Nov 27, 2013 
Martin, a Finetech company and leader in ball grid array (BGA) rework, today introduced its new rework Process Shuttle that streamlines flux and solder paste dipping or printing, and pre-positions the smallest surface mountable devices (SMDs) for pickup. This enhancement to the company's EXPERT 10.6 rework system was designed to increase the efficiency and quality of the work performed.
"In the past few years, investments have been made to improve processes to increase efficiency and quality, which has led to demands for greater reliability and repeatability in rework," said Al Cabral, Regional Sales Manager at Martin. "Martin recognized this and has enhanced the capabilities of our EXPERT 10.6 rework systems to meet these emerging market requirements."
Easily installed on the system’s existing Auto-Vision-Placer (AVP), the new Process Shuttle offers a number of features intended to increase the tool’s efficiency and streamline processes:
- The µSMD Tool presents the smallest components with an easy-access fixture, improving processing time. Specific sizes are engineered for optimal pre-alignment.
- The Dipping Tool allows solder spheres on the underside of an area-array device to be coated with a controlled, defined volume of flux or solder paste. Different depths are available to yield specific depositions.
- The Printer Tool allows solder paste or flux to be printed directly onto small components such as quad flat no-leads, enabling immediate placement onto a printed circuit board. Printing stencils can be easily changed to minimize process setup.
A transport slide holds the various shuttle tools, which feed diverse components to the rework process in a controlled manner.
The Process Shuttle can be retrofitted to existing Martin systems that have automated vision placement. All tools can be integrated into existing rework recipes without significant effort and additional calibration. The Process Shuttle tools do not require software programming, promoting rapid and easy setup of even the most complex rework processes.
Martin GmbH, a Finetech company, has developed affordable rework, BGA reballing and dispensing technologies for 30 years with a strong commitment to high quality, precision and reliability. The USA sales and service office is located in Manchester, N.H. The company’s manufacturing facility is located in Wessling, Germany. More: http://www.martin-smt.de/en/.
