Technical Library | 2007-04-25 21:54:26.0
Globalization and increased competition requires an enterprise to focus on cost reduction, improved manufacturing processes and higher standards of quality. Effective yield management using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is crucial for the success of any manufacturing organization. An ERP system provides the infrastructure for consolidating all business operations by integrating the information flow across functions, including production planning and control.
Technical Library | 2007-05-17 16:44:37.0
In the quest for quality, selecting the right Statistical Process Control (SPC) Software system doesn't boil down to a simple functional "fit-to-requirements" anymore. Once the expert domain of highly focused, independent software developers, the competitive landscape has changed dramatically with the influx of big-name ERP software providers who are aggressively promoting integrated quality modules within an all-encompassing business application framework.
Technical Library | 2007-05-30 19:30:22.0
Transition to lead-free is accelerating and when considering constraints related to lead-free and conventional solder pastes, one concern is rising: flexibility. It would be dangerous to commit to lead-free only while the technology is not yet stabilized. Manufacturers need to consider all of the issues related to lead-free and need to find flexible equipment which are able to adapt to both conventional and lead-free constraints.
Technical Library | 2007-07-12 14:29:37.0
Over the last ten years, there have been a large number of publications describing work into lead free electronics soldering. They have come from all regions of the world and from academic organisations, individual companies and consortia. Although a number of these studies have culminated in "production trials", these have invariably been on a limited scale and they were essentially a demonstration, rather than the first step to implementation.
Technical Library | 2007-09-13 16:58:52.0
With the use of laser light for reflow having been established, all that remains is to apply it to best effect. Each time a laser is fired, it pumps a specific amount of energy at a particular wavelength to a particular point in space. Where technique comes in is choosing where and for how long to apply that light along with the application of accessory equipment to optimize solder paste reflow. This presentation covers the specifics of how to determine which process choices are the right process choices based on the needs of your product to maximize yield and throughput.
Technical Library | 2008-04-22 16:57:45.0
Design workflow is the core to your design team's competitive advantage; it’s the conduit by which you turn your team's expertise and ideas into manufacturable products. And yet, all engineering teams face the challenge of maximizing their productivity within limited financial resources. How can the less-capitalized teams develop a design workflow that competes with the highly-capitalized teams? Simple: open tools.
Technical Library | 2008-05-07 17:54:58.0
Tracking goods through manufacturing was originally accomplished with pencil, paper and human input. Barcodes introduced an automated, machine-readable tracking mechanism that streamlined all types of manufacturing. But modern printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies are running into limitations because of barcode labels. And though barcodes and RFID tags will co-exist, the relatively large barcode labels have to find increasingly scarce real estate on high density boards.
Technical Library | 2009-07-15 12:14:31.0
The increasing demand for smaller & smaller portable electrical devices is leading to the increasing usage of extremely small components in the SMT assembly lines. With the introduction of 01005 packages in mass production, all the different stages of the line are facing new challenges: from board design, through component placement to reflow process. Each stage introduces some specific types of defect which are considered impossible to repair due to the small size of the package. AOI has become an essential tool to enable good yield in the assembly of 01005.
Technical Library | 2010-05-20 17:17:03.0
As several industry pundits have expressed in recent years: "the era of 'one test method fits all' seems well behind us." For most test managers with even a modest mix of products, trying to formulate a test policy/philosophy has become a tricky balancing act at the best of times. James Stanbridge, Sales Manager UK for JTAG Technologies, and Steve Lees Managing Director of ATE Solutions look at the options.
Technical Library | 2011-03-03 16:54:47.0
Most of the electronics industry by now knows about tin whiskers. They know whiskers are slim metallic filaments that emanate from the surface of tin platings. They know these filaments are conductive and can cause shorts across adjacent conductors. And they know that these shorts can cause some really bad failures (see nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/ for a list longer than you need). But, with all of this knowledge, the industry is still struggling on how to predict and prevent these "Nefarious Needles of Pain".
