Amico, President

____________________________________

years

Datest 30 Years

____________________________________

Over the years, MIRTEC has adopted an aggressive expansion strategy resulting in a total of eight worldwide divisions or “Centers of Excellence.” The company’s corporate headquarters is located in Seoul, South Korea with its new state-ofthe-art manufacturing facility located in nearby Anseong. MIRTEC now has three divisions in China that are strategically located in Tianjin, Suzhou and Shenzhen.

The North American sales and service division is located in Oxford, CT. MIRTEC’s West European headquarters is located in Plymouth, England and the East European office is located in Slovakia. In addition to these direct sales and service divisions, MIRTEC has developed a strong network of more than 60 international representatives and distributors, providing its customers with a much required local presence.

10

years

years

years

Cogiscan 15 Years

Vincent Dubois, François Monette and André Corriveau, Co-founders Cogiscan has grown to become a global leader in the industry for track, trace and control (TTC) solutions. Over the last 15 years, the company has developed innovative solutions to solve challenging industry problems. Among others, Cogiscan was the first company to automate tracking of moisturesensitive components. The company also developed the unique and patented RFID Smart Feeder system that is used on hundreds of machines around the world.

Cogiscan is now widely recognized as the expert provider of traceability solutions for electronics assembly.

Today, FCT Assembly has four divisions; FCT Solder, FineLine Stencil, A-Laser, FCT Recovery and seven facilities across the country. The company that started with ten employees and 1.5 million annual sales ten years ago has grown to 70 employees and 15 million annual sales. ____________________________________

do you know of any other special events?

We want to help share your important dates with the world.

Send us in your picture, details of the anniversary, a brief paragraph about the individual and we’ll do the rest...

SEND TO

lin@smttoday.com

____________________________________

Page 44

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

Precision and Reliability You Can Count On • 17,100 CPH Chip (Laser Centering/IPC9850)

KE-3020V High-Speed Flexible Mounter

• 9,470 CPH IC (Vision Centering/MNVC)

t us a t i s Vi ooth B X APE 11 2

• From 01005 (0402 metric) to 74 mm square components or 50x150 mm • Three Year Full Parts Warranty

Flexibility and Quality You Can Trust.

Supporting our customers with the largest and most experienced service group in the Americas.

Global Headquarters

Tokyo, Japan Tel: (+81) 3 3480 1111 Email: inqsmt@juki.co.jp

American Headquarters Morrisville, NC, U.S.A. Tel: (+1) 919 460 0111 Email: sales@jas-smt.com

European Headquarters

Solothurn, Switzerland Tel: (+41) 32 626 29 29 Email: info-europe@jas-smt.com

Macon Argentina

Cachi 266 C.A.B.A. Tel: (+54911) 4911 8280 Email: info@MacOnNet.com

www.jas-smt.com

MW/JA27/Juki_Jan-2014_SMT-Today.indd 1

1/14/14 3:49 PM

company

spotlight

Horizon Sales Is a Bright Light on the Horizon By smt today staff editor Located in the heart of the Midwest, Horizon Industrial Systems, Inc. (DBA Horizon Sales) is a leading manufacturers’ representative corporation that specializes in the sales and marketing of premier electronics assembly equipment. We spoke to Horizon Sales President Dave Trail at Productronica after he received Global SMT & Packaging Magazine’s award for Best Representative in the electronics industry. He told us a bit about his recipe for success.

The company supplies machinery and supplies to the electronics industry through partnerships with key companies.

The company manages and sells to the Midwestern states of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Western Pennsylvania and the greater Chicago area. At the end of 2013, Horizon further expanded by opening an office in Chicago to better serve the Illinois and Wisconsin markets. ____________________________________

Horizon Sales ‘‘ has represented

Juki’s full line of automated assembly products and systems throughout Ohio, Michigan, Indiana & Kentucky since 1993

____________________________________

Horizon Sales was incorporated in January 1992. While industry technology, market performance and economies have fluctuated over the years, the company’s philosophy remains constant: Horizon Sales takes pride in maintaining a strong customer base as a well as the stability and longevity of its core product lines. An ideal example of a long-term customer relationship is the company’s on-going cooperation with Juki Automation Systems.

