CircuiTