Probably the biggest issue with 0201 chip components are the tolerances when using what is currently the smallest chip component available. The tolerances involved are board laminate, solder mask and etching of copper foil which all make printed circuit board inconsistency a problem during assembly. The chip components are 0.020+ACI- long by 0.010+ACI- wide, solder resist may have a error of 0.002+ACI- and a laminate error can be 0.001+ACI- per inch, how can we ever make a circuit board or assemble components on to it?
There are a number of recommendations on pad design from numerous evaluation projects around the world. Some of the papers are listed in the SMART Group Charity Report +ACI-Design and Assembly of 0201 Components which is available from all SMART Group offices. Based on results of trials on projects with Harting Connectors, Speedline Technologies and The Cookson Electronics Hands-On Workshops the following are recommended for inclusion in future designs.
Hitachi announced that its perpendicular, or 3D, hard disks should be out by the end of 2005
Today, hard drives record and store data in a longitudinal fashion, with the read/write heads scanning over a horizontal plane. In perpendicular recording, data bits are aligned vertically, allowing for more data to be squeezed into a finite area. Put another way, data will go from being stored on a two-dimensional XY grid to living in a three-dimensional XYZ space.
Production cell for flexible PCB
The new pick and place series FLX2010-MK (MK=Membrane Keyboard) from ESSEMTEC can automate all placement and dispensing tasks in the production of membrane keyboards or other flexible circuits. Two dispensing heads allow the application of glue, conductive glue or solder paste. LEDs and other SMD components are aligned optically and placed accurately. Even metal domes for keys can be placed fully automatically.
The flexibility of the machine is unique, all placement and dispensing tasks can be programmed in any sequence. The system is extremely precise.
Solder.net tips
BEST Instructors have put to video demonstrations of common hand soldering skills. These are not designed to be in place of live one on one training where repetitive skills and subsequent one on one feedback is given. Rather they are quick refreshers designed to be viewed if a specific skill has not been practiced in a while.
Double Sided Reflow
We are moving into using fine pitch components in a double sided reflow process. In one of our test runs, we noted that some of the QFP's would move while reflowed on the bottom on the second pass and become defective. Is this being done widely with fine pitch on both sides of the PCB? This is an automotive product, so reliability and yield expectations are super high.
Granite Surface and ESD
We have a granite table out on our production floor. We use the table along with metal parallel bars and a height gauge to measure component height. Some of these boards have components on them that may be ESD sensitive. Does anyone have experience with this situation? What have you done to make the work station ESD safe?
Inertec EMLS 2040 Multiple mass-soldering system
The soldering system is based on the patented technology of the active, wettable die which enters into the inert gas flow to transfer solder to the soldering points of the entire component group in one cycle subject to geometric limitation. The occurrence of droplets of solder caused by the technical process itself is considerable reduced. Gaseous activators are not necessary.
Vitronics/Soltec SMR 520N
Vitronics/Soltec SMR 520N 5-zone full convection reflow oven with Mesh belt/Edge rail, Auto chain oilers, manuals, PC and monitor. Please inquire, for pricing and details, thank you.
Application Engineer California, US Global supplier of superior machinery and
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We are seeking an engineer with engineering
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Process/Manufacturing/Production Engineer Orlando, Florida, US Supporting customer base in the Northeast and Columbus, OH areas, the Field Engineers install, service and maintain Universal machines and systems. The successful candidates will also train customers on operation, programming and maintenance of machines and systems.
