issue 52

smttoday.coM

COLLECTING

ACTIONABLE

DATA WITH

BRIAN D’AMICO,

MIRTEC

Page 3

Introducing the IR-E3 Rework Station for all BGA/SMT components

FOCUSED IR BGA REWORK STATION

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UK: T: +44 (0)1293 614 000 E: [email protected]

Europe: T: +33 (0)6 30 24 89 53 E: [email protected]

Americas: T: (530) 676 6262 E: [email protected]

Digital Forensics R&D High Volume Repairs Low Volume Repairs

Hall 4, Booth 311

KVMS See us at

SMT EQUIPMENT | SERVICE | SPARE PARTS

smt today

Page 4 | ISSUE 52

welcome

to smt today

welcome

EDITOR’S NOTES

Welcome to the latest issue of SMT Today!

Issue 52 welcomes the return of one of our favourite German

shows, SMTconnect in Nuremberg. The exhibition, formerly

known as SMT Hybrid Packaging until 2018, takes place

in NurembergMesse from 10th – 12th May. There will

be 5 main focus subjects on the showfloor this year, which

are i) System Development and Production Preparation

ii) Materials and Components iii) Processes and

Manufacturing iv) Reliability and Testing and finally

v) Software and Production Control. We have a full intro

to the exhibition inside and a snapshot of our clients,

who will be exhibiting what - and where.

Our Director Spotlight this time round is an interview with Brian D’Amico,

President of Mirtec Corp. Brian talks to us about the importance of test

and inspection, how it is used to collect actionable data, that may be

used to reduce defects and maximize efficiency within the manufacturing

line, and how without this there is no Industry 4.0. Brian also discusses

the solid reputation Mirtec has within the industry and their recent new

product, GENESYS- PIN, released earlier this year at IPC APEX.

We have a wide selection of articles for you again in this issue.

Eric Baker, President of EasySpheres – the exclusive worldwide provider

of high quality, first run solder balls -discusses how value cannot always

be associated with the price of a part; Oumayma Grad, Marketing

Comms Managers at SMT & FA Sections, Yamaha Motor Europe NV,

has written an article on how “More of Everything Boosts AOI Accuracy”;

and Robert J Black Jr, Director of Research at Essegi Automation Srl

has written a white paper entitled “Toward the Lights-out Factory”

using AIV’s to deliver electronic components to and from automated

component storage systems. These along with our regular features

of the latest Industry News and Red Carpet celebrations, provides

something for everyone.

The next issue of SMT Today has a deadline of 27th MAY 2022. If you

would like to advertise with us, contribute articles, news or high-profile

press releases, please contact us at [email protected].

Take Care and Stay Safe everyone!

Wendy

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welcome

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contacts

Editorial & Advertising Enquiries

To enquire about available advertising

opportunities, please contact:

[email protected] | smttoday.com

NEXT EDITION Issue 53

Deadline for content:

27th May 2022

inside

this issue...

contents

10

20

26

486 Director Spotlight Interview with industry experts

6. An Interview with Brian D’Amico, Mirtec

Shows/Events

10. SMTconnect - The Trade Fair

For The Electronic Production Community

11. Show Previews

Technology Today

Industry experts share their knowledge

20. Are Expensive Parts More Important Than

Low-Cost Parts in an Assembly?

22. LumiraDx Partners With XDry for Expertise

and Leadership in Raw Material Storage and

Preservation

24. More of Everything Boosts AOI Accuracy

36. Toward the Lights-out Factory

42. 1CLICKSMT Selective Solder Technology

Helps Absolute EMS Continue Its Mission

of Quality, Flexibility and Innovation

44. A Tale of Two Unigens: How One Company

Successfully Combines OEM & EMS to Meet

Customer Demand

50. Surfx Technologies Leads the Way

in Surface Treatment of Materials

Industry News

What’s happening in the world of electronics

Red Carpet

Out & about in the industry

Page 6 | ISSUE 52 DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT

DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT

an Interview

with Brian

D’Amico, mirtec

by smt today editor

An award-winning leader in inspection technology, MIRTEC

is committed to continuous improvement through innovation

and quality. The company’s inspection solutions have helped

thousands of electronics manufacturing companies maximize

their profitability by promoting unparalleled levels of quality and

efficiency within the manufacturing process. MIRTEC is constantly

moving, adapting and creating in order to stay at the forefront

of technology and to help its customers stay at the top of their

industries. We recently spoke with Brian D’Amico, President of

MIRTEC Corp., to find out more about the company’s business

philosophy and latest innovations.

Q: INDUSTRY 4.0 AND SMART FACTORY AUTOMATION ARE BECOMING

MORE IMPORTANT WITHIN THE ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING

INDUSTRY. CAN YOU BRIEFLY EXPLAIN THE BENEFITS OF SMART

FACTORY AUTOMATION AND MIRTEC’S ROLE?

A: Certainly. In the most simplistic of terms, Industry 4.0 is a trend toward

automation and data exchange within the manufacturing process. Therefore,

Smart Factory Automation is an integral part of Industry 4.0. With respect to

electronics manufacturing, this basically requires connectivity and machine-tomachine (M2M) communication within the manufacturing line. The challenge is to

collect data from each of the systems within the line and make that data available

to the rest of the machines.

Without test and inspection, there is no Industry 4.0. This is where MIRTEC comes

into play. The whole purpose of test and inspection is to collect actionable data that

may be used to reduce defects and maximize efficiency within the manufacturing

line. The goal is to minimize scrap and get a good handle on those process

parameters that need to be put in place to manufacture products the right way the

first time.

For maximum efficiency, three inspection systems are required within the production

line. These are solder paste inspection (SPI) post-solder deposition, automated optical

inspection (AOI) post-placement and AOI post-reflow. This requires a substantial

investment; however, the combination of all three inspection machines is really the

only true way to provide feedback for each stage of the manufacturing process.

Q: IF I UNDERSTAND CORRECTLY, YOU ARE RECOMMENDING THREE

INSPECTION SYSTEMS WITHIN EACH MANUFACTURING LINE. THIS

SEEMS LIKE A BREAK FROM THE TRADITIONAL THOUGHT OF USING ONE

INSPECTION MACHINE POST- REFLOW. CAN YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN THE

REASON FOR THE ADDITIONAL INSPECTION SYSTEMS AND THE BENEFITS

OF FEEDBACK WITHIN THE LINE?

A: Absolutely. While I understand and agree that most manufacturers rely upon

a single post-reflow AOI system, the problem is that it becomes more difficult to

Page 7

diagnose and resolve where an issue may have

occurred within the manufacturing line because

we are only looking at a snapshot of the final

result of all the other assembly equipment

within the line. From there, we are basically

making an ‘educated guess’ as to where the

issue occurred.

The introduction of an SPI system, for example,

would provide immediate feedback of issues

such as insufficient or excessive solder, solder

bridging or solder offset directly after solder

deposition. These issues are typically related

to process parameters such as stroke speed,

for a screen printer, squeegee pressure, understencil cleaning etc. The bottom line is that it is

more difficult to diagnose screen printing issues

based on data collected by post reflow AOI.

Closed-loop feedback provides a means of

reporting inspection data back to the screen

printer, which may then be used to adjust

certain parameters to effectively eliminate

the possibility of future defects. Adjustments

are typically made based on trends within the

inspection data. For example, let’s say that the

SPI machine detects an offset trend in solder

depositions with respect to pad location. Under

these circumstances the SPI machine would

report the trend to the Screen Printer.

The screen printer, in turn, may use this

data to adjust the location of the stencil with

respect to the pads in order to eliminate

the offset. However, this depends upon the

level of sophistication of the screen printer to

accept this data and then make the necessary

changes to the specified parameters to resolve

the issue. Please keep in mind that the goal is

not to control the screen printer, but to provide

actionable data that may be used to eliminate

the offset trend and potential defects.

As previously mentioned, it is difficult to

determine which adjustments need to occur

throughout the line based on post-reflow

While I understand

and agree that most

manufacturers rely

upon a single postreflow AOI system,

the problem is that

it becomes more

difficult to diagnose

and resolve where

an issue may have

occurred within the

manufacturing line

because we are only

looking at a snapshot

of the final result...

Page 8 | ISSUE 52

analysis of defect data. One can certainly make

assumptions, but those assumptions are so

far down the line that it becomes increasingly

difficult to determine exactly where the defect

occurred. From the customer’s perspective, I

completely understand that we are suggesting

a substantial investment in test equipment,

however, the absolute best way to get a handle

on the entire production line is to have testing

at each interval within the line; post-solder

deposition, post-placement and post-reflow.

That is really what Smart Factory Automation is

all about.

Q: THERE IS MUCH DISCUSSION

REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) WITHIN

THE ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING

ENVIRONMENT. WE UNDERSTAND THAT

MIRTEC HAS BEEN A PIONEER IN THIS

REGARD. CAN YOU PLEASE PROVIDE

A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE

BENEFITS OF MIRTEC’S AI-BASED SMART

FACTORY SOLUTIONS?

A: My pleasure. In recent years, 3D AOI

machines have developed rapidly, and many

new functions have been added. While these

performance improvements are welcome,

they have added another level of complexity

to the programming and optimization of

the inspection system. 3D AOI machines

require much more parameter manipulation

for teaching and debugging resulting in

increased dependency on the skill of the

process engineer. This presents a host of new

challenges. If a skilled employee is replaced

or a new employee is introduced due to the

addition of more SMT lines, productivity may

be adversely affected until the skill level of

the employee is improved. Such uncertainty

and instability are something that electronics

manufacturers must avoid in order to maintain

quality control. This is where the need for AI

is highlighted. In short, the goal of using AI is

to reduce dependency on the level of operator

proficiency required to maintain the highest

levels of manufacturing quality and efficiency.

An essential part of a connected Smart

Factory is the collection of what is referred to

as Big Data. By applying a subset of AI called

Deep Learning Analytics to this Big Data we

can determine the optimal process parameters

for maximum quality and efficiency. When

setting up a new PCB, an SMT engineer will

program the process parameters for each

system within the manufacturing line based

on the respective experience of the engineer.

Deep Learning Methodology is designed

to assist with this daunting task of process

optimization by predicting optimal parameters

based on historical data. The goal is to achieve

the highest production quality regardless of

the capability or experience of the engineer.

The performance of the line must then be

monitored in real-time through continuous

collection and analysis of production data.

Q: WE UNDERSTAND THAT PROCESS

OPTIMIZATION IS A KEY BENEFIT OF

SMART FACTORY AUTOMATION, BUT

WHERE DO HUMANS FIT IN? IS THE

GOAL TO COMPLETELY ELIMINATE

HUMAN INTERACTION WITHIN THE

MANUFACTURING PROCESS?

A: No. From my perspective there is really no

substitute for a good process engineer as he

or she will have the experience and know-how

to make a production line ‘sing.’ In setting up

the screen printer, for instance, a good engineer

may recognize that a step-stencil may require

certain squeegee speed and pressure for

optimal solder deposition. He or she may also

know how to tune the pick-and-place machine

for optimal performance. For example, there

may be certain devices that require a bit more

featurecont.

...the goal is not to

control the screen

printer, but to provide

actionable data that

may be used to eliminate

the offset trend and

potential defects.

By applying a subset of

AI called Deep Learning

Analytics to this Big

Data we can determine

the optimal process

parameters for maximum

quality and efficiency.

Page 9

featurecont.

pressure or dwell time during placement. The

same is true in developing optimal reflow

profiles as well. The key here is that this requires

a level of expertise as a result of having spent

a lot of time working with a given production

line and knowing the nuances of each machine.

The whole purpose of having machine-tomachine connectivity and communication is to

collect and analyze process data and provide

optimal parameters for each machine within the

line thereby removing much of the ‘artfulness:

in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, a

complete Smart Factory Solution will monitor

each phase of the production line in real-time so

as to maintain maximum quality and efficiency

throughout the manufacturing process.

Q: MIRTEC IS WELL KNOWN FOR

PRODUCT INNOVATION. HAS MIRTEC

INTRODUCED ANY NEW PRODUCTS

RECENTLY THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO

SHARE WITH OUR READERS?

A: Yes, at IPC APEX EXPO this year MIRTEC

debuted a new system specifically designed

for the automotive electronics market,

MIRTEC’s GENESYS-PIN Hybrid 3D Inspection

System. The revolutionary optical system of

the GENESYS-PIN machine is capable of

measuring automotive connector pins up to 50

mm tall with extreme accuracy. The machine

is configured with a 12 Megapixel CoaXPress

High-speed Camera System, a 15 µm Precision

Telecentric Lens, an advanced 9 Phase RGB

Color Lighting System, Programmable MultiFocus Z-Axis System, and four Programmable

Multi-Pattern Digital Projectors that are an

integral part of MIRTEC’s proprietary Hybrid

3D Measurement Technology. The GENESYSPIN machine detects defects such as missing

pins, pin offset, distance between pins and

inner/outer dimensions of forked pins, ensuring

that automotive PCBs are manufactured to the

highest quality standards.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE

ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING

INDUSTRY TO KNOW ABOUT MIRTEC?

A: With more than 17,000 systems installed

throughout the world and having received a

total of 45 industry awards for our products and

services thus far, MIRTEC has earned a solid

reputation as one of the most progressive and

dynamic suppliers of automated inspection

equipment to the electronics manufacturing

industry. MIRTEC products have been

extremely successful in both high-volume/lowmix consumer electronics manufacturing as

well as low- to medium-volume/high-mix, highcomplexity medical, automotive, aerospace

and defense manufacturing environments.

With a total of 12 centers of excellence and

more than 60 sales and support centers

located strategically throughout the world,

MIRTEC provides a full range of services

including consultation, installation, equipment

training, and after-sales support.

Ours is a business of precision and accuracy,

reproducibility and specificity, timeliness, and

trust. These are the real products and services

that we provide to our valued customers.

We welcome the opportunity to demonstrate

how MIRTEC’s technologically advanced

inspection solutions can help your business

achieve the highest levels of quality, efficiency,

and profitability.

Thank you for the opportunity to share this

information with your readers!

THANK YOU BRIAN. WE WISH YOU AND

MIRTEC WELL IN 2022 AND BEYOND.

www.mirtecusa.com

Deep Learning

Methodology is

designed to assist

with this daunting

task of process

optimization by

predicting optimal

parameters based

on historical data.

The goal is to

achieve the highest

production quality

regardless of

the capability or

experience of

the engineer.

