By Al Lewis, Director of Applications Engineering,
Asymtek, Carlsbad, CA
Fluid dispensing and coating processes are required for many assembly and packaging operations. These processes provide combinations of electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties to components and assemblies for functionality or enhanced reliability. Common processes are surface mount component bonding for assembly, encapsulation and underfill for reliability, | By Tom Adams, teadams@earthlink.net The idea of putting components inside the printed wiring board instead of on the surface of the board has been around for at least 30 years, although it has been limited to passive components such as the thin film resistive material made by Ohmega Technologies, and more recently the resistor/capacitor laminate core made by Ohmega and Oak/Mitsui. The endless drive toward smaller systems, however, means that attention is being given to placing active components inside the board as well. | Eastek International: Integrated Global Svcs. By Bob Wiegand, Vice President, Eastek Int'l, Buffalo Grove, IL
For many entrepreneurs, identifying a U.S.-based contract manufacturer that offers a "one-stop shop" solution can help transform an important new product idea into reality. But how to find a CM partner that offers an accommodating yet disciplined process, with sound leadership and support throughout all phases of design and production?
| Datron: Hi-Speed CNC with Micro Tool Machining Milford, NH — New from Datron is its excelsior® Lite CNC machining center. The system, for parts that are 1/4-in. or smaller in size, has been designed specifically for manufacturers who need innovative high-speed technology on a budget.
The excelsior Lite has an aluminum bed rather than the granite table found on its big brother the excelsior EX. While this does impact rigidity to some extent, | Samtec Expands Signal Integrity Product LineNew Albany, IN — Samtec has expanded its signal integrity interconnect product line, increasing the ability to provide "Signal Integrity at any Distance™" The company has introduced new interconnects and signal integrity services for panel and I/O, cable assemblies and board-to-board applications, as well as expanded signal integrity design resources including Final Inch® PC board design tools.
| Asymtek: New Inline Flux Dispensing System Carlsbad, CA — Asymtek, a Nordson company, is unveiling its new Axiom X-1030 Series dispensing system, designed for selective jetting of traditional flux, no-clean solder fluxes and other precise coating applications.
Available in single or dual lane configurations, the closed-loop X-1030 dispensing system optimizes underfill and package reliability--improving production throughput and equipment utilization by as much as 60-85 percent with the X-1032's dual lane multitasking capabilities. |