Todd Rountree talks about the integration between Austin American and Aqua Klean Systems. The culture in both companies is similar, but some of the manufacturing techniques are different. Over time they will integrate best practices and techniques from both companies. Rountree certainly found the Californian legislation quite challenging - it has been quite a steep learning curve. On the upside, there has been an upside among the customer base, where inline customers are adding batch cleaners for some areas.
Teknek launched their new in-line board cleaner, the TEK BC40. The bare PCB cleaner is normally positioned before the stencil printer to ensure that PC boards enter the assembly process in a clean state.
Absolute EMS is a state-of-the-art manufacturer based in Santa Clara, CA. They have a reputation for producing hi-rel assemblies for space, aerospace, military and medical. At SMTAi they confirmed their most recent accreditation, they are now ITAR registered. Jayne Carthy also announced two awards, for customer service and the most improved smart factory.
Anda won three different categories in the Global Technology Awards 2024 for Potting, Plasma Systems and Dispensing Systems. The Potting System uses vacuum to remove bubbles or air gaps from the process. The plasma system removes oils and contaminants from the substrate while creating greater surface tension for conformal coatings. Anda offer both open air plasma and vacuum plasma systems. Anda's dispensing system is a fast, five-axis system running on linear motors, with a wide range of valves and applicators.
Gayle Towell explains how AIM's REL61 alloy offers greater reliability with better microstructure than SAC305. The alloy is a SnAgBi available in type 5 and type 6 bar, wire or paste formats.
Amtech is a small CEM based in Troy, MI which is a high-mix, small-medium volume contract manufacturer. Vapor Phase has enabled greater flexibility and quicker setup during product changeover.
Winners of two Global Technology Awards, the CBAN 25 3D printing system has developed considerably in recent years, both with the size of the 3D jigs and assemblies it can produce and the production speed. Likewise there is continued research across the polymers used in the process to add new properties. The latest research has involved experimenting with conductive inks to create traces within the polymer.
Seika Machinery introduce a range of strain gauges to measure stress across bolts and other materials used in PCB assembly.
Bob Bouchard talks about the success of the Aurora reflow oven platform and how the various energy saving and flux management tools are contributing towards the sustainability of the reflow process.
StenTech have developed a unique nanocoating called Bluprint that is applied using Vapour Phase Deposition and lasts for the life of the stencil.
Jim Vicarro describers how increasing miniaturisation is driving the necessity for nitrogen in the reflow process. Nitrogen generators provide a more stable, repeatable, sustainable process, which in turn increases reliability and yield.
Alfonoso Herrera discusses the benefits of their Durafuse low-temp solder. Herrera also discusses how manufacturers can eliminate the need for wave soldering using low-temp solders.
With a large installed base of over 2,400 inspection machines in Mexico, Heriberto Cueves, Mexico Sales Manager discusses the support infrastructure and his aspirations to grow sales to 2,800 in the near future.
Hanwha Automation introduce the XM520F pick and place mounter, which places a larger array of larger, heavier components, with up to 100 newtons of placement force, while maintaining the flexibility to place smaller components and devices.
Anda is moving to new offices in Guadjalahara, expanding their services and equipment ranges in Mexico. Carlos Barassa talks about a new machine that combines dispensing and coating on the same platform.
StenTech have developed a unique nanocoating called Bluprint that is applied using Vapour Phase Deposition and lasts for the life of the stencil.
With a large installed base of over 2,400 inspection machines in Mexico, Heriberto Cueves, Mexico Sales Manager discusses the support infrastructure and his aspirations to grow sales to 2,800 in the near future.
Trevor Galbraith and Tom Forsythe discuss the current status of the Mexican market for electronics manufacturing and the bright outlook for 2025.
Don Dennison from PIT Equipment Services discusses the emerging opportunities with the CREATE NEW YORK program.