Page 10 | ISSUE 52

SMTconnect is the only trade fair for electronic production in

Europe that brings people and technologies from the areas

of development, production, services, and the applications of

microelectronic assemblies and systems together in an inspiring

work atmosphere.

What you can expect at the SMTconnect 2022

In line with its motto “Manufacturing together”, the SMTconnect provides an ideal

setting for sharing ideas within the electronic manufacturing community, developing

tailored solutions for electronic assemblies and systems, laying the groundwork for

business deals, and improving skills.

Event profile

SMTconnect (formerly known as SMT Hybrid Packaging until 2018) provides an

ideal setting for sharing ideas within the electronic manufacturing community. The

event sees itself as a meeting place for all fields of microelectronic production,

including electronic manufacturing services.

In doing so, the exhibition focuses on the following subjects:

I System Development and Production

Preparation

II Materials and Components

III Processes and Manufacturing

IV Reliability and Testing

V Software and Production Control

https://smt.mesago.com/nuremberg/

en.html

smtconnect SHOWS/EVENTS

The trade fair

for the electronic

production community

10 - 12 may 2022

NürnbergMesse, Nuremberg, germany

Tuesday, 10 May 2022, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Wednesday, 11 May 2022, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Thursday, 12 May 2022, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Page 11

CalcuQuote Announces API

Integration with Schukat

electronic hall 5 stand 415

CalcuQuote is reinventing the electronics

manufacturing supply chain by connecting

data sources to locate stock and best prices

via Application Programming Interface (API)

integrations.

Utilizing the speed of API search with real-time

pricing and stock information directly from

Schukat electronic, CalcuQuote customers

have increased access to suppliers across the

European market.

Following their global expansion in 2019,

CalcuQuote has developed API integrations

with leading suppliers across the globe.

“In today’s market, velocity, transparency,

and accuracy are critical for success,” says

CalcuQuote Vice President of Product, David

Sharp. “Having the right partners makes all

the difference. By bringing Schukat into the

CalcuQuote ecosystem of inventory search, we

open the door to new customers and bring the

supply chain closer together.”

"Here at Schukat, we constantly aim to expand

our services and to support our customers in

their work to allow growth in an ever-changing

world,” says Schukat Strategic Project

Manager, Marcus Warmbier. “CalcuQuote is

an important partner for Schukat because

quick and easy access to current prices and

availability via Web API opens up new markets

for both our customers and us."

www.calcuquote.com

ITW EAE to Showcase Latest

Electronic Assembly Equipment

Developments hall 4 stand 205

ITW EAE will be showcasing its latest

developments at SMT Connect, May 10-12

in Nuremburg, Germany. The ITW EAE booth

4-205 will have MPM, Camalot, Electrovert and

Vitronics Soltec Applications experts on hand

as well as Sales and Management to answer

questions and offer solutions.

A snap shot of clients who will be exhibiting

at smtconnect 2022 can be found below:

Update on Covid-19

As we are all aware, trade fairs provide important

economic impulses and positive signs for the future. As

things stand today, we are pleased that the SMTconnect

will be held from 10 – 12 May 2022 as planned. As ever,

the health of all participants is our top priority. Further

information on the corona protection and hygiene

concept developed together with NürnbergMesse and

the authorities responsible can be found here:- https://

smt.mesago.com/events/en/hygiene.html

At the SMTconnect, you can interact with visitors from the following sectors:

• Academic institutes

• Air- and spacecraft industry

• Automobile engineering

• Chemical industry

• Computing electronics

• Consulting

• Consumer electronics

• Development services

• Editors, publishers

• E-mobility

• Industrial electronics

• Medical electronics

• Microelectronics

• Optoelectronics

• Rail and traction

• Telecommunication

Buy your ticket here:- https://

smt.mesago.com/nuremberg/en/

planning-preparation.html

Page 12 | ISSUE 52

featurecont.

Camalot will be presenting live

demonstrations of its Advanced Tilt and

Rotate dispensing system. This new and

innovative system reduces wet out areas and

improves capillary flow for underfill and provides

access to dispense on side walls, underneath, or

around tall components. State-of-the-art rotary

actuators provide a fast, high precision, zero

backlash mechanism that allows articulation of

the dispense pump in sub-degree increments in

both axes for total flexibility.

MPM will be presenting live demonstrations

of the Edison II ACT™ (Automatic

Changeover Technology) which is in the final

stage of development. This innovative patent

pending technology provides a simple, costeffective solution that can be implemented in

progressive stages towards full automation. It is

designed to be easy to use and simple to adopt

and requires no additional skills to operate. The

solution utilizes an Edison printer and a costeffective pairing cart designed to automate the

changeover of solder paste cartridges, support

tooling, squeegees, and stencils.

MPM will also have the top-performing

Momentum II Elite on display. This proven, highly

productive printer platform was recently updated

with a new set of enhanced technologies

for further improvement around machine

productivity, yield, ease of use, and flexibility.

ITW EAE will also share advancements they have

made on interface solutions for Industry 4.0/

MES that will lead to improvements in yield, data

collection and overall equipment effectiveness.

www.itweae.com

Solutions for Reflow and Wave

Soldering Optimization, Inspection

and Traceability hall 4 stand 452

Along with Reflow Process Inspection (RPI)

and Wave Process Inspection (WPI), the

KIC team will discuss NPI setup, process

and recipe optimization for reduced defects,

improved OEE, oven performance tracking,

and their complete ecosystem of solutions for

thermal processes.

Electronics manufacturing today requires

automated and real-time process control and

traceability. Like SPI and AOI are for optical

inspection, inspection of the production reflow

temperature profile is a must. Can you imagine

a line without SPI or AOI? So why go without

it for reflow, cure, or wave soldering. Process

control, traceability and quality solder joints

can be delivered with real-time inspection

capabilities. That is what KIC provides (and

invented) for your thermal processes. This

critical data should be a part of your overall

Industry 4.0 smart factory solution to ensure

all production through the oven is within

specifications and that profile data is readily

available for each individual board.

KIC has solutions for challenges such as

handling process audits, automating manual

profiling and data reporting tasks, MES

connectivity, Industry 4.0 implementation, NPI

process setup, reducing solder defects (voiding,

head in pillow, tombstoning), and more.

The latest addition to the thermal process

inspection family is KIC’s WPI, bringing

its award-winning technology and thermal

experience to the wave solder process.

Wave Process Inspection provides users with

automatic profiling – including an industry

first dwell time and parallelism measurement

for each production board – real-time preheat

and wave analytics, automatic SPC charting

and more.

KIC’s 45 years of experience in automated

process data collection, direct service and

support offices in every region, and more than

25,000 systems in the field brings the most

reliable, accurate and innovative solutions for

electronics manufacturing thermal process

challenges. We are the experts in turning Heat

To Data TM.

www.kicthermal.com

Koh Young to Showcase

Award-winning Inspection and

Smart Factory Solutions HALL 4A

STAND 233

The following is just a glimpse into what

Koh Young will have in store for our visitors at

the tradeshow:

Solder Paste Inspection (SPI)

In 2002, we introduced the concept of 3D

measurement-based solder paste inspection

– and it revolutionized the inspection industry.

Today, manufacturers recognize the value of

the 3D measurement data and use the data to

improve the print process, in turn, improving

production yield and quality. Today, 3D SPI has

become a standard requirement for SMT lines –

it is no longer optional. The KY8030-3 is our SPI

workhorse, and the most popular SPI solution

in the electronics manufacturing market. With

a patented dual-projection technology, we

deliver trustworthy measurement data, which

manufacturers can use to reliably optimize the

print process.

Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)

The Koh Young 3D AOI Zenith delivers

perfect inspection performance with True 3D

measurement technology. In the 2D inspection

world, false calls and escapes are unavoidable.

To solve this problem, we took a different

approach. We based our solution on full 3D

measurement technology, not 2D technology

and its inherent shortcomings or 2D with

some 3D capabilities bolted-on to help. At Koh

Young, the Zenith measures all components in

True 3D. We find the component body based

on true 3D profilometric information. Using this

approach, we provide trustworthy inspection

results, regardless of component or board

color variations. Building on the Zenith AOI, we

have the Meister, which is the industry’s leading

inspection systems for advanced packaging &

semiconductors. When our 3D measurement

data combines with our A.I. engine, we deliver

even more advantages.

Automated Pin Inspection (API)

Built on its world-class True3D AOI technology,

new enhancements help it breakthrough

barriers associated with inspecting products

with a mix of pins and SMDs. The complete

KY-P3 lineup provides an automated backend solution combining advanced highresolution optics and innovative AI-powered

vision algorithms for single pin, press-fit, and

final optical inspection, as well as for pins in

a connector shroud and traditional SMDs on

the same board. Because of its quantitative

measurement-based approach, accuracy and

repeatability is unsurpassed.

Dispense Process Inspection (DPI)

The award-winning Neptune is the industry’s

first 3D optical measurement solution for

transparent material inspection. Using Koh

Young LIFT technology (Laser Interferometry for

Fluid Tomography), the Neptune delivers nondestructive 3D inspection to precisely measure

and inspect fluids – wet or dry. With its MachineLearning algorithm, the Neptune accurately

measures materials for coverage, thickness,

and consistency with a user-defined threshold

setting. It also identifies bubbles, cracks, and

other defects in coating. It also measures

underfill, epoxy, bonding, glue, potting, flux,

and more to deliver an exact measurement of

transparent and translucent materials.

Smart Factory Solutions

AI-powered KSMART solutions help automate

process control, while focusing on data

management, analysis, and optimization.

It collects data from across the factory for

Page 13

A simple, innovative,

cost-effective solution

for factory automation

in a scaleable platform.

Automatic Changeover Technology

Edison II ACT Printer

Learn more at www.itweae.com A division of Illinois Tools Works

Advanced Tilt and

Rotate Dispensing

NEW!

COMING

SOON!

Technology that provides

reduced wet out areas,

improved capillary flow

for underfill and enables

dispensing on the

side walls or around

tall components.

Live Demonstrations of our Latest Developments

SMT Connect Nürnberg, Hall 4, Stand 205, May 10-12

Page 14 | ISSUE 52

featurecont.

defect detection, real-time optimization,

enhanced decisions, and traceability to improve

production, increase quality, and lower costs by

eliminating variances, false calls, and escapes.

www.kohyoung.com

KYZEN to Introduce Its New

Aqueous Cleaning Solution at

SMTconnect HALL 4 STAND 138

The KYZEN team will showcase the

company’s newest aqueous cleaning solution,

AQUANOX® A4626.

AQUANOX A4626 is designed to quickly

remove the latest polymeric no-clean flux

residues, while providing superior results

on traditional lead-free and eutectic tin-lead

residues as well. It has a long tank life and is

safe for multi-pass applications. As with all

of KYZEN's AQUANOX products, AQUANOX

A4626 is eco-friendly, low VOC and compatible

with today’s cleaning equipment.

KYZEN products and cleaning experts have

always been focused on the process so you

can be sure the newest AQUANOX product will

fit into your production line. Adding KYZEN's

Process Control System or the KYZEN Analyst

paired with KYZEN Analyst Data Services will

complete the optimization and provide you

with a worry-free process.

www.kyzen.com

PBT Works to Bring Cleaning

Systems for Every Manufacturer

to SMTconnect HALL 4A STAND 207

PBT Works will showcase a range of cleaning

systems for different manufacturing needs,

including the HyperSWASH PCB cleaning

system, HyperCLEAN maintenance cleaning

system and MiniSWASH stencil cleaner.

PBT Works will highlight the flexible

HyperSWASH and its ability to cover a wide

assortment of needs – cleaning the most

challenging assemblies with the largest

BGAs and QFNs. The cleaner features

an automated pushcart docking system,

pushcart transloader for loading/unloading

and customized MES connectivity.

Also on display, HyperCLEAN is a high-capacity

flexible maintenance cleaning system that is

compatible with all of the latest automation

technology and MES connections. Ideal for

high throughput, handling of numerous or

heavy objects is now easier using the included

pushcart. HyperCLEAN is ideal for high-volume

cleaning of large size solder pallets, SMT oven

filters and other mechanical parts.

PBT Works’ distributor factronix GmbH will have

the MiniSWASH stencil cleaner on display in the

booth next door. The budget-friendly system

is ideal for small and medium manufacturers.

The cleaner can handle stencil, squeegee and

misprinted PCB cleaning all in one system. The

ideal solution for smaller capacity automated

cleaning, the MiniSWASH’s integrated slide-in

stencil clamping system can be adjusted easily

for any size SMD stencil.

www.pbt-works.com

Scienscope at SMTconnect: Fully

Integrated Industry Automation

Solutions HALL 4 STAND 325

Scienscope International will showcase the

Incoming material system (IMS-100), AXC-800

III Component Counter, Smart Storage Rack,

and X-Scope 3000 X-ray Inspection System.

Scienscope’s global sales department will be

available to meet with customers during the

three-day event. Scienscope has invested

heavily in warehouse material management

automation, particularly component reels

management for the SMT industry in the last

five years. Starting with X-ray component

counting, Scienscope has expanded the line

to include an incoming material label scanner,

smart rack storage, automatic loader and

unloader, and AGV. With expertise in machine

vision, X-ray and automation, Scienscope is

a one-stop solution provider for warehouse

automation and optical and X-ray inspection.

Scienscope also offers customization based

on your facility needs.

The Scienscope Smart Storage Rack is the

easiest, most accurate way to store your

electronic components. It works best when

integrated with a Scienscope Component

Counter or an Incoming Reel Labeling Machine.

You will have a precisely accurate inventory

with a unique ID number; you will also know

where each reel is stored for quick retrieval.

Scienscope Smart Storage Rack automatically

detects when each reel is placed and removed.

Multi-color LEDs make simultaneous multikitting possible. Customization is available to

fit your company's needs. MES integration is

accessible through a Scienscope counter or a

Label scanner computer.

The award-winning IMS-100 features a highresolution barcode camera system with

an image-based algorithm that reads any

barcode, even with defects. It reads and stores

the information of four 7” reels simultaneously.

As one reel is removed, a unique identification

number label is printed, archiving reliable data

that can be easily and conveniently traced.

The IMS-100 allows for EMS/ERP integration in

seconds. It captures multi-codes quickly and

without errors, enabling seamless integration

of any material. The Reel Smart Lite will help

automate your incoming process and make

the relabeling process safe and easy, helping

minimize human error. Top scanner option

available for additional collection of all your

incoming material.