Horizon Sales has represented Juki’s full line of automated assembly products and systems throughout Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky since 1993. Also, the company has maintained long-term partnerships with Seika Machinery, PROMATION, InsulFab and many other leading companies.

Horizon Sales provides equipment and supplies to some of the best known names in the industry including Lexmark, Delphi, Libra Industries, Saline Lectronics,

Page 46

Rockwell Automation, Dynalab, TT Electronics, Kimball and Jabil Circuits.

The company strives to provide the best possible customer service and focuses on advancing its customers to top of their markets. Additionally, Horizon Sales constantly monitors for new and emerging technologies in equipment and materials in order to offer its customers the latest, most cost-effective manufacturing solutions.

From its office in Howell, MI, Horizon Sales is well positioned to provide complete coverage for the territories it serves. Dave Trail, the company’s president, commented, “We are proud to have served our customer base with state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment for more than 20 years now.

We have covered the Midwest territories of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Western Pennsylvania since the beginning and developed many long lasting customers and friendships. We now look forward to doing the same for customers in the Illinois/Wisconsin territory.”

One of Horizon Sales’ many secrets to success is that the company builds longterm, lasting relationships with its principals, giving customers confidence in knowing that any purchases through Horizon Sales will be supported long after the initial sale. As evidenced by the line card, Horizon Sales represents only the premier suppliers in the industry and has plans to continue adding lines in order to best serve its customers’ ever-evolving needs.

and nearly all major players are using it in everyday manufacturing. There has been a shift from technology-driven manufacturing to value-driven manufacturing, thereby allowing our customers to manufacture their goods and offer their services at the lowest possible cost while maintaining high-quality levels,” added Trail. ____________________________________

One of Horizon ‘‘ Sales’ many secrets to success is that the company builds long-term, lasting relationships with its principals

____________________________________ Through the many ups and downs of the industry as well as the economy, Horizon Sales has remained steady, if not in a position of growth. The company

“We have seen the technology mature from its infancy of the early 1990s, where few really understood the equipment and processes, to today, where SMT is considered the norm

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

Ultimate Precision Accuracy with World-class Usability

Ultra Fast, Ultra Versatile

INNOVATION IS HERE - Booth# 240 at APEX 2014 MW/CO/18/Three-Prong ad-SMTtoday.indd 1

12/19/13 10:43 A

company

spotlight

has earned “best rep” and “rep of the year” distinctions from many of its principals, further illustrating its strengths of industry knowledge and customer service. Additionally, Trail understands the importance of moving forward. He has been involved in advancing the industry’s technologies for many years and believes in sharing practical experience to help develop solutions. As a member of the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) for more than 20 years, he stays upto-date on the latest emerging technologies and related business operations.

He entered the electronics industry in the late 1970s just as auto-insertion was developing for through-hole components.

Over the years, Trail has held positions as VP Sales and Marketing for several well respected companies in the electronics equipment industry.

Trail’s dedication to the industry is reflected throughout all aspects of Horizon Sales.

Additionally, the company regularly can be seen at both national and local trade exhibitions, conferences and meetings demonstrating its principals’ technologies

and services in an effort to solve key industry challenges. “It is our intention to continue to seek out and offer equipment and processes to our valued customer base that will allow them to manufacture their products as reliably and efficiently as possible,” Trail said. ____________________________________

with Saline Lectronics for almost 10 years and Libra Industries for more than 20 years. During this time Horizon has furnished these important manufacturers, and many others, with state-of-the-art equipment and supplies, helping them to achieve best-in-class status in their respective markets.

‘‘

Bob Black, President and CEO of Juki Automation Systems added, “Dave Trail continues his exemplary history of outstanding sales performance. Horizon Sales had another outstanding year and we are deeply appreciative of its continued efforts.”

