4
News
Trade-in,
Audit eliminates static issues
An electro-static discharge (ESD) risk assessment service is
trade up
now available to 3M's UK and Ireland customers. The
service, which is run in association with channel partner,
Challenger Components, aims to identify where electro-
OK International is offering to
static discharge could cause problems with advice on work
exchange existing BGA rework
practices to eliminate issues.
equipment for a new Metcal APR-
General sales and marketing manager, 3M Electronics,
5000-DZ array package rework
Adrian Hyner, said: “Static is particularly problematic in
system with a saving of £1,600. Valid
electronics manufacturing, as well as in assembly and
until December 31st 2008, the deal
installation. Although most companies know how ESD can
will also encompass a free reflow
damage products - and even take steps to counter it - work
nozzle kit worth £1,600, giving a total
practices often mean that systems are rendered ineffective.”
saving of £3,200.
Carrying out an audit allows customers to identify where
Marketing communications
and when events occur, eliminating them and monitoring to
manager Europe, Nathalie Morin,
ensure compliance.
explained: “This offer aims to
Having acquired SCC and Credence Technologies, 3M
enhance the accessibility of the APR-
also offers a range of static control equipment including:
5000-DZ, enabling customers to
personnel protection, flooring, workstation products, tapes,
improve productivity and
bags and packaging materials. To demonstrate the breadth
experience exceptional rework
of its static control line-up, which includes static monitoring
performance.”
products, 3M has just launched a new 140-page catalogue,
Suitable for high thermal demand
available in print or electronically.
Ensure work practices protect against static damage
boards, including lead-free and
multi-layer assemblies, the APR-5000-
www.3Mstatic.com
with an ESD audit
DZ array package rework system
features dual convection bottom-
The scheme, which was created to
side heating. The system is said to
Funding improves production help companies access Objective One
offer fast ramp and high delta
funding from the European Regional
temperature control for targeted and
Development Fund, helped ABI
controlled rework with intuitive
purchase a new automated optical
software and user prompts to
inspection unit from YEStech. This
simplify process control.
provides off-line bench-top inspection
Proprietary nozzle design ensures
of solder joints and verifies correct part
the system protects adjacent
assembly. The result is improved quality
components and provides the
and increased product throughput.
flexibility to rework components
Several of ABI Electronics’
where vacuum pick-up is not an
technicians also benefited from the
option. In addition to BGA and CSP,
funding, qualifying as application
OK International claims odd-form
specialists through Electronics
components such as through-hole
Yorkshire’s IPC A-610D course.
parts, connectors, potentiometers,
Managing director at ABI
sockets and package-on-package
Electronics, Nigel Bentley, said:
(PoP) devices can be removed and
“Additional investment funding in both
placed consistently.
plant and people has been vital in
improving our manufacturing
www.okinternational.com
capabilities. As a result we have been
able to safeguard contracts and
expand our operation with the creation
Managing director of ABI Electronics, Nigel Bentley, credits the YEStech of new jobs. In addition, through the
AOI system with improved quality and increased throughput IPC training and development input,
we have generated a highly
Manufacturer of test and measurement jobs with help from a business enthusiastic and motivated team.”
equipment, ABI Electronics, has development programme delivered by
improved its production processes, industry support organisation,
safeguarded contracts and created more Electronics Yorkshire. www.abielectronics.co.uk
Stay on track with
Using the tool, manufacturers can www.novatec-eap.com
trace boards and record events
traceability tool
throughout the assembly process and
keep track of associated consumables,
Assembly process specialist, stencils and tooling. Real-time
Novatec, announces the release of production control benefits operators,
ProcessWatch, a new suite of process engineers and quality control
production control tools designed to managers alike, highlighting
address process traceability. stencil/board/tooling compatibility
ProcessWatch is said to make track issues, materials ageing and provides
OK International is offering the
and trace capabilities available to small event alerts. Users can also print
APR-5000-DZ, worth £17,300
enterprises previously unable to reports covering a specific production
for £15,700
implement factory-wide software batch and trace individual boards,
alternatives due to cost and reviewing the conditions under which
ProcessWatch makes traceability
implementation issues. each has been produced.
affordable for smaller enterprises
November/December 2008 Electronics Assembly
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