Page 15

Page 16 | ISSUE 52

The Scienscope Award-Winning AXC-800III is

the third generation of the revolutionary X-ray

component counter. By utilizing the state-ofthe-art X-Ray technology and intelligent AI

algorithm, the AXC-800III captures the images

of the components inside the reels and uses

AI to count the quantities. The AXC-800III is

capable of counting down to 01005 with an

accuracy of 99.9% in less than two seconds

per reel. The patented Scienscope optical

barcode scanner deciphers the barcodes

simultaneously. The results can be uploaded to

the MES system in real-time, and a new label

will be generated automatically while the reels

are being removed from the machine. Click on

the video below to watch the technology in

action. https://youtu.be/R8W8cnt7Gqo

Scienscope component counters can help

save time, save money, reduce labor, and avoid

the dreaded “line down” scenario due to lack

of a component. Visit Hall 4, Stand 321 during

SMTconnect to learn how!

www.scienscope.com

X Marks the Spot for Solderstar’s

New Datalogger at SMTconnect

HALL 4 STAND 226

Since launching at the end of last year,

Solderstar’s innovative new thermal profiler

‘SLX’ has gone from strength to strength thanks

to its innovative new additions which will be

showcased during SMTconnect Nuremberg

from 10-12 May 2022.

The SLX thermal profiler has been designed

for operation with no measurement setup

making the process of reliable data capture

quick and easy. What makes SLX stand out

from the crowd is not just the zero setup

and configuration but the magic ‘X’. Mark

Stansfield, Managing Director at Solderstar

explains: “The ‘X’ in SLX stands for EXtendable.

We designed this datalogger with the capability

to enhance profile information with additional

sensors to measure new process parameters.

Our first new sensor addition will be previewed

during SMTconnect.

“The new SLX process adaptor allows

simultaneous capture of both temperature and

pressure levels. This is particularly important

during the any soldering process performed

under vacuum. We are looking forward to

presenting the new SLX sensor addition during

the event and receiving valued feedback from

the electronics production community.”

Many new reflow ovens used in the industry

today have the option to add vacuum chambers

to the soldering process to help with reducing

voids in soldered joints. However, the vacuum

level and the rate the vacuum is applied/released

are all crucial parameters that are not currently

independently measurable along with the

temperature profile. “This can be problematic

as incorrect vacuum levels can contribute

to difficulties with insufficient void removals,

or unnecessarily extended hold times in the

vacuum. This will reduce product throughput

capability of the machine, affect quality and

increase process times,” said Mark. “Pulling or

releasing a the vacuum too aggressively can

also result in component shift issues or solder

spatter defects. The vacuum rate is extremely

important and should be monitored carefully

and regularly as part of the ovens profile testing.

SolderStar’s SLX adapter solves this problem by

capturing data of the temperature and vacuum

levels at the same time.”

The Solderstar SLX sensor has been designed

to be used with vacuum reflow ovens

and will be built into the company’s new

OvenProbe, a reflow fixture that combines

temperature measurement of matched thermal

masses. Additionally, the feature includes air

temperature and now pressure and vacuum

level measurement.

SMTconnect will be used as a platform to

present the complete range of SLX accessories

together with the SLX reflow system and its

improved measurement performance and new

cold junction sensor which is accurate to +/-

0.1C.

The latest version of the Solderstar profile

analysis software which is available for all the

SLX units, will be also be presented to visitors

at SMTconnect. Attendees will be able to learn

about SolderStar’s advanced SLX system

including the zero setup functionality, powerful

multi-memory features and the new vacuum

level measurement integration.

To find out more about Solderstar SLX and

their other thermal profiling tools and software

visit Hall 4 Stand 226 at SMTconnect, 10-12

May 2022 in Nuremberg, Germany.

www.solderstar.com

Beyond Storage – Totech

connects Safe Storage to Smart

Manufacturing HALL 4A STAND 441

Moisture Management Specialist Totech EU

will return this year to SMT Connect, Europe’s

leading event on solutions for electronic

assemblies and systems, taking place in

Nuremberg from 10 – 12 May 2022.

Totech will exhibit on booth A4-441 alongside

their partner ASYS Group, the Factory

Automation and Logistics experts. ASYS this

year celebrate a milestone year, their 30th

anniversary, and both companies are looking

forward to this perfect opportunity to celebrate

and catch up with customers, old and new, as

well as key personnel from across Europe.

Industry 4.0 advancement is progressing at

full speed – increasing connectivity, generating

data, and unlocking potential like never before.

At the show Totech will demonstrate smart

storage solutions which go way beyond just

storage – connected dry storage solutions

which allow manufacturers to take full

advantage of data to drive innovation, exploit

new opportunities, and accelerate smart

manufacturing transformation.

The costs of scheduled or unscheduled

downtime in manufacturing environments can

be detrimental to operations. Totech faces

those challenges head on and makes it easy

to monitor component status in real time.

They deliver the storage optimisation needed

to avoid unplanned downtime, increase

equipment and production line productivity,

and reduce costs.

The expansive dry storage product range

and Smart Storage Manager software allow

manufacturers of every size to track component

data and connect storage equipment for

enhanced quality and maximized production

performance.

• Minimize component failures

• Minimize component waste

• Know exactly what you’ve got and what

condition it is in

• Make sure very quickly that you have the

right components for the job in hand and can

get it to the right place at the right time

Together with ASYS, Totech are able to

automate your entire shop floor thanks

to a unique product portfolio of storage,

logistics and transport systems, software and

connections, all of which can be seamlessly

integrated with Totech dry storage solutions.

featurecont.

Page 17

Page 18 | ISSUE 52

featurecont.

From bench top dry cabinets to walk-in

dry rooms to fully automated component

warehouse management, Totech offers the

industry’s greatest array of storage choices,

all driven by Smart Storage Manager software.

Totech’s expertise with specialist moisture

control provides the backbone for their

outsourced Long Term Storage Solutions,

LTS², which bring vital long-term component

storage into product lifecycle and, along with

their strategic partners, a comprehensive suite

of interim testing disciplines.

Totech and ASYS experts will be on hand

throughout the exhibition to discuss how

they can support your production and your

path towards connecting safe storage to

smart manufacturing.

www.superdry-totech.com

Air purification for clean

processes in electronics

manufacturing HALL 4 STAND 135

ULT AG demonstrates fume extraction

solutions for emission reduction

at SMTconnect

At the upcoming trade show SMTconnect, ULT

will exhibit worldwide leading solutions for

air purification in electronics manufacturing.

The positive effects of sustainable extraction

and filtration technology on process chains,

product and manufacturing quality, and

employee health will be demonstrated.

Emissions such as soldering fume, laser fume,

vapors, gases, or odors arise at various points

in the manufacturing process of electronic

assemblies. These must also be eliminated

within the framework of legal requirements.

ULT provides mobile and stationary fume

extraction solutions that are used at manual

workstations for the individual assembly of

sample boards and small series as well as for

repairs, but also for integration into production

lines or processing systems for lasering,

soldering, painting, casting, coating, gluing,

bonding, etc.

Visitors to the ULT stand will get first-hand

information on the high level of flexibility and

variability of extraction systems and obtain

concrete conclusions about their own potential

application scenarios as well as savings on

procurement and operating costs.

The efficient capture of airborne pollutants

plays a critical role and only the ideal utilization

of extraction arms and collection elements

guarantees the best possible filtration of all

pollutants and, thus, a high degree of efficiency

of the extraction systems.

Finally, the topics of process and device safety

and customer-specific system construction

as well as extensive service options will be

presented at the ULT stand.

www.ult.de/en.

Yamaha to showcase connected

technologies for intelligent

manufacturing HALL 4 STAND 319

1 STOP SMART SOLUTION brings

together cutting-edge assembly and

inspection technologies

Yamaha Motor Robotics SMT Section will

show how its 1 STOP SMART SOLUTION

is ready to power high-speed, high-quality

intelligent manufacturing, at SMTconnect 2022

in Nuremberg.

Visitors seeking inspiration to tackle emerging

opportunities can see all aspects of advanced

inline assembly brought together, including

mounting, screen printing, and inspection.

The 1 STOP SMART SOLUTION, unified,

controlled, and coordinated through Yamaha’s

state-of-the-art YSUP software tools, raises

productivity and quality to new levels.

Yamaha’s home for the exhibition, and the place

to see it all for real, is booth 319 in hall 4. The

advanced YSP10 printer’s revolutionary design

enables fully automated changeovers, saving

time and minimising operator intervention.

The YSi-SP solder-paste inspection systems

provides highly accurate, high-speed 3D paste

inspection to assess each board and monitor

the print process to ensure perfect boards

always and every time.

Two YRM20 next-generation mounters will be on

the booth, engineered for versatile productivity.

Features including the rotary head, highspeed head, and flexible multi-head options

serve diverse manufacturing requirements and

Yamaha’s innovative low-impact nozzles place

small components accurately. With maximum

throughput of 115,000 cph and features like

the eATS non-stop tray feeder, the YRM20

handles everything from small batches to highvolume, low-mix assembly.

The YRi-V is Yamaha’s latest and most

powerful AOI system, with increased lens

resolution and multi-angle projectors to

overcome common challenges to visual

inspection. Component recognition and pass/

fail judgement powered with AI enhance speed

and repeatability. Inspection programs are

automatically generated using free and open

YSUP software tools, saving time and labour.

YRi-V thus brings the superior speed and

stability of Yamaha’s inspection technology to

any surface-mount line.

Two dedicated demonstration booths will let

visitors explore the full features of the YSUP

tools for inspection support and for managing

the complete 1 STOP SMART SOLUTION.

Yamaha technical experts and sales engineers

will be available at the booth throughout

the event to explain how these innovative

equipment solutions and software tools

support intelligent manufacturing to boost

productivity and quality.

https://smt.yamaha-motor-im.de/

Cleaning machines, cleaning

agents and analytical support at

the SMT HALL 4 STAND 329

ZESTRON will be exhibiting a selection of

state-of-the-art cleaning machines from

leading international manufacturers at the SMT.

Visitors who are looking for a new cleaning

system will be shown diverse, innovative and

proven technologies. ZESTRON's process

engineers and experts from the equipment

manufacturers are available to answer

questions about the technology as well as the

compatible cleaning chemistry.

In addition to the selection of machines and

cleaning agents, the focus is on process

monitoring. Trade show visitors can get

information about innovative test methods

and measuring concepts that help to ensure

the reliability of electronic assemblies and to

optimize production processes.

www.zestron.com

Page 19

DISCOVER ONE STOP SMART SOLUTION

#Yamahasmtconnect2022

YRM20

Mounter

YSP10

Printer

YSi-SP

SPI

YRM20

Mounter

YRM20

Mounter

YRi-V

3D AOI

10 – 12 May 2022

Hall 4 Booth 319

Nuremberg, Germany

smt.yamaha-motor-im.de

Visit

us!

Page 20 | ISSUE 52 TECHNOLOGY TODAY

Are Expensive

Parts More

Important than

Low-Cost Parts

in an Assembly?

by Staff Editor, SMT Today

TECHNOLOGY TODAY

When posed with this question, your first instinct may

be to respond yes because you paid more for it and,

therefore, it must be more integral to the assembly

you’re building. But that is not necessarily true.

When you think about it, any component that affects

a customer is important, regardless of the cost. An

expensive part may appear to have a high value to

the customer. Conversely an inexpensive part may not

necessarily have a low value to the customer. Value

cannot always be associated with price, but it certainly

can be measured in the stress level the manufacturing

team will experience if not available!

This brings us to why a $0.02 part is as important as a $1,000 part – if

anything about the ordered part (be it price, availability, quality, etc.)

affects the customer positively or negatively, then it does not matter

what the price tag happens to be.

The smallest, least-expensive item can bring an entire production line

to a halt if it is not available when needed. This is when value comes

into play: that $.02 part not being available when needed makes the

$1,000 part moot because the assembly cannot move forward until

the inexpensive part is in place. So the value of the small part is just

as important as any of the other parts because without it the assembly

cannot be built.

There are numerous reasons common parts may not be available on

demand, including inventory management challenges, quality issues,

and supply chain disruptions. These cause major issues downstream

and result in delayed deliveries to your customers who don’t care that

the issue is based on a missing low-cost part. They only know that

your company could not come through.

EasySpheres, a worldwide provider of high-quality first run solder

balls, understands this supply and demand dynamic and has a

proven solution. The company maintains a large inventory of solder

sphere alloys and sizes, and specializes in the fulfillment of small,

medium and large orders while guaranteeing ample inventory depth

and quick delivery. This is accomplished in the precise way in which

EasySpheres manages its inventory, shipping all orders within 24

hours, and making the ordering process as easy and efficient as

possible. Working with a company like EasySpheres reduces the

likelihood of delays in building assemblies.

While solder balls may not be considered an expensive item, they

absolutely are necessary in electronics manufacturing. Without them,

the production line – and the build – stops. “We understand that solder

spheres may not be seen as a major piece for a complex assembly;

however, we know from firsthand experience that they are a needed

part,” added EasySpheres President Eric Baker. “They provide

significant value to our customers. Because of that, we make it simple

for customers to order what they need and deliver to them quickly in

order to prevent delays on their end.”

Eric Baker, President,

EasySpheres

Page 21

“We value our customers immensely,” stated Baker.

“We strive to always have enough high-quality, matched

lot code inventory to meet our customers’ immediate

demand. In response to concerns regarding regional

disruptions in supply, EasySpheres has adjusted its

factored safety stock to mitigate any possible supply

shortages for our customers. We endeavor to maintain

a robust and broad inventory of solder sphere alloy and

sizes. It is our stated goal to ship all orders complete

on the same day the order is received. Our analysis

shows that we have met this goal with a more than 97.85

percent rate of success.”

The concept of EasySpheres is that many end user

applications for solder spheres require smaller lot size

quantities than most sphere manufacturers are willing

to provide. EasySpheres combines this concept with

guaranteed immediate delivery, an easy Internet ordering

approach, and a broad range of stock on the most

popular alloys and sizes. EasySpheres provides worldclass suppliers to deliver customers with production

quality, first run solder spheres at any quantities and

excellent prices.

The company offers leaded, lead-free, copper core and

tape-and-reel spheres that are available in many solder

alloys, including eutectic tin/lead and high lead, typical

for ceramic BGA packages. It also offers many of the

industry-demanded lead-free solder alloys, including

the new low silver alloy formulas. A range of sphere

diameters for BGA and CSP ball attach applications is

available from 0.002 to 0.035".

EasySpheres has served the aerospace, consumer, EMS,

medical, semiconductor, BGA rework manufacturing

markets for almost two decades.