____________________________________

Horizon Sales’ mission is simple: continue providing customer satisfaction to exceed market demands. The company’s goal is to help its principals and customers grow as it grows. This mission has served the company well since 1992 and, with Horizon Sales’ pioneering spirit and knowledge of the industry and those it serves, will continue doing so for many more years to come.

The company’s goal is to help its principals and customers grow as it grows

The next month, Horizon Sales received a 2013 Global Technology Award in the category of Best Representative/ Distributor – Americas’. Horizon Sales was nominated for the award by its partners Juki Automation Systems, Saline Lectronics and Libra Industries. Trail has represented Juki Automation Systems’ assembly and soldering systems for more than 20 years and has personally worked

Sales Representative of the Year 2013 Best Performance In October 2013 Juki Automation Systems awarded the company as its Sales Representative of the Year 2013 – Best Performance. This is the fourth consecutive year that Horizon Sales has been selected for this prestigious award. Horizon Sales was chosen for achieving the highest performance against budget and was weighted to include territory potential, new customers, and number of machines sold.

Horizon Sales receives Juki’s Sales Rep of the Year award

Page 48

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

VJ Electronix Redefines AFFORDABLE X-RAY INSPECTION

Mobile Phones

Netbooks

Tablets

Video Games

Cameras

Mobile Phones

Tablets eras ers

eReaders Mobile Phones

GPS

Netbooks

Cameras ers

GPS

GPS

Netbooks

eReaders

Mobile Phones Video Games Tablets

Tablets

Cameras GPS

Netbooks Cameras

eReaders

GPS

GPS

Netbooks

Video Games

Netbooks

Video Games Tablets

eReaders

Video Games Tablets

Cameras

eReaders

Cameras

Mobile Phones

eReaders

GPS

GPS Netbooks

Video Games

Netbooks

Tablets

Video Games

Cameras

Mobile Phones

eReaders

GPS

Netbooks

Tablets

Video Games

Cameras

Mobile Phones

Tablets

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Mobile Phones Tablets

Mobile Phones

eReaders

Video Games

Mobile Phones

Netbooks

Tablets

Video Games

Cameras

Mobile Phones

eReaders Mobile Phones

GPS

Netbooks Cameras

eReaders

GPS

GPS

Netbooks

eReaders

Mobile Phones Video Games Tablets

Tablets

Cameras

eRea

Video Gam Tablets

Cameras

eReaders

Cam

Mobile Phon

GPS

Netbooks

G

Netbook

Video Games

Netbooks

Video Games Tablets

eReaders

GPS

eR

Mobile Phon

Video Gam

BGA X-ray Inspection

The new Vertex II from VJE sets a new standard for affordable X-ray inspection. With improved imaging, a smaller footprint and a full suite of quantitative software tools, VJE has created a new value proposition for production ready X-ray. With enhanced performance and the same trusted reliability, Vertex II is the clear choice for your production X-ray requirements.

VJ Electronix, Inc. 234 Taylor Street, Littleton, Massachusetts USA 01460 +1 978 486 4777 www.vjelectronix.com

See us at APEX, Booth 2553

MW/VJ/4/VertexII_ad-Global.indd 1

12/9/13 4:14 P

red carpet out & about in the industry In this feature we follow our industry movers and shakers throughout the world.

Time to take a bow...

Page 50

Surface Mount Technologies Inc. teamed with Eruston Corporation to offer complete turnkey manufacturing. The partnership enables the companies to provide design, machining, surface mount and thru-hole assembly, cable and harness assembly, and final test of complete box builds in-house.

Etek Europe Ltd. has been appointed as worldwide distributor for Mossman Tebbs Ltd. Etek Europe will represent Mossman Tebbs’ complete line of trolleys, storage racks and work stations worldwide.

Circuit Technology Inc. opened its newest training center in Melbourne, FL in. This state-of-the-art facility features the latest PCB soldering/ repair equipment and microscope/inspection equipment. CTI will offer a full range of training classes at this new facility starting in January 2014.

