Feb 20, 2013 
FCT Assembly announces that it has been awarded a 2013 NPI Award in the category of Coatings/Encapsulants for its NanoSlic™ Nano Coating. The award was presented to the company during a Tuesday, February 19, 2013 ceremony that took place at the San Diego Convention Center in California.
FCT Assembly has developed the world’s most advanced stencil technology for solder paste printing. The technology is comprised of a specifically engineered nano coating applied over its proven Slic™ stencil. The technology is surprisingly cost-effective, making improved yields available to all levels of the industry. The technology can be used with current assembly equipment and processes.
The new NanoSlic™ stencil is based on the proven Slic™ stencil with its advanced foil composition and FCTA’s state-of-the-art laser cutting process. Then, a permanent nano coating is applied that is based on a revolutionary chemistry platform called Hybrid-T Technology™. The coating imparts a highly hydrophobic and oleophobic surface to the bottom of the stencil and aperture walls. The robust coating should last the life of the stencil.
Using the newly developed NanoSlic™ coating system, NanoSlic™ is sprayed onto the stencil surface and aperture walls, reducing bridging and significantly improving paste release, permitting consistent printing of the smallest area ratios. The technology will be applied by FCT Assembly in its various locations. The user will see following benefits immediately: reduced bridging, reduced underside cleaning, improved paste release and improved yields.
A second product, NanoBoost™ is a nano coating that can be user-applied to existing stencils. Supplied in the form of a ready-to-use wipe, it can be applied it a matter of minutes. The NanoBoost™ coating imparts a hydrophobic and oleophobic surface to the bottom of the stencil to reduce bridging and the need for underside cleaning.
An added benefit, NanoSlic™ and NanoBoost™ coatings, are environmentally friendly. They use no Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a toxic substance currently being investigated by the EPA.
Premiering in 2008, the NPI Awards program is an annual celebration of product excellence in electronics surface mount assembly. Premier products based on the finest examples of creative advancement in technology are chosen by a distinguished panel of industry experts.
FCT Assembly consists of three divisions: FCT Solder, Fine Line Stencil and A-Laser. With numerous facilities in the United States, FCT is one of the electronics industry’s leading manufacturers of lead-free and leaded solder products, superior quality stencils and precision laser-cut parts.
The company takes a multidisciplinary approach to continuously develop new products and processes. With experts in the machine automation of electronics, metallurgy, chemistry, physics and metal deposition, FCT can quickly react to market trends and customer challenges. Our customers can always count on the latest technology and products with the highest quality.
For more information, visit www.fctassembly.com.