Having worked in these high-tech industries for so

long has provided EasySpheres with the experience to

differentiate between cost and value. Baker concludes,

“The $1,000+ part has no value at all unless the $0.02 part

is available and delivered on time, and is able to serve the

purpose it was designed to fulfill. An inexpensive part’s

value can never be solely based on price, but rather

on its role in fulfilling the completed process. If it’s not

available when needed, the build won’t be accomplished

on time and the company building it will not succeed.”

www.easyspheres.com

Page 22 | ISSUE 52 TECHNOLOGY TODAY

LumiraDx Partners

with XDry for

Expertise and

Leadership in Raw

Material Storage

and Preservation

By smttoday editor

TECHNOLOGY TODAY

Founded in 2014, LumiraDx is a next-generation point

of care (POC) diagnostics company that is transforming

community-based healthcare. LumiraDx manufactures

and commercializes an innovative diagnostic platform

that supports a broad menu of tests with lab-comparable

performance at the POC. LumiraDx diagnostic testing

solutions are being deployed by governments and

leading healthcare institutions across laboratories,

urgent care, physician offices, pharmacies, schools, and

workplaces to screen, diagnose, and monitor wellness

as well as disease. The company is headquartered in

the UK with more than 1600 employees worldwide.

The LumiraDx team brings significant expertise in developing,

manufacturing, and commercializing industry-leading POC diagnostic

platforms using cloud-based platforms to integrate health system

networks and transfer patient data and using data to develop

supported self-care plans to improve individuals’ health and systemwide outcomes.

“We are focused on customer experience and dedicated to getting it

right every time,” said Alanna Sparks, R&D Platform Engineer.

LumiraDx prides itself on providing simple, accessible, and affordable

POC testing. As such, it partners only with other companies with the same

dedication to service, flexibility, and quality. XDry is one such company.

“As industry leading innovators, we have developed a state-of-the-art

Platform, to deliver high accuracy diagnostics for community-based

healthcare,” said Alanna Sparks, R&D Platform Engineer.

We focus on providing simple, accessible, and affordable POC testing.

Partnering with the team at XDry provides us with peace of mind

that our raw materials are being kept clean, dry and moisture-free so

that we can continue with our mission – and passion – of improving

community-based healthcare.”

A leading supplier of humidity-controlled storage cabinets for

manufacturing, laboratories and preservation, XDry has more than

15 years of experience manufacturing dry cabinet storage systems.

Founder Kevin McCarten was an early pioneer in the design of

humidity-controlled storage – also known as auto-electronic desiccator

storage cabinets. XDry offers a wide selection of dry storage cabinets

to choose from, including storage for printed circuit boards, moisture

sensitive devices (MSD), optics, laboratory equipment, industrial

equipment, collectables, media and more.

In mid-October 2021, after much consideration, LumiraDx purchased

two XDry systems: an XD1-151-02 and an XD2-502-01.

The XD1-151-02 is part of the XDry 151 series dry cabinet that is sized

to sit on a laboratory benchtop or to be installed at various points on

the electronics assembly production line. Its small footprint and light

weight make it virtually portable, allowing an ultra-low humidity (RH)

environment to be provided wherever it is required. This dry cabinet is

Page 23

configured standard with three stainless steel shelves that

can be adjusted. The user can add additional shelves or

remove them entirely to accommodate larger items.

XD2-502-01 also is part of the XDry line of competitively

priced dry cabinets. The deep cabinet features

two large doors that close onto an easily

removeable and replaceable center bar. This

design allows full access to the cabinet interior,

providing convenient storage for large or oddshaped items as well as standard trays or reels. The

deep cabinet can be configured with one or two X-133

desiccant dryers, providing storage and desiccating

solutions for both long-term inventory and production

environments.

Sparks said that LumiraDx originally purchased

the smaller 01 model from a third-party vendor, but

unfortunately it only worked for a short time. It was out

of warranty with the third-party’s policy so the company

contacted XDry directly to ask for assistance and were

informed that the unit purchased from the third party

was approximately 10 years old. She added, “XDry’s

customer service has been amazing as they offered

us different models at similar prices and were able to

bundle multiple units for us at a discounted price. Kevin

McCarten was very informative and always quick to

reply, which we appreciated since we were on a relatively

tight timeframe.” LumiraDx is using the dry chambers to

keep raw materials clean, dry, and free from moisture.

The company manufactures The LumiraDx Platform and

tests, which are designed on the same principles as lab

analyser systems, to deliver accurate results compared

to laboratory reference assays across a number of

parameters, in a portable, easy-to-use POC solution.

The instrument provides a simple, intuitive user interface

that provides step-by-step testing workflow. It weighs

only a little over 2 lb., uses rechargeable battery or mains

power, and is capable of going wherever the patient is

located. It integrates several technologies and sample

types in a single Instrument, and offers lab-comparable

results in minutes at the POC.

LumiraDx has on the market and in development, 30+

tests covering infectious diseases, cardiovascular

diseases, diabetes, and coagulation disorders, all on

the LumiraDx Platform. Additionally, LumiraDx has a

comprehensive portfolio of fast, accurate, and costefficient COVID-19 testing solutions from the lab to point

of need.

The purpose of the XDry purchase of both cabinets

is to keep the raw materials free from small particles

and debris while keeping them dry. “We decided to

purchase a new version of this original since the original

meets the specifications required to keep our material

clean and dry.”

“We liked the size of the unit since it does not take up too

much space in the lab,” Sparks added. “Also, it can sit on

top of the counter space.” She also said that McCarten

explained about the 502 model, which is four times the

volume of the 151 unit. So instead of purchasing three

151 units as originally planned, the company was able

to purchase one 151 and one 502. The XDry cabinets

allow LumiraDx the confidence that its raw materials

are being kept clean and dry so that they can run R&D

testing confidently and accurately.

Sparks also said that XDry’s customer service has

been excellent. “Kevin replies in a timely manner and

has provided us with many options when looking for

equipment. For example, when I was on the phone with

Kevin, he went through all the differences between the

available units and what exactly we would benefit from.

He then sent me the datasheets of the units so that I

could go through them with my team.” She added that

the systems were simple to set up and install. The front

of the unit is very self-explanatory so that users can see

the environmental conditions inside.

www.lumiradx.com | https://xdry.com

Partnering with the team at

XDry provides us with peace of

mind that our raw materials

are being kept clean, dry and

moisture-free so that we can

continue with our mission –

and passion – of improving

community-based healthcare.

Page 24 | ISSUE 52 TECHNOLOGY TODAY

More of

Everything Boosts

AOI Accuracy

by Oumayma Grad, Marketing

Communications Manager,

SMT & FA Sections, Yamaha

Motor Europe N.V.

TECHNOLOGY TODAY

Today’s end of line AOI systems can detect almost all

visible defects on surface-mount assemblies passing

through. But there is always pressure to keep improving.

New SMT component packages including smaller SMD passives and

chip-scale semiconductors present increasingly tough challenges

that call for greater system resolution. On the other hand, established

component sizes remain in use. In the automotive sector, in particular,

large components like some types of connectors support enduring

industry standards that are retained from generation to generation.

Hence the range and variety of component sizes that the machine

must handle is increasing.

Multi-layer boards are more affordable than ever to produce, and

their use is increasing as designers utilise all viable measures to

miniaturise product dimensions. Surface-mount components are

increasingly closely spaced, presenting greater lighting challenges

such as shadowing.

Also, as assembly complexity increases; each board presents more

features that must be inspected. To address this, inspection algorithms

can be improved and optimised to take advantage of the performance

gains that come with the latest processing engines. The infusion of AI

into these processing engines is an exciting new development that can

drastically enhance and accelerate anomaly detection.

In addition, enhancements that make AOI equipment easier to use are

important to help increase program accuracy and productivity.

Overcoming Historical Hurdles

To ensure that image quality remains sharp as component sizes

become ever smaller, it is important to ensure that the lighting, camera

resolution, and the lens characteristics are optimised. In the latest

YRi-V 3D AOI system, Yamaha combines a 12Mp camera with an

enhanced, 5µm, lens option (figure 1) in addition to 12µm and 7µm

lenses. When inspecting surface-mount assemblies at high speed,

the high-resolution lens facilitates inspection of the smallest 0201

SMD chip-sized parts. It works in conjunction with the YRi-V’s new

coaxial lighting system, which is specially designed to help find minute

defects. This coaxial light can be configured for use in automated

routines down to the level of a single inspection step, enabling the

YRi-V to identify defects such as scratches and cracks in components

like wafer-level chip-scale packages (WLCSPs) that have a glossy,

reflective surface.

Accompanying the increased 5µm lens resolution, the imageprocessing subsystem is uprated using the latest-generation graphics

processing unit (GPU) chips. This has accelerated the inspection cycle

time by 60-100%. The combined effect of the enhanced lens and

processing technology deliver a simultaneous increase in inspection

resolution and throughput.

Smaller component sizes, however, are merely one aspect of

the challenges presented by the latest board designs. As board

designers take advantage of affordable multi-layer fabrication to pack

more functionality in PCBs that have smaller outside dimensions,

components are becoming more closely spaced on the board surface

with successive new product generations.

Although multi-layer boards create exciting new opportunities for

designers, they also present challenges for inspection. In particular,

small components such as SMD chips can cause blind spots when

Figure 1. The high-resolution lens enables minute details

to be captured clearly.

Page 25

placed adjacent to larger parts, preventing a clear view

of the larger component’s I/O pins and their associated

solder pads. Conversely, the larger parts can cast

shadows over smaller components such as SMD

chips placed in between, preventing assessment of the

soldered terminations and any identification and polarity

markings on the surface.

New features including an 8-way projector (figure 2),

available with Yamaha’s YRi-V system, now effectively

overcome these issues. The maximum measurement

distance is also extended, to 25mm. The enhanced

projector prevents shadowing by ensuring uniform

lighting of all features in the field of view. The extended

measurement capability allows close-up inspection while

at the same time handling a broad range of component

sizes from the smallest to the largest.

AOI Enhanced with AI

While the machine’s next-generation GPU performance

has enabled faster image processing and defect

detection, artificial intelligence (AI), or machine learning,

is ready to bring game-changing new capabilities to AOI

- as it is with numerous other aspects of industrial and

consumer technology.

Leading the trend, Yamaha’s YRi-V system has

introduced important new AI-based skills to help simplify

setting up and running the equipment. These include

automatic component library matching, which uses

deep learning to identify component types from images

and so enable the optimum component library to be

selected automatically. In addition, AI is used to assist

3D measurement of components to generate data for

parts that are not found in any existing library. Finally, AI

is used to analyse captured images and assist with pass/

fail judgement. This combines an element of machinebased certainty with the flexibility of human visual

inspection, resulting in fast, accurate, and repeatable

pass/fail judgement.

4-Angle Inspection and Algorithms

Historically, soldering defects are the toughest for AOI

systems to analyse. Some – such as head-in-pillow

defects that arise when solder fails to wet-out against the

component termination - are notoriously hard to detect

using conventional equipment and approaches. Solder

bridges, also, can be difficult to identify with certainty.

Yamaha’s 4-angle inspection cameras have helped to

overcome these challenges by capturing images from

oblique angles, which enables the system to capture

an all-round image of each inspection site. The YRi-V

upgrades these cameras with 20Mpixel resolution to

capture finer details. In combination with the camera

upgrade, enhanced 4D inspection algorithms leverage

the greater image information to increase detection of

problems like bridging and head-in-pillow.

Program Generation and Software

Some AOI systems deliver their optimum performance

when installed inline with other equipment running on

the same software platform. A more open approach,

as adopted by Yamaha, allows users to unleash the full

power of their AOI system when working with any type

of equipment in the line. In particular, rapid program

generation is possible using Yamaha’s YSUP software,

which is available on an open and license-free basis.

The full-featured YSUP software can convert inspection

data directly from CAD/CAM or YGX and also supports

gerber data as standard. Also, the YSUP functionality

in YRi-V offline programming software can create AOI

programs from ODB++ data without needing a YGX file. If

the PCB silk screen is present in the ODB++ data, it can

be imported as a simplified image to help position new

components using the offline programming station. This

can save programmers needing to take over the factory’s

AOI system to scan the PCB and create a template image,

and so avoids interrupting normal production.

The software automatically generates and displays virtual

images of the production PCB without requiring special

skills. Additional automated features include detection

of any through-hole parts, with the ability to generate

suitable inspection data. There are also new features to

support data tuning, including automatic detection of

inspection areas based on component shapes and pad

positions. This enhances convenience and eliminates

any need for inspection frames. In addition, the

software automatically determines settings for lighting

parameters to ensure optimal lighting while minimising

trial and error and reliance on user experience. There is

also automatic position correction, based on the amount

of component misalignment, which helps minimise

operator intervention. Together, these functions can

shorten data tuning times by up to 50%.

Conclusion

Today’s leading electronic assemblers need AOI that

can support them to continue improving productivity.

Solutions are needed to perennial challenges, such as

defects that are difficult to identify. On the other hand,

the latest AOI systems must also handle the challenges

presented by the latest technologies, such as densely

populated multi-layer boards.

The latest image-processing technologies, as well as

cutting-edge techniques such as machine learning, are

now needed to increase defect detection and accelerate

programming and image analysis. The new generation

of AOI systems now entering the market also introduce

superior multi-angle lighting, increased image resolution,

and easy-to-use software for setup and management, to

equip their owners for the challenges ahead.

https://smt.yamaha-motor-im.de/

Figure 2. Enhanced lighting prevents shadowing and

blind spots.

The combined effect of

the enhanced lens and

processing technology deliver

a simultaneous increase in

inspection resolution and

throughput.

Page 26 | ISSUE 52

INDUSTRY

hot off the press

NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWS

Arch Systems Is Still

Growing! Cameron Sobie, Ph.D.

Appointed to Sr. Staff Factory

Data Scientist

Arch® Systems announced the

appointment of Cameron Sobie, Ph.D.

as Sr. Staff Factory Data Scientist.

Sobie has a track record for combining

state-of-the-art machine learning

and data analytics with engineering

knowledge and business pragmatism

to create effective, financially-impactful

solutions to industrial challenges.

Sobie joins Arch from Siemens PLM

and Siemens Energy, where he

applied advanced data analytics and

machine learning in the engineering

industry across domains including

manufacturing, transportation and

power generation at large engineering

conglomerates.