STI Electronics Inc. opened its new IPC approved training center in Houston, TX on Jan 1, 2014. The training center has 1 hands-on classroom that is fully equipped to conduct basic soldering courses, J-STD-001 certification courses, & rework & repair courses, along with two lecture classrooms to conduct IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, & more.

PROMATION recently updated its soldering lab in Kenosha, WI to offer multiple robot configurations. Additional complements include nitrogen assist, preheat (IR and hot air), high-resolution process viewing cameras with video, temporary product fixturing, a large selection of solders and tip profiles.

Count On Tools achieved customer success with its ezLOAD Board Support system. The company worked with its customer Nortech Systems to eliminate board failures on the screen printer line and improve the application process for future builds.

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

what’s happening in your business? send your event pictures to red@smttoday.com

BTU International appointed FHP Reps as the representative of its advanced thermal processing equipment and processes for the electronics assembly throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

Horizon Sales recently opened its new office in the greater Chicago area to cover the Illinois, Wisconsin and Eastern Iowa marketplace. The new office is centrally located in the Midwest US sales territory so that customers can expect onsite response times in a matter of hours.

The 4th quarter of 2013 resulted in record revenue for Juki Automation Systems Inc. and a record order backlog beginning 2014. Juki is the leading supplier of SMT placement systems and complete line solutions in the Americas, and one of the top three suppliers worldwide.

Rapid Tooling Inc. has completed its ISO 9001 recertification. for its Plano, Texas USA location.

SEHO Systems GmbH continues expanding North American sales. Mike Korte, Technical Manager, will support the sales force to strengthen SEHO North America’s market share in the Western US.

Storagesolutions named Suba Engineering as its distributor throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Suba Engineering will represent Storagesolutions’ complete line of ACS automatic and intelligent component storage systems.

Juki’s reputation for quality & speed continues By smt today staff editor RX-6 Flex Placer receives a 2013 Global Technology Award. The award was presented to the company during a Tuesday, November 12, 2013 ceremony that took place at the Productronica trade fair in Munich, Germany.

Juki Automation Systems, a worldleading provider of automated assembly products and line solutions and part of Juki Corporation, announces that it was awarded a 2013 Global Technology Award in the category of “Placement – Medium to High Volume” for its RX-6 Flex Placer.

The RX-6 is a brand new modular mounter that combines high quality, flexibility and productivity. Equipped with the new LaserAlign® module “LNC120”, the machine features a maximum placement speed of 42,000 cph on a footprint of only 1.25 m and is even more accurate and reliable than all previous models. The RX-6 is extendable by the RX-7 Ultra HighSpeed Placer that reaches a maximum placement speed of 75,000 cph. ____________________________________

thanks to ‘‘ the dual lane

conveyor and dual head design, only one RX-6 is required where two machines would typically be needed for equal speed

from ultra miniature resistors to large ICs or connectors. 3D or “Package-on-Package” (PoP) placement is possible using the optional fluxer units. Support for both flux and solder paste is available.

cost. Additionally, thanks to the dual lane conveyor and dual head design, only one RX-6 is required where two machines would typically be needed for equal speed. ____________________________________

Placement Monitor (EPV) is a standard function. An ultra miniature camera built into the head section takes images of component pick and placement in real time. An analysis is run for presence/ absence and traceability information can be saved. This unique function prevents defective PCBs and reduces the time for root cause failure analysis.

3D or “Package‘‘ on-Package”

Using 8 mm electronic double tape feeders the RX-6 with its space saving design handles up to 160 different components and delivers ultimate flexibility to the customer. Additionally, it offers the highest productivity in its class with high-speed production with just 1 station / 2 beams / 2 heads. High-speed placement is performed with on-the-fly vision centering (IC components: 14,000 CPH) and the high-speed Tray Server TR7D enables fast supply of tray components, all at low

(PoP) placement is possible using the optional fluxer units. Support for both, flux or solder paste, is available

____________________________________ The standard RX-6 can handle PCBs up to 610 x 590 mm and with the long board option the size can even be increased up to a 905 x 590 mm.