A passionate researcher with a drive

to understand how the world around

us works, Sobie uses this knowledge

to create new ways to make our

world more efficient, equitable and

environmentally sustainable through

technology, data transparency and

data analytics. He earned his Ph.D.

in Mechanical Engineering from the

Georgia Institute of Technology, where

he researched new methods to improve

predictions of material behavior and

their lifetimes in hostile environments.

Sobie brings broad multidisciplinary

experience in numerical analysis

and high-performance computing

with applications spanning power

generation, transportation, materials

science and industrial machinery. His

comprehensive research experience

over 10 years in industrial and

academic settings has resulted

in numerous publications and

conference presentations.

https://archsys.io

Activation on the flow: New

process technology for

high-tech adhesives

With activation on the flow, DELO

has developed an innovative process

technology combining adhesive

dispensing and preactivation in a

single process step for the first time.

This provides users with new options

for designing their products and

processes while reducing costs and

CO2 emissions. The new technology

is particularly suitable for bonding and

encapsulating temperature-sensitive

electronic components and offers

an alternative to bonding processes

previously used in industry.

What is new about the so-called

activation on the flow is that the

adhesive is already irradiated during

the dispensing process, which starts

the curing reaction even before the

adhesive meets the component.

After the combined process step, the

components can be joined.

Another special feature of the

technology is that the exposed adhesive

areas can be additionally irradiated

and fixed after joining. This provides

immediate initial strength, preventing

the adhesive from flowing out and

the components from slipping, which

allows them to be further processed

right away. Whether with or without

additional light fixation: the adhesive

cures reliably to final strength without

any additional process step, even in

undercuts and shadowed areas.

The adhesives developed specifically

for activation on the flow are onecomponent products based on

epoxy resin. The patented DELO

KATIOBOND FA adhesives contain two

different initiators that react to different

wavelengths and initiate curing. It is

only thanks to this dual-initiator system

that the optional light fixation step is

possible. The adhesives are available

with different mechanical properties

and are highly resistant to media and

temperature in the cured state.

In addition to process technology and

adhesives, DELO has also developed

the appropriate device: DELO-ACTIVIS

600 consists of two subunits, one for

dispensing and one for irradiation.

Dispensing is done on a volumetric

basis, with flow rate and quantity

being defined according to process

requirements. As the one-component

adhesive passes through the mixing

tube, it is irradiated via integrated

DELOLUX 503 curing lamps. The

mixing coil ensures uniform activation

of the entire adhesive volume. DELOACTIVIS 600 can be used as a standalone device or integrated into existing

production systems.

“With activation on the flow, we

have developed a complete system

combining process technology,

adhesive and device, which enables

innovations on the customer side,”

said Dr. Karl Bitzer, Head of Product

Management at DELO. “The various

customizable parameters open

up completely new possibilities in

terms of component design, efficient

processes, and CO2 reduction.”

Activation on the flow is particularly

suitable for bonding and encapsulating

temperature-sensitive components.

For example, sensors or connectors

can be bonded in a “gentle” way and

with low stress using dual-initiator

adhesives. None of the components

need to be transmissive to light, and

the adhesive cures reliably even in

complex geometries.

Page 27

INDUSTRYNEWS

Green Power

Generation

Green

Sustainable

Manufacturing

Energy E cient

Production

Recyclable &

Novel Materials

Products that

use less energy

Reduced manufacturing carbon

footprint by as much as 85%

Higher throughput with

microseconds processing

No damage to heat-sensitive

substrates

TheOnlyDigitalThermalProcessing™ Solution

PulseForge® Soldering In-Line

pulseforge.com

PF-004-Mar22-SMT_Today-3.pdf 1 3/9/22 9:14 AM

Page 28 | ISSUE 52

featurecont.

Activation on the flow can replace various

bonding processes widely used in the

industry. It is an efficient and environmentally

friendly alternative for heat-curing, roomtemperature-curing, or dual-curing processes,

can overcome previous limitations, and creates

room for innovation.

www.delo-adhesives.com/en

Europlacer Named as Top

Performing International Business

in Local Solent Awards.

Europlacer has been named the 2022 topperforming business in its category for the

Solent region of southern England by The

Business Magazine.

Covering the Thames Valley, Solent, Surrey,

Kent and the South Coast, The Business

Magazine has a stated mission to inform,

connect and promote businesses in the

South and Southeast. In recognising highachieving businesses as part of its annual

Solent 250 Awards, Europlacer was named by

the influential publication as the International

Company of the Year category winner for 2022.

The Solent 250 Awards focus on the top

privately-owned SMEs and larger corporations

across the region. This year’s event celebrated

new winners judged in 2022 and honoured

business awards postponed from 2020 by the

coronavirus pandemic. This is the first year

that Europlacer has been recognised by The

Business Magazine’s award judges.

Julian Boardman, Group Finance Director at

Europlacer, accepted the award on behalf

of the company at a Gala Dinner hosted

at Southampton’s Harbour Hotel. “We had

our best ever sales year in 2021, which was

slightly surprising coming on the heels of the

pandemic and despite supply chain problems

and staff shortages,” says Boardman. “That

was down to our strong market presence in

the US and China and new product releases

that were well received. We also started a joint

venture with a company in Kenya using an

investment of Europlacer equipment so they

could manufacture printed circuit boards in

Nairobi. As far as we know, this is the first such

facility in sub-Saharan Africa and it is serving

new customers.”

www.europlacer.com

EVS INTERNATIONAL APPOINT 2 NEW

MANUFACTURERS REPRESENTATIVES

EVS International is pleased to announce the

appointment of ARK Manufacturing Solutions,

LLC as its manufacturers’ representative. Dave

Murrin, President and principal owner of ARK

Mfg., will represent EVS’ solder recover systems

in Arizona, New Mexico and Southern Nevada.

“We are really excited to partner with Dave,”

stated Simon Norman, Business Director

at EVS. “His knowledge of the industry and

experience made this an easy choice.”

Formerly Phoenix Marketing Representatives,

ARK Mfg. Solutions has been in business

for more than 20 years, having had the

good fortune to represent some the best

manufacturers in the electronics industry and

serve the best customer base in the market.

EVS’ new Solder Recovery Systems are fully

lead-free compatible. Lead-free solder is used

around the world and many EVS customers are

using the EVS Solder Recovery Systems on

all types of lead-free alloys (SAC305, SN100

and SAC X ECT). In Europe, the European

Union has eliminated the use of lead from the

electronics industry completely.

The price of lead-free solder is three to four

times that of present leaded solder so that

the savings and payback from using EVS

technology has leapt forward, making solder

recovery the fastest payback of all circuit board

assembly capital purchases.

EVS International announces the appointment

of WittcoSales, Inc. as its representative

in Southern California. The dynamic father

and son team support the SMT and microelectronics markets.

WittcoSales offers high quality capital

equipment and electronics consumables

for the always-changing technology of the

industry. In 2020, the company invested in the

‘Wittcomobile’, a 29’ RV that serves as a mobile

office and demo site to better serve customers

and arrange visits with facilities who may not

allow visitors inside the company.

“All at EVS are really excited to partner with

WittcoSales,” stated Simon Norman, Business

Director at EVS. “It is a great fit for both of our

companies. WittcoSales has a great reputation

in the industry for bringing their customer

innovative solutions and we look forward to

helping them help their customers reduce their

solder purchases in these tough times.”

With the new EVS 11KLFHS, users can quickly

recover up to 80 percent of pure solder with

a higher ROI from the waste dross. With the

newfound price-to-performance ratio in

EVS’ lead-free version, every user of waves /

selective solder machines from the thousands

of small job shops to the user of one lead and

one lead-free units have a compelling reason

to invest in EVS’ solder recovery systems and

gain pure solder and an impressive return in

months not years.

www.solderrecovery.com

https://arkmfginc.com | www.wittcosales.com

East/West Manufacturing

Enterprises Expands with Hanwha

Automation for High-Quality

PCB Assembly

Hanwha Techwin Automation Americas

announces that it has partnered with East/

West Manufacturing Enterprises (East/West)

to increase high-quality PCB assembly in its

manufacturing facility.

East/West is a full-service electronic contract

manufacturing company that produces highquality PCBs, custom cables, and electrical/

mechanical assemblies for many different

industries globally. Headquartered in Round

Rock, TX, the company provides industryleading electronics manufacturing services and

optimized supply chain solutions for customers

in a range of industries including industrial and

Page 29

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Page 30 | ISSUE 52

featurecont.

commercial OEMs, medical, automotive, and

military-related device manufacturers.

East/West recently purchased a line solution

from Hanwha Techwin for its new expanded

facility. Andy Salo, East/West President & CEO

said, “We were moving into our new state-ofthe-art 43,000 sq ft facility and needed to add a

new SMT line to increase capacity. We looked

at several SMT equipment vendor solutions,

and chose multiple Hanwha Techwin Decan

S1s for pick-and-place. Hanwha offered a very

compelling solution for versatility, speed, and

overall features including Aegis FactoryLogix

NPI integration, offline programming and

feeder verification. In fact, Hanwha provided a

turnkey full line solution including an advanced

Pemtron 3D SPI for solder paste inspection and

a TSM Nitrogen Reflow Oven. We couldn’t be

happier with the speed and overall capabilities

of the new Hanwha SMT line.”

Jonny Nichols, Vice President of Marketing

at Hanwha Techwin, added, “Congratulations

to Andy Salo and team on their new facility

and selection of advanced machinery for

PCB assembly from Hanwha Techwin

Automation Americas. The future of electronic

manufacturing is certainly bright in the state

of Texas as is the newly forged partnership

between East/West and HTAA.”

With the highest performance among mounters

in its class, the Decan S1 next-generation chip

mounter accommodates both standard and

large PCBs, providing optimal productivity

for batch production, while improving actual

productivity and placement quality and

reducing loss rates. With a placement speed of

47,000 cph and accuracy of ±28 µm, the Decan

S1 improves placement speeds of odd-shaped

components by 25 percent. Additionally, the

system improves simultaneous pick-up rates

by arranging pocket positions automatically

through communication between the machine

and feeder.

Additionally, Hanwha’s Decan family of pickand-place machinery delivers unparalleled

price-performance with single and dual-gantry

systems for chip shooting, flexible mounting

and odd-form applications. Select models are

available with Hanwha’s innovative conveyor

modularity that provides single and dual lane

processing to cost-efficiently address changes

in production volumes when they occur.

www.hanwha-pm.com/en/index.asp

www.ewme.com

Kurtz Ersa Inc. Hires New North

American Director

of Sales- Soldering Tools and

Equipment

Kurtz Ersa Inc. is pleased to announce

that it has hired Ian Orpwood as its North

American Director of Sales-Soldering Tools

and Equipment. Orpwood comes to Ersa

from OK International, a Dover Company,

where he served as their Global Director of

Sales for the last number of years. Prior to

that, Ian worked for Pemro Distribution and

Future Electronics. In his previous positions,

working in distribution for 10 years and with a

manufacturer for 12 years, Orpwood worked

closely with end customers, manufacturers

reps and distributors to find solutions through

collaboration and relationship building.

These are key pillars of Kurtz Ersa philosophy

and go to market plans.

Orpwood brings technical and top-level

customer service experience in Hand Soldering

Tools, Robotic Soldering, Fume Extraction,

Rework and Repair having worked for a Solder

Equipment manufacturer. In addition, he has

a broad knowledge of other bench top tools

and materials having worked for National and

Regional distributors. He has also held IPC

certifications for solder rework and repair.

He has extensive knowledge in channel

management, primarily in North America but

also Asia and Europe having lived and worked

in USA, Canada, Hong Kong and UK.

Kurtz Ersa Inc. Director of Sales-Rework and

Inspection, Todd DeZwarte expressed, “Ian’s

tenure in electronics division has provided

him a wealth of knowledge and awarded him

a stellar reputation in our industry. We are

beyond elated to welcome Ian to our North

American Ersa team!”

www.ersa.com

Incap’s Miroslav Michalik

appointed member of Incap Group’s

Management Team

Miroslav Michalik, Managing Director of Incap

Electronics Slovakia, s.r.o. since March 2021,

has been appointed member of Incap Group’s

Management Team as of 1 April 2022. Miroslav

was appointed Director of Operations Slovakia

and will continue as Managing Director of Incap

Slovakia. Miroslav joined Incap through the

acquisition of AWS Electronics in January 2020.

“I am glad to welcome Miroslav Michalik in

Incap’s Management Team. His position in

our factory in Slovakia has proved his strong

leadership and expertise that fits great in our

Management Team,” says Otto Pukk, President

and CEO of Incap Corporation.

Miroslav Michalik studied electronics at

secondary school and went on to study

production and general management at

degree-level. Before joining Incap (previously

AWS Slovakia) in 2018, he held several roles

in companies within the electronics sector,

from process engineer to plant manager and

managing director. Before joining Incap and

AWS Group, Miroslav Michalik held the position

of Managing Director at Giesecke+Devrient

Slovakia, providing smart payment, ID,

passport, and telecommunication card

solutions. Prior to that, Miroslav Michalik was

a plant manager at Visteon (formerly Johnson

Controls Automotive), providing solutions

for automotive electronics and infotainment.

He also held several positions, including

operational manager and team director, at

the multinational electronics manufacturing

services company, Celestica.

Jamie Maughan who was appointed Director

Operations UK & Slovakia in December 2020

will continue as member of Incap Corporation´s

Management Team with the main focus on

developing U.K. operations while continuing to

support developing the Slovakian unit.

As of 1 April 2022, the members of Incap

Corporation’s Management Team are President

& CEO, Otto Pukk; Director of Operations,

Estonia, Greg Grace; Director of Operations,

India and Sales APAC, Murthy Munipalli;

Jamie Maughan, Director of Operations, U.K.;

Miroslav Michalik, Director of Operations,

Slovakia; and CFO Antti Pynnönen.

https://incapcorp.com

Page 31

Page 32 | ISSUE 52

featurecont.

Indium Corporation Announces

Promotion of Amy Schultz

Indium Corporation is proud to announce that

Amy Schultz has been promoted to the position

of senior specialist I, based at the company

headquarters in Clinton, New York.

In her expanded role, Schultz works closely

with research technologists, engineers, and

product managers to identify potential uses for

Indium Corporation products by universities

and research laboratories, focusing specifically

on universities outside of the United States.

She also serves in a leadership role for multiple

internal committees, maintains company

databases, and performs administrative duties

for the Tech Assessment department.