____________________________________ Replaceable heads allow configuring a production line best suited to the current requirements. The rear head can be changed between a 6 nozzle head and a 3 nozzle head resulting in greater flexibility.

The six nozzle head supports components from 01005 up to 33.5 x 33.5 mm and with height up to 33 mm. The 3 nozzle head supports an even wider variety: from 01005 chips up to 100 x 100 mm or 50 ×180 mm long connectors and with a height also up to 33 mm. These heads are designed to handle a wide variety of components

Page 52

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

YOU’VE UPGRADED.

SHOULDN’T YOU UPGRADE YOUR STENCIL PRINTER? 1993 saw the introduction of the Single Roving camera to cope with demands of that era.

Twenty years later the world is a very different place.

You would like to think something would change to manage today’s more demanding technological challenges .

Well it has!

Dual Roving Camera Its the SMART way Forward

See PEX t A 147 a s u th 2 B oo

www.speedprint-tech.com

The future for fume extraction is truly global

By Tony Lockwood, BOFA International Limited Tony Lockwood muses over the future of Fume Extraction and the benefits of a global customer base.

Recent back to back trips into Europe and the Far East have convinced me that firstly I really should be more considerate of my years and let the future stars, the young mavericks, as I like to affectionately refer to them, take over. Despite all of the uncertainties the business world has faced over the past few years, the afore mentioned really do have much to look forward to, as the future for fume extraction is truly global. ____________________________________

the laser world ‘‘ has since moved on at a pace creating new challenge and opportunity

____________________________________ My first involvement with lasers, and by association fume extraction, began in the early 90’s. At that time I was as a business development manager for an International OEM. Our primary business was printing and the company had long been associated with applying identification codes onto the different packaging types used within the FMCG sector. I and a couple of other colleagues had been challenged with helping to position laser coding as a viable alternative to traditional coding technologies such as continuous ink jet (CIJ) printing. Much of what we did in those days revolved around education; overcoming safety fears and demonstrating the benefits that an effective laser solution could bring. Our efforts and those of our industry peers, helped in establishing a position for lasers in those markets, but the laser world has since moved on at a pace creating new challenge and opportunity.

The need for fume extraction continues to be inherently linked with Health and Safety laws and compliance. Within

Page 54

the developed western markets such legislation is well defined and in the main compliance levels are high. Equally International companies who operate manufacturing facilities within the emerging markets typically implement global health and safety policies. Most encouraging is the growing trend for improved employee welfare and environmental responsibility in regions where historically there has been less regard for either. This is a welcome and significant step change for our planet and one that at the macro level will drive an even greater demand for fume extraction.

Whilst legislation continues to be the main purchase driver for fume extraction there are other significant benefits to be considered which justify the use of an effective fume extraction system. Process reliability, whether directly related to the laser or the line onto which it is located can be compromised if debris from the fume is allowed to build up. Product quality can also be impaired by contamination from fume and where traceability codes are applied the readability of such codes may also be compromised. The use of an effective extraction system is also likely to reduce the associated risk of costly rework and unplanned downtime whilst maintenance and repairs are carried out. And, of course, extraction improves operator comfort and wellbeing so reducing absenteeism and improving productivity. ____________________________________

Technical ‘‘ innovation is

also changing the business landscape

____________________________________ Those companies which offer recirculation fume extraction solutions (the filtered clean air is returned to the workplace) have always had to argue the merits of such a system over venting fume out of

the building into the atmosphere. Clearly the increased awareness of environmental factors and general tightening of legislation has affected attitudes, but there are also very practical differences in the way that production units now work that reinforce the benefits of the recirculation option.

Greater productivity and flexibility are among the key goals of any modern production facility. Traditional production lines have made way for Cell production units which typically are able to be moved around the factory space and up or down sized as product demand changes. In such environments the benefits that a self contained and portable recirculation extraction unit offers over inflexible and often far more costly, centralised ducting alternatives is clear.