Schultz joined Indium Corporation in 2018

as the university and institutional support

specialist. In that role, she worked closely with

numerous departments to identify potential

uses for company products by universities

and research laboratories. She earned her

bachelor’s degree in business management

from the State University of New York Empire

State College.

www.indium.com

KOKI announces that Mr. Jasbir

Bath will receive Distinguished

Committee Service Award from

IPC – Association Connecting

Electronics Industries®.

KOKI Company Limited (Tokyo, Japan) is very

proud to announce that Mr. Jasbir Bath, Support

Advisory Engineer of KOKI Solder America, Inc.

will be receiving a Distinguished Committee

Service Award from IPC – Association

Connecting Electronics Industries®.

The award is given in recognition of his

contributions to the “C” revision of the IPC

J-STD-004 standard, Requirements for

Soldering Fluxes. This is the third time in his

career that he has received a Committee

Service award. During the revision process,

Ms. Yuri Misumi, Section Chief of the Research

and Development Division at Koki, helped

him with providing comments to the standard

which contributed to Koki being recognized

with the award.

Distinguished Committee Awards are given by

IPC to those IPC committee members who are

recognized to have made a contribution to a

specific standard or other IPC program.

The award will be presented at the IPC

committee awards luncheon on Monday,

May 9th 2022 during IPC SummerCom to be

held at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee,

Wisconsin, USA.

https://www.ko-ki.co.jp/en/

Libra Industries Promotes

Matt Tringhese to VP of Global

Operations

Libra Industries is pleased to announce the

promotion of Matt Tringhese, MBA to Vice

President of Global Operations. Tringhese’s

career at Libra Industries began in 2012 as

a second shift Production Supervisor within

its Mentor, Ohio location and has grown

significantly since.

Regarding the promotion, Tringhese stated, “I

am truly honored to accept the responsibility

of this role at Libra Industries. Throughout

my tenure with the company, I have had the

privilege of engaging with leaders across all

functional areas of the organization that are

truly passionate about bringing great quality

and service to our customers. This has led to

innovative process thinking and collaboration

that will be instrumental in our strategic growth.”

Under Tringhese’s 10 years in leadership at

Libra Industries, he has successfully nurtured

a data-driven continuous improvement culture

where employees work together effectively

and efficiently to optimize business process

systems that realize quality improvements,

driving meaningful results for stakeholders.

Libra Industries continues to invest to provide

customized manufacturing solutions for its

customers’ complex product requirements,

through its broad range of capabilities, with the

most capable manufacturing team in the industry.

www.libraindustries.com

SCS Announces Opening of New

Vietnam Site

Specialty Coating Systems, Inc. (SCS)

is pleased to announce the addition of

Specialty Coating Systems (Vietnam) Co.

Ltd. The ISO 9001:2015-certified facility

provides conformal coating services to

customers across the consumer and industrial

electronics, transportation, aerospace and

medical device industries.

President and CEO Tim Bender shared, “The

opening of the new location in the Bac Ninh

Province of Vietnam is in alignment with the

company’s strategic goals of expanding into

regions to service existing customers more locally

and grow the business with new customers in

the region. Our staff has been diligently working

through 2021 to develop the facility and train staff

in preparation for high-volume production and

applications development.”

Over the past 50 years, SCS has established

a legacy of innovation and leadership in the

conformal coatings industry. It has been

a key innovator, developing products and

technologies such as halogen-free ParyFree®

conformal coating, Parylene HT® for application

in harsh environments and the AdPro® family of

adhesion technologies. In addition to Parylene

conformal coatings, the company provides

liquid, ALD and multi-layer coating services

Page 33

Hall 4A Booth 128

Page 34 | ISSUE 52

featurecont.

to customers across markets and regions.

SCS now operates 21 state-of-the-art coating

facilities around the world, nine in the Americas,

seven in Asia and five in Europe.

https://scscoatings.com

Seika Offers a Wide Range of Sawa

Cleaners for Quality Assurance

Seika Machinery, Inc. is pleased to offer a

wide range of Sawa ultrasonic cleaners. From

portable, manual stencil cleaners to fully

automatic systems like the Sawa Ecobrid

cleaner that can clean and dry in just six

minutes, there is a solution for any cleaning

application including removal of particulates

from nozzles, squeegees, pallets, misprints

and other parts.

Seika offers technical support for all of its

equipment and repairs for the portable

SC-500HE and SC-5000GUS cleaners are

conducted in its Los Angeles demo center.

The Sawa Ecobrid stencil cleaner provides

a fast tact time in both cleaning and drying

at under 6 minutes. It also offers low solvent

usage, energy consumption and running costs.

The fully automatic cleaner features easy-touse touch panel operation and uses a low-VOC

solvent, making it environmentally-friendly and

resulting in little to no flash point concerns.

The SC-MM7VE Screen Mask Cleaner is ideal

for users who clean a large number of screens

per day, have several size patterns of screens

or fine-pitch screens. It combines ultrasonic

waves and pressured spray to clean stencils

up to 1000mm. With a one touch cleaning and

drying process, the system offers drying with

compressed air.

Sawa Stencil Cleaners are widely used in

the electronics industry to ensure high yields

when screen printing solder paste onto printed

circuit boards. Normal cloth wipe cleaning of

stencils cannot completely remove solder

paste especially in fine-pitch applications.

Sawa Stencil cleaning machines are able

to completely remove solder paste utilizing

ultrasonic vibration.

https://seikausa.com

SHENMAO Offers Low-Temperature

Lead-Free Solder Paste for

Sensitive Components

SHENMAO America, Inc. is pleased to introduce

its PF735-PQ10-10 Low Melting Point LeadFree Solder Paste. Low-temperature solder

paste has become more widely used in

the assembly of surface mount technology

devices because certain assemblies cannot

withstand the same temperatures that are

used for lead-free soldering, typically 240°-

250°C. These high temperatures can damage

sensitive components, causing warpage and

other damage.

PF735-PQ10-10 can reduce the reflow

temperature to below 190°C, thus decreasing

PCB and substrate deformation. Additionally,

the solder paste saves energy, reduces thermal

stability requirements of PCBs and components,

and increases yield rates. This makes it ideal for

SMT devices with sensitive components.

SHENMAO’s PQ10 series of low-temperature

solder paste offers some important benefits

when it comes to SMT assembly. When

compared with SnAgCu, the PQ10 series of

low-temperature solder paste offers reduced

peak reflow temperature, energy consumption,

and warpage of PCBs and components. In

comparison with the Sn42/Bi58 Eutectic

alloy, the PQ10 series offers better ductility,

finer microstructure, and increased drop and

thermal reliability.

www.shenmao.com

Apex Tool Group CMO Sets

Retirement Date; Rich Mathews

Appointed New CMO

Weller Tools announced the retirement plans

of current Chief Marketing Officer Bob Heisner.

Heisner joined ATG in July 2016 and was

named CMO in October 2020. In his time

with ATG, Heisner helped build ATG’s six

flagship brands, APEX®, Cleco®, Crescent®,

GEARWRENCH®, SATA® and Weller®

and repositioned Cleco as a master brand.

His leadership served him well through the

development of key business processes and

ATG’s Digital Center of Excellence.

“What a privilege it has been to work with

this team. The changes that have taken place

over the past six years are truly amazing! It is

bittersweet to leave this incredible team, but I

know they are in great hands, and 2022 should

be another breakthrough year,” said Heisner.

In anticipation of Heisner’s upcoming

retirement, Rich Mathews has been named

ATG’s new CMO. Mathews is a seasoned

global marketing leader with over 30 years

of experience in modernizing and growing

consumer and commercial brands like Lenox,

Irwin, Hilmor and Stanley Bostitch, DeWalt

and Amazon. Mathews served as the Chief

Marketing Officer, Newell Brands, leading

global brand development and centers of

excellence for insights, advertising, social

media, packaging and graphic and industrial

design. He also had operating responsibility for

the global eCommerce division.

As CMO, Mathews will focus on accelerating

brand building and extending digital capabilities

across ATG’s global portfolio. “While I am

excited to join ATG and continue to build on the

great foundation of ATG brands and products,

I am most excited to be working alongside a

team that is clearly passionate about winning

and creating value through building great

brands,” said Mathews.

As a member of the Executive Leadership

Team, Mathews will report directly to Jim

Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, Apex Tool

Group.

“Rich is a world-class marketer and leader,

and we are thrilled to have him join the Apex

Tool Group leadership team. Rich brings

extensive experience building global brands

and creating value. We are confident Rich will

lead our brands to an exciting new level for

end-users, customers and associates,” noted

Jim Roberts.

www.weller-tools.com

www.cyberoptics.com

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Page 36 | ISSUE 52 TECHNOLOGY TODAY

Toward the

Lights-out Factory

Using AIV’s to deliver

Electronic Components

to and from Automated

Component Storage

Systems

by Robert J Black Jr,

Director of Research,

Essegi Automation S.r.l.

TECHNOLOGY TODAY

With the growing interest in industry 4.0, many OEM

and EMS electronics equipment manufacturers are

making steady progress towards the goals of “smart

factories” and “lights out manufacturing”. One of the key

requirements for achieving these goals is streamlining the

material flow between the warehouse and the production

floor, assuring that all components reach the production

lines accurately and at the proper time. In recent years,

the Automated Component Storage System has come to

play a major role in improving productivity and efficiency

for many electronics OEM and EMS companies. By

automatically tracking each component by UID, these

systems keep the ERP and MES software continuously

updated on the quantity, location, and availability of

these components at all times. They automatically pull

the Kit for each production run and automatically accept

return of the unused components when the production

run is finished.

A fairly recent development has been the integration of AIV’s

(autonomous intelligent vehicles) and AGV’s (automatic guided vehicles)

to pick up the kits of components pulled from stock by the Automated

Component Storage Towers, and deliver them to the production set up

area. These vehicles can also pick up the remaining components after

they are removed from the production line and deliver them back to

the storage units which will automatically return them to inventory. In

large factory floor settings, the vehicles can also be used to transport

components from the main warehouse to the automated storage

units located closer to the production line, or to transfer components

automatically between warehouses or automatic storage locations. In

this paper we will give an overview of how these automated vehicles are

integrated and to show several of the ways they can be used to reduce

the need for human intervention and labor in the electronic production

environment. We will also show the equipment developed by the

A unique feature of the multi-interface

module is its ability to link with an

x-ray component counter, and deliver

and retrieve components to and from

the counter automatically.

Page 37

world’s leading manufacturer of automated component

storage, and how it can be modularly implemented in the

factory to maximize ROI and minimize costs.

The Multi-Interface Module (MIM)

The multi-interface module, or MIM, is used to connect

blocks of automated storage towers to elevator modules

allowing the automatic loading and unloading of

electronic components into case carriers for transport

to and from the production lines. As we can see clearly

in figure 2, one side of the MIM is used for storage of

components, while the opposite side acts as the interface

to EEM’s (external elevator modules) and also to x-ray

component counters which we will describe in detail

later in this paper. The MIM is connected to the last 3600

or 3900 module in a component storage block using the

same linking conveyors as other modules. Please see

our previous paper “Automated Component Storage,

Key to the Automated Warehouse for Industry 4.0” for

more information on the 3600 and 3900 modules. The

MIM’s robotic system can handle cases delivered from

other modules in the block, or cases stored in the MIM

itself, and stack them in a case carrier via the external

elevator module. It can also accept an incoming case

carrier and unload the stack of component cases via the

external elevator module.

A unique feature of the multi-interface module is its

ability to link with an x-ray component counter, and

deliver and retrieve components to and from the

counter automatically. By using this counter all incoming

component cases can be counted prior to being stored

in the component storage towers. It is also possible to

automatically cycle count any component stored in the

automated storage tower block during slack production

time or even overnight. The updated count is reported to

both the automated component storage system software

and if the customer chooses, to the ERP system.

The External Elevator Module (EEM)

The external elevator module is available in two sizes,

one for 7-inch component cases, and another for 15-

inch cases. There are two positions on the MIM where

it EEM’s may be mounted, one to either side of the rear

of the MIM. The elevator modules are used to load or

unload component cases from the case carrier. After

Page 38 | ISSUE 52

a case carrier is delivered to the EEM by an AIV, the

elevator will unload the cases and transfer them to the

proper storage locations in the automated storage tower.

When the kit is being pulled for transfer to the production

line the MIM will deliver the kit to the case carrier via

an EEM. The case carrier will then be moved to the

production area by an AIV.

The Case Carrier

The case carrier is a wheeled trolley with a holding rack

for stack of component cases on the top side, and an

area below where an AIV can dock and latch the case

carrier for transport to and from the automated storage

systems. If an AIV is not available, the case carrier may

be manually pushed by an operator using the attached

handles. When an AIV delivers a case carrier to the EEM,

it will unlatch and go about other duties while the EEM

unloads the case carrier and then reloads it with a new

kit of components. In this way, the AIV does not need

to wait while the loading and unloading takes place,

but can go about another task during this time. When

the case carrier has been reloaded by the EEM, the

AMM (autonomous material management system) will

communicate with the Fleet Management software of

the AIV to schedule another AIV to come and pick it up.

This system of not dedicating an AIV to a case carrier

allows the user to minimize the number of AIV’s required

for component transport. AIV’s remain active and do not

sit waiting for kits to be loaded or unloaded.

The AIV (Autonomous Intelligent Vehicle)

Autonomous Intelligent Vehicles, formerly known as

AGV’s (automatic guided vehicle) have been around

for almost 50 years. The earlier examples were guided

by following a track on the floor, usually a metal tape

glued to the floor along the route the vehicle was to take.

Today’s AIV’s are far more advanced, and require no

tapes or markers on the route, but are guided internally

by sensors scanning the front, back, and sometimes

sides of the area the robot is traversing. Modern units

learn the environment through which they will travel in

a process that usually can be done in less than a day.

These AIV’s also can sense approaching obstacles,

or individuals blocking their progress and will stop

automatically and then attempt to find a way around the

obstruction to continue on to their destination. These

systems are capable of traveling great distances at

speed, and we have a couple of large factory customers

featurecont.

Page 39

featurecont.

where components are transported up to 1 km between

warehouse and production line locations. The AIV’s

typically can work up to 6 to 8 hours before needing a

recharge. When charging is needed the AIV will inform

the AIV Fleet Management software and automatically

proceed to a charging station and dock with it. When

docking at locations where great accuracy is required,

a short floor marker can be used for even greater

accuracy, but when traveling between locations, just the

onboard guidance is necessary to guide the AIV during

its trip. The photographs in this paper show the use of

an Omron AIV which was chosen by this customer for

general factory use. Other brands of AIV can also be

used with the Essegi storage systems at the preference

of the customer. This should be discussed and decided

as part of the initial project planning.

The AMM (Autonomous Material Management)

Software

The Autonomous Material Management software, or

AMM, acts as a traffic control system which directs

the AIV’s in their tasks of transporting components

loaded in case carriers throughout the factory. The

AMM also forms a bridge between the ISM software

controlling the automated component storage towers,

and the Fleet Management Software provided by the

MAIN WAREHOUSE

ERP P&P

ESSEGI

PC ON SMT LINE

ESSEGI

PRODUCTION

PLANNING

AUTONOMUS

MATERIAL

MANAGER

SMT LINE

AutoSMD WATCH

DASHBOARD

DASHBOARD

SHELVES ISM 5000 BAKING OVEN FRIDGE

ESSEGI INCOMING MATERIAL STATION

MATERIAL

DATA

KITTING AREA

7

6 18

5

19

8

12

13

9

10

11

15

1

2

14

5

19

16

4

3

21

17

20

Page 40 | ISSUE 52

featurecont.

AIV manufacturer. When the ISM software receives a

request for a kit from the ERP or MES software used

by the customer, it contacts the AMM and requests an

AIV to pick up the case carrier which it has loaded via

the MIM/EEM. The AMM will communicate with the

Fleet Management Software which will direct a specific

AIV to pick up the case carrier and transported to its

destination. The AMM can be programed with multiple

pick up and drop off points throughout the factory and

warehouse complex. A number of zones can also be

defined in the layout. The AMM software is capable to

handle a large number of AIV’s and Case Carriers from

an infinite number of automated storage blocks.

Flexibility – Ready for Future Growth

or configuration

This entire factory automation system is designed with

complete modularity and the ability to be expanded in

phases as the business needs grow. A user may begin

with one 3600 automated storage tower and one incoming

material station used as standalone units. As the business

expands, one or more 3900 expansion storage units can

be added to increase the quantity of components in

automated storage.

When a second block of 3600/3900 units is installed,

the automated transport through the use of AIV’s can be

added. An MIM can be added to the rear of each block

with the appropriate EEM elevator module(s) to load

and unload case carriers transported to and from the

production area by AIV’s. The user may choose to add

an x-ray counter to one of the blocks mounted at the

center position of its MIM. It is not necessary to have an

x-ray counter mounted to every block, as the AIV’s can

transport components from one block to another to be

counted and then returned.

As more blocks of automated component storage units

are added in different locations within the factory, the

automated component transport system can keep all of

them connected as part of one cohesive factory layout.

Common Layouts

Because of the modularity and flexibility of the automated

component storage systems several different types of

layouts are possible. For smaller companies, storage

units located near the production lines may be able to

hold the entire component inventory and pull and return

kits of components right to the production set up area.

For companies with large centralized warehouses,

where large quantities of components are stored, a main

warehouse/point of use model may be more practical.

In this example storage towers are located adjacent

to the production lines with her with a ratio of perhaps

one storage tower for each two production lines. The

components needed for the upcoming days production,

are stored in these towers and the kits are pulled directly

adjacent to the line set up area. With linkage between the

taken place systems and the component storage tower

software, it is also possible to deliver quickly replacement

reels when a component is about to be exhausted. This

is done through an emergency drawer on each machine

which enables it to pull a rapidly needed real even when

it is performing an entire kit extraction. In addition, as

production is run and components are used, the line

storage tower can send automatic messages to the main

warehouse requesting replenishment of components

needed for the upcoming production runs. The main

warehouse storage systems will then pull these kits and

direct that they be delivered to the line side component

storage units. In this way the components that are needed

are stored close to the point of use at the production line,

and are automatically replenished as production occurs.

And many other configurations are possible. We have one

large customer who has a large central warehouse building

surrounded by several adjacent production buildings with

their own small warehouses. They were in the process of

setting up an automated system where the AIV’s pickup at

the main central warehouse and deliver to the warehouses

in the adjacent buildings. The possible configurations are

limited only by the customers imagination.

Conclusions

As companies continue to push towards the goals outlined

in Industry 4.0 and set their sights on achievement of

the “lights out factory”, automated component storage

systems with integrated component counting and AIV

transport can be vital building blocks in achieving these

targets. As the pace of innovation quickens over the next

few years, you can count on major advances continuing

in the field of automated warehousing, component

management, and automated transport of the material

used in production.

www.storagesolutions.it

3600 3900

production line

As more blocks

of automated

component

storage units

are added

in different

locations

within the

factory, the

automated

component

transport

system can keep

all of them

connected

as part of

one cohesive

factory layout.

Page 41

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Page 42 | ISSUE 52 TECHNOLOGY TODAY

1CLICKSMT Selective

Solder Technology

Helps Absolute

EMS Continue Its

Mission of Quality,

Flexibility and

Innovation

by smt today editor

TECHNOLOGY TODAY

Headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley, Absolute

EMS, Inc. (AEMS) is an advanced EMS provider that

applies the highest of quality to everything it does.

The company has a global reputation of offering

manufacturing services in a state-of-the-art, hightechnology EMS facility. Founded in 1996, the company

originally serviced the medical industry, thus its focus

on controlled manufacturing that is both scalable

and repeatable. Since that time, however, it has

broadened its verticals to include military, industrial,

telecommunication, networking, robotics, aviation,

and engineering.

“Our goal is to provide the highest quality in every service that we

provide. Quality, flexibility and innovation are our mainstays and keep

us at the forefront of numerous industries,” said Doug Dow, COO. “We

understand that nothing stays the same for long in this fast-paced,

high-tech environment, so we focus on expanding our reach into other

verticals to help solve customers’ challenges as needed.”

The company’s equipment sets are designed to support

miniaturization, flexibility, and speed, meaning it has the ability to set

up and run a prototype lot of 5 units and quickly scale to 100k units.

This provides extreme value to customers that need manufacturing

support, are in the process of onshoring, or simply need a trusted,

quality manufacturing facility.

Trust and relationships play a significant role in AEMS’s strategy. Dow

added that he and the team create long-lasting partnerships, working

together to identify customers’ needs and provide solutions that fuel

success. The company reaches this level of trust with customers

by consistently exceeding expectations and producing high-quality

products while providing on-time delivery, excellent customer service,

complying with all requirements, continually improving its quality

management services (QMS), and staying updated on its quality and

industry certifications.

AEMS also stands out from the myriad other EMS providers by

focusing not just on quality, but on innovation. Dow said, “At AEMS,

we pride ourselves on driving the forefront of technology in all aspects

of our business from quality and technology to equipment sets,

turnaround times, and service.” As a result, it partners only with other

leading-edge companies, making it a true advanced EMS resource for

its customers and using advanced equipment in its 4.0 manufacturing

facility. Once such partner is 1CLICKSMT, a machine manufacturing

and distribution company that provides customers with one-stop SMT

solutions and quality products from China.

1CLICKSMT manufactures selective soldering, wave soldering and

printed circuit board (PCB) handling equipment under the Sasinno

brand. The brand stands for “Smart and Steady Innovation.” For other

equipment, such as AOI, reflow ovens, conformal coating, dispensing,

printers, SPI, odd insertion, etc., the company has an experienced

engineering team to source these machines and qualify them.

Additionally, it has established a strong worldwide distribution channel.

The company has well-trained engineers to support its customers in

any location.

AEMS procured an ANT-i1 offline selective soldering system in

early 2022 from 1SMTCLICK’s North American distributor Cardinal

Marketing, and Dow said that the AEMS team could not be more

We understand that nothing stays

the same for long in this fast-paced,

high-tech environment, so we focus

on expanding our reach into other

verticals to help solve customers’

challenges as needed.

Page 43

pleased with it. He added, “We appreciate the simplicity

of the 1CLICKSMT selective solder. It is very easy to

program and use, and it delivers superior results. There is

much to be said for swift precision efficiency in the world

of high technology.” As for customer service, Dow added

that installation was smooth and the service that AEMS

has received to date can only be rated as exemplary,

with the local support being a great assistance.

The ANT-i1 is a compact selective soldering machine

with a small footprint of 990 x 1308 mm that features

a drop jet flux, bottom preheating and a mechanical

selective soldering pump. The system comes standard

with Windows 10, a simple-to-use but comprehensive

software that quickly and efficiently locates a fluxing/

soldering path, allowing fluxing speed, soldering speed,

solder height and dwell time to be edited. Also, all flux

types, solder types and solder nozzle types can be

recorded for future repeat production, and all parameters

related to stable soldering quality are monitored, including

N2 pressure, N2 flow, purity and more. Generally, this

software provides a fully controllable environment for a

stable soldering quality with repeatability.

Additionally, the ANT-i1 enables AEMS to reduce

assembly time by eliminating hand soldering, and most

importantly, maintaining perfect soldering quality. Dow

added that the system complements the tight tolerances

and demanding needs of AEMS’s customer base.

Because of the quality that the ANT-i1 provides and

because AEMS appreciates its partnership with 1CLICK

SMT, it has now been designated as 1CLICKSMT’s West

Coast Showroom. “Our partnership with 1CLICKSMT is

such that if they wish to bring a guest into the facility, we

will provide a technical escort to demonstrate and share

our experience with their equipment,” he added. “In

return, they keep us abreast of their new technologies

and provide us with exceptional support. This successful

relationship provides benefits to both parties as well as

to potential customers.”

1CLICKSMT CEO Leo Peng said, “1CLICKSMT makes

it our business to know and understand what our

customers like AEMS need so that we can provide the

best solution to them. For close to two decades, we

have worked hard to achieve our reputation of quality,

efficiency and cost-effectiveness. We truly are a onestop supplier of equipment and consumables to the

global electronics assembly industry. Partnering with

companies such as AEMS on a West Coast Showroom

help us grow and strengthen our reputation globally.”

“AEMS is an award-winning contract manufacturer

known for high-quality PCB assembly and contract

manufacturing services. We are based in the Silicon

Valley where technology, speed and flexibly are in high

demand,” concluded Dow. “The 1CLICKSMT selective

solder system helps us to continue exceeding customer

demands by providing quality, flexibility and innovation

at every turn.”

www.1clicksmt.com | www.absolute-ems.com

1CLICKSMT’s ANT-i1 selective solder system installed in AEMS’s facility in Silicon Valley.

Page 44 | ISSUE 52 TECHNOLOGY TODAY

A Tale of Two

Unigens: How

One Company

Successfully

Combines OEM & EMS

to Meet Customer

Demand

By Jeff Chang,

VP marketing, unigen

TECHNOLOGY TODAY

Rewind to 1991 in Silicon Valley. The first website was

created. Apple introduced the PowerBook. And an

obscure technology company was born. Paul Heng

founded Unigen in 1991 out of his garage, starting out by

brokering memory deals. He recalls that his first deal was

for $4,000 that he put on his own personal credit card.

When reflecting upon the founding of his company, Heng

said that he saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between

the dominant memory manufacturers that were overseas

with the increasing demand for memory components

domestically. “The early 1990s were like the gold rush for

the memory market,” said Heng. “I was able to build strong

and trusted partnerships with both the memory vendors

and the customers, and things took off from there.” 30

years later, Unigen remains one of the few privately held

technology companies in Silicon Valley with the staying

power of some of the more well-known behemoths that

have come to define the region.

Initially, the company was called Henusa, a combination of his last

name and USA. “I thought it sounded a bit Japanese which, at the time,

was a region that I was doing a lot of business with and, of course, the

Japanese were synonymous with quality and reliability. I had built up a

level of trust with several partners in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore

and was able to cut deals worth nearly $1M with just a phone call,” he

said. “Back in those days, I spent countless hours in my car driving

around Silicon Valley knocking on doors to find those deals.”

Page 45

Eventually, Heng changed the name to Unigen when

a trusted friend in Taiwan told him that “Henusa” in

Chinese basically translated to Chicken of USA. He said

that he settled on Unigen because he always liked the

word “united,” and his friend was a true “gentleman.”

It stuck, and the company has been Unigen ever since.

Fast forward a few years. Heng came to the realization

that in order to truly add value to his customers,

he needed to move the company into product

manufacturing. Turning the memory into modules, not

just reselling the memory. So with that, the first product

he made was a PC133 SDRAM module. At the time, a

4Mbit (512k x 8) SDRAM was $55.

Once manufacturing capability was established, Unigen

has been able to leverage its expertise in memory to

grow into other adjacent markets such as SSDs and

Enterprise IO products. The company has continued to

aggressively grow its manufacturing footprint, both in

the United States and overseas in Vietnam. Heng added,

“I am a firm believer that if you do not expand ahead

of the curve, you trend toward irrelevance. Customers

simply won’t wait for you.”

To best utilize capacity to its fullest potential and also

to be more diversified, Unigen decided to enter the

electronic manufacturing services (EMS) business

around 2011, which has been very complementary to its

OEM product business. Heng said, “We were doing a lot

of business with a large hyperscale company in the Bay

area. They approached us and asked if we would be open

to a CM model and, of course, I wanted to support them

any way that I could. At the same time, we expanded our

manufacturing footprint aggressively to stay in front of

our customers’ needs. We had become so concentrated

on one or two companies driving our factory utilization

that we needed to diversify our business in order to ride

through any downside in demand.” Today, he added that

Unigen has more than 320,000 sq ft of manufacturing

space, offering full turnkey services to both internal and

external partners. “It’s a tale of two Unigens,” Heng

continued. “One side is the EMS business and the other

is the OEM product side, with the EMS side being just as

important as the OEM side.”

Unigen’s primary markets and customers service the

cloud, and include data centers, enterprise server

and storage, networking, and more. While Unigen is

still anchored in memory and storage technology, it

has adapted its business model over time to meet the

demands of the industry. The company now offers a full

suite of electronic manufacturing services, from NPI to

full production, as well as specialty services such as

Test-as-a-Service (TaaS) and remarketing. Additionally,

it has entered into new product areas such as NVDIMMs

through the acquisition of AgigA Tech from Infineon

Technologies. Heng has also established in-house sheet

metal capabilities by bringing Coraza (a Malaysia-based

company) under the Unigen umbrella.

Unigen is continually looking at the best way to leverage

its expertise into new areas on the EMS side as well. For

example, it recently entered into automotive (specifically

EV) and medical device markets. Although these have

not historically been the company’s primary industries,

the same level of quality and reliability that its enterprise

customers have come to expect directly translate to these

Back in those days, I spent

countless hours in my car

driving around Silicon Valley

knocking on doors to find

those deals.