Technical innovation is also changing the business landscape. The introduction of new and faster laser types, together with falling laser costs, has broadened the range of applications for which lasers can now be considered as a technically and commercially viable solution. Where product identification and traceability codes are required lasers have been developed to meet the growing demand for more complex codes and increased production throughput. The greater range of products and materials now being lasered has meant that there are now far more fume variants to consider.

This, combined with the general increase in fume, has challenged extraction companies to invest time to learn about new applications, evaluate the suitability of traditional filtration methods, and in some instances develop new solutions. Gone are the days when a simply “fan in a can” could be considered as an effective and safe fume extraction solution.

BOFA is recognised as a leader in fume extraction technology. Our commitment to R&D and product innovation has enabled us to develop our AD Advantage range of cost effective laser extraction solutions which are ideally suited to today’s laser processes.

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

feature continued...

A greater range of applications and substrates The BOFA DeepPleat DUO pre filter has been specifically developed for the growing range of substrates and increase in fume now being generated through laser processing. Fume generated from lasering plastics contains a large amount of ‘sticky’ particulate which has a tendency to coat the filter surface, causing premature blockage and replacement.

Whilst this coating process cannot be avoided, the patented DeepPleat DUO design enables us to combine a drop out chamber, into which larger particulate is collected, with an exceptionally large filter surface resulting in fewer filter changes, reduced maintenance costs and increased productivity. These same features enable the deep pleat duo to capture higher volumes of particulate with the same cost benefits to the end user.

filter data not only ensures that operators have ample time to prepare for a filter change but most significantly that they also know which filter requires change and in so doing taking away the uncertainty and reducing the time taken to undertake a filter replacement.

Internationally recognised industry icons are just some of the features which make the AD Oracle iQ a truly global product

Intelligent Solutions for Reduced maintenance and safety assurance In most industrial applications and especially where production is 24/7 the term “downtime” is the dreaded enemy of the production manager and his team.

BOFA’s iQ operating system helps address such concerns in an innovative and unique way… ____________________________________

The iQ system ‘‘ enables users to

uplift setup files to quickly and reliably ‘clone’ units within a factory

The iQ system enables users to uplift setup files to quickly and reliably ‘clone’ units within a factory or across multiple sites and to download files for remote analysis and or verification. The ability to share data over the internet ensures a fast response for the end user and has proven to reduce, and in some cases eliminated, the need for costly service calls.

The recent introduction of smart filter technology provides the end user with the added safety assurance that they are using a proprietary filter of the right type for their application and extraction unit.

SF Technology incorporates proven RFID Technology. Each filter has a uniquely coded non-removable label allowing the iQ Operating System to establish authenticity and suitability of the filter being used.

____________________________________ The DeepPleat Duo Pre Filter Patent No. GB1203514.3 has been uniquely designed to deal with the high volumes and variety of particulate generated during laser applications.

Contaminated air entering the drop out chamber is subjected to a fall in velocity and a direction change causing larger particulate to fall out of the airstream.

With less particulate entering the filter media the filter life is significantly extended.

Global products for Global markets The migration of manufacturing into new territories such as South East Asia, Central and South America and Eastern Europe has created new challenges for the fume extraction manufacturer to consider.

Culture and language, certification, supply logistics and pre and post-sale support all have to be considered. Within BOFA we have developed our international distribution network to ensure timely and reliable support for our products which feature multi voltage, universal power options and internationally recognisable control, warning and alarm icons to reduce the complexity of inventory management and to ensure ease of use wherever the unit is located.

Page 56

iQ performs at two distinct levels.

Where operators benefit from the ease of operation and clarity of real time information, the system also provides a cache of analytical data enabling users to download performance and operating parameters for evaluation purposes. iQ uniquely incorporates a sensing system which monitors the status of both the pre filter and combined (main) filter. The ability to report and display individual real time Image of the iQ display showing a pre filter blockage alarm condition

| JANUARY 2014 ISSUE

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OMNI-VISION® 2D/3D Inspection Technology

MV-9

2D/3D AOI

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