Page 46 | ISSUE 52

featurecont.

markets. Additionally, the processes and infrastructure

already in place made this a seamless transition.

As a result of its significant growth, the company

has facilities placed strategically across the world,

with Vietnam being the largest of the manufacturing

sites. Heng said the goal is to have a “copy exact”

manufacturing footprint regardless of the location.

Therefore, if one site has an issue, Unigen still has supply

chain continuity for its customers.

With its diversification and continued growth, it would be

easy for the company to lose track of its values. However,

that is not the case. Heng said that his ultimate focus for

Unigen is to make life easier for customers. “We strive

for longevity, to be a trusted partner in the long-term, not

just a transactional relationship to turn a quick profit. We

offer flexibility in order to meet the changing needs of our

customers and the industry,” he added.

Trust, credibility, flexibility, ease of doing business, and

longevity/long-term partnerships. These values are at

the core of Unigen. With more than three decades of

experience, the memory and storage technology leader

prides itself on its industry reputation as a company that

can be trusted not to cut corners, not to renege on its

promises, to place quality at the forefront of its decisions,

and to meet its commitments. Unigen accomplishes this

by having the flexibility to adapt at both the company

and customer levels and for having the capability of

manufacturing at scale with high quality and reliability.

Having recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, Unigen

has remained true to its roots, first and foremost as a

technology leader with expertise in memory and storage.

However, the company’s staying power has not been

without its challenges and adversity, and by being

flexible it has been able to adapt its business to the

changing markets and environment. Heng concluded

that the flexibility and adaptability may be what he is

most proud of when reflecting on Unigen’s history.

www.unigen.com

Page 47

Page 48 | ISSUE 52

RED

the industry vip s take a bow

incap corporation

supports victims of war

We are all devastated by the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe

resulting from the war in Ukraine which has put a significant

amount of the country's population in need of humanitarian

assistance. In order to support the victims of the war, Incap

Corporation is contributing by helping refugees, providing them

job opportunities in our factories, and supporting the Red Cross.

Our hearts are with everyone impacted by this crisis, especially

with our Ukrainian employees and their families.

Photos taken by Incap Slovakia team members when supporting

refugees at the border.

https://incapcorp.com

Page 49

PRIDE Industries Recognized Among the

Nation’s Top Veteran Employers

The nonprofit social enterprise is named a VETS

Indexes 4 Star Employer Honoree

PRIDE Industries has earned the designation of VETS Indexes

4 Star Employer as part of the 2022 VETS Indexes Employer

Awards. The acknowledgement recognizes the nonprofit

social enterprise’s commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining,

developing, and supporting veterans and the militaryconnected community.

“PRIDE Industries has demonstrated an outstanding

commitment to veterans and the military community through

its efforts to recruit, support, and promote those who served

our country bravely,” said George Altman, managing director

of VETS Indexes.

As the most objective and comprehensive evaluation of

veteran employers, the VETS Indexes Employer Awards’ indepth survey and recognition program analyzes employers’

policies, practices, and outcomes, in detail, across the

following five categories:

• Veteran job candidate recruiting and hiring

• •Veteran employee development and retention

• Veteran-inclusive company policies and culture

• Support for members of the National Guard and Reserves

• Military spouse/family support

“PRIDE Industries’ VETS Indexes 4 Star Employer rating

once again demonstrates our commitment to seeking and

supporting veterans’ employment opportunities,” said Major

General (Retired) Casey Blake, Chief Operating Officer at PRIDE

Industries. “Another strong validation that we’re ‘all in’ when it

comes to supporting America’s heroes and their families.”

PRIDE Industries recognizes that the experience veterans

gain serving our country makes them valuable employees.

The organization currently employs hundreds of veterans in all

areas of the company and has provided support and services

to thousands more in the form of coaching, ensuring job

readiness, and providing employment placement assistance.

“VETS Indexes recognizes companies dedicated to providing

employment opportunities and careers for our nation’s veteran

heroes and their families,” said Frank Goehringer, Veterans

Liaison at PRIDE Industries. “This award, however, really

belongs to the veterans, disabled veterans, and their spouses.

Veterans represent one of our nation’s richest talent pools.”

Resources for veterans include PRIDE Industries’ one-ofa-kind I AM ABLE employment helpline [(844) 426-2253], a

dedicated Veterans Liaison, and a Military Skills Translator

tool that helps veterans match their skills and talent to a

civilian career. In addition, PRIDE Industries can help veterans

access paid internships as well as mentoring and training

programs. And to help other companies increase their hiring

of diverse candidates, including veterans, the company

provides recruiting services through its Inclusive Talent

Solutions service.

“One of the best ways to help veterans is to connect them

with fulfilling and meaningful careers at organizations where

they can develop their skills and grow into senior leaders,”

said Altman. “As a VETS Indexes 4 Star Employer, PRIDE

Industries has proven to be a welcoming home for veterans

and military spouses who want to start the next phases in

their lives.”

Nearly 120 organizations submitted surveys to be considered for

the awards, including large and small companies, government

agencies and departments, nonprofit groups, colleges, and

universities. Of the organizations who participated in the award

process, PRIDE Industries was one of only 24 to receive the

VETS Indexes 4 Star Employer recognition.

https://PRIDEIndustries.com | https://VETSIndexes.com

Page 50 | ISSUE 52 TECHNOLOGY TODAY

Surfx

Technologies

Leads the Way in

Surface Treatment

of Materials

By Graham Ray, Senior Sales

Engineer, Aerospace and

Automotive Applications

TECHNOLOGY TODAY

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Redondo

Beach, California, Surfx Technologies is known for

providing the best atmospheric pressure plasma on the

market. For the past twenty-two years, the company

has worked tirelessly to provide the most innovative

and technologically advanced surface treatment tool.

President & CEO, Dr. Robert F. Hicks said that “Our

mission is to provide our customers with a product they

can trust.” He added, “Our argon plasmas deliver clean

and active surfaces for bonding without any damage

to the most sensitive semiconductor materials. Our

plasma systems are designed to operate twenty-four

hours a day, seven days a week without any down time

for up to a year.”

Plasma surface treatment provides a host of benefits, including

greatly improved adhesion of bonded components, higher yield

of manufactured products, reduced labor costs, reduced use of

hazardous organic solvents, and minimal environmental, health and

safety concerns.

Surfx plasma systems are an excellent choice for surface treatment

prior to adhesive joining, semiconductor die attach, wire bonding,

over molding, thermocompression bonding, flip-chip reflow, underfill,

conformal coating, etc. The company’s team of experts prides itself on

assisting customers in selecting the best solution for their individual

manufacturing needs.

Surfx’s product provides all the advantages of vacuum plasmas (low

temperature, low-voltage radio frequency power, non-damaging,

variable chemistry, and real-time process control), but with the ability

to integrate the plasma tool into assembly equipment operating at

atmospheric pressure. The uniform beam of reactive gas flowing out of

the source is 100% electrically neutral with no streamers, no sparks, no

electrostatic discharge (ESD), minimal ultraviolet light, and no particle

adders. Because of Surfx, plasma cleaning and activation can be

integrated safely into the electronics assembly line for the first time. This

breakthrough enhances product yield, while lowering production costs.

Additionally, the plasma does not generate corrosive byproducts

that can damage robotic systems. The plasma heads are compact,

lightweight, and may be rapidly scanned over flat or 3D surfaces. The

company offers affordable robots for scanning the plasma source over

the substrate, as well as automation to integrate the plasma system

into a manufacturing line.

Surfx’s plasma systems are designed for integration into smart factories,

where surface cleaning and activation is best applied immediately

before the bonding step. This eliminates hassles with batch scheduling,

or with losing the active surface while the parts sit in a storage cassette.

The plasma chemistry is flexible and adaptable to changing process

needs: argon-oxygen for removing organic contamination, or argonhydrogen for eliminating metal oxidation from copper, tin and indium.

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Page 52 | ISSUE 52

Total process control ensures that every part is treated

properly, and its treatment is traceable.

With a mission of delivering the highest product quality,

Dr. Hicks knows that the company’s plasma systems

must perform in a wide variety of manufacturing

environments; and they most certainly do. This is what

sets Surfx apart from its competitors. At the same time,

customers can count on:

• High throughput: The 100-mm-wide argon plasma

beam cleans and activates surfaces much faster and

more uniformly than open air plasmas with 10-mmwide spots.

• Total process control: Surfx machines monitor and

control every process parameter in real-time. Competing

products do not offer this level of traceability.

• Zero damage: Surfx argon plasmas generate an

electrically neutral reactive gas beam below 150°C.

Unlike open air torches, no streamers, sparks, UV

light, or particles shoot out of the head.

• Exceptional quality assurance: Every machine is

tested to make sure it meets tightly controlled metrics

for surface activation rate, temperature and treatment

uniformity across the plasma beam.

Surfx delivers quality plasma products across a range

of high-tech industries, including semiconductor

manufacturing, electronics assembly, aerospace and

automotive manufacturing, and medical device assembly.

Semiconductor and

Electronics Industries

The electronics industry is experiencing profound

changes in technology. Integrated circuits continue to

shrink in size and weight, while providing ever greater

functionality. Printed circuit boards are being used in

more critical applications, while increasing in complexity,

density, and the demand for durability. A well-known

example is Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

These electronics include short range radar with unique

manufacturing problems that require automated, precision

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featurecont.

manufacturing at high yield and with complete traceability.

This is essential to achieve productivity levels that can

compete in this rapidly evolving business arena.

Electronics assembly is all about joining, soldering,

printing, and coating. In every case, two materials are

brought together to make a bond that will last for years

while being exposed to shock, vibration, temperature,

moisture, and pressure changes. Cleaning and activating

the material surfaces prior to bonding is key to achieving

defect-free manufacturing. Surfx’s automated, in-line

plasma systems are designed for this application. “No

matter if you are gluing, soldering, printing, or coating,

in-line plasma cleaning will increase yield on the factory

floor and reduce failures in the field for years to come,”

according to Dr. Hicks. “We guarantee it will enhance

productivity and enable our customers to beat the

competition.” Additional surface treatment applications

in the semiconductor and electronics industries include

flux-free flip chip bonding, hybrid wafer bonding, waferlevel packaging, over-molding, inkjet printing, conformal

coating, thermal interface materials processing, and

optical bonding for displays.

Aerospace Manufacturing

Carbon-fiber composites are widely used by the

aerospace industry because they provide structural

strength equal to metals, but at a much lighter weight.

Replacing aluminum with carbon-fiber-reinforced

polymers (CFRP) improves fuel efficiency and

performance. Another way to reduce weight, enhance

performance, and drive down cost is to bond materials

together instead of using mechanical fasteners. The

most critical step in bonding is surface preparation prior

to applying the adhesive. Traditionally, the industry has

used hand sanding or grit blasting to ready a surface for

bonding. However, these processes present numerous

disadvantages, including operator variability, physical

waste, and composite damage by inducing stress

fractures in the cured resin. In the latter case, the

composite may undergo laminate failure at low loads.

Surfx has commercialized two new tools for aerospace

manufacturing: the nutplate plasma cleaner (NPC) and

aircraft plasma cleaner (APC). These plasmas are safe

for hand operation: They are driven with low voltage,

low temperature, RF power, and they are lightweight and

ergonomic. Treatment is repeatable and reliable. Surfx

has worked in partnership with Navy ManTech, the Air

Force Research Laboratory, and the U.S. aerospace

industry for many years on this technology. Together

they have acquired extensive data qualifying handheld

plasma treatment for bond preparation.

The company offers

affordable robots for

scanning the plasma source

over the substrate, as well

as automation to integrate

the plasma system into a

manufacturing line.

With a mission of delivering the highest

product quality, Dr. Hicks knows that the

company’s plasma systems must perform in a

wide variety of manufacturing environments;

and they most certainly do. This is what sets

Surfx apart from its competitors.

Page 54 | ISSUE 52

featurecont.

Medical Device and Diagnostics Industries

The manufacture of medical devices and diagnostics

presents unique engineering challenges. These devices

continue to shrink in size while incorporating much higher

levels of functionality. Often, they incorporate microfluidic

systems and sensors that interact with the human body

in a precise manner. Voids in channels, dirty sensors,

and reagent beading are all problems that render a

device ineffective. A single atomic layer of contamination

on a sensor surface can disrupt protein binding. Plasma

treatment solves these problems. Exposing polymers,

metals, or ceramics to Surfx’s argon plasma removes

organic contaminants, increases wettability, and makes

fluid transport through microscopic channels much

easier. Increased wetting also enables the application of

very thin layers of fluorescing reagents.

Surfx’s argon plasma systems are well suited for the

manufacture of medical devices and diagnostics. In

this industry, production must be flexible to accept

component volumes that can change daily. Furthermore,

the equipment must have a human-machine interface

that allows the operator to easily move parts from one

processing step to the next while maintaining a high

level of traceability. A Surfx plasma system integrated

with a robot is ideal for this manufacturing environment.

Parts can be loaded into 400 x 400 mm trays and

quickly treated by scanning the plasma source over

their surfaces. Alternatively, a conveyor may be used to

pass individual parts underneath a plasma beam fixed in

place. Surfx’s unique STA-10M may be used to uniformly

activate six-foot-long stents and catheters for coating

adhesion in just a few seconds. As always, the Surfx

team works with their customers to find the most costeffective solution.

Materials Research and Development

More than 300 peer-reviewed research publications have

been generated using Surfx plasma systems. These are

versatile tools for R&D. Plasma recipes may be selected

for surface activation, organic contamination removal,

metal oxide reduction, photoresist removal, and

precision surface modification. By adding a deposition

attachment to the plasma head and precursor vapor

delivery system, the tool is converted into a machine for

plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD)

of thin films. The argon plasma is a true RF capacitive

discharge that produces a uniform flux of reactive

species over the entire exit beam. The process gasses

are changed with the flip of a switch from oxygen to

nitrogen to hydrogen. Surfx’s AtomfloTM products have

been sold to many universities, government institutes,

and industry research laboratories.

Conclusions

Surfx Technologies has developed and brought to market

a true low-temperature, variable chemistry, atmospheric

pressure plasma. Surfx products incorporate the most

advanced plasma technology and are covered by

multiple U.S. patents. In conclusion, Dr. Hicks states,

“We are driven by a total commitment to our customers.

We take pride in our products and services. Our promise

is to deliver the highest quality product for our customers’

most advanced manufacturing needs.”

www.surfxtechnologies.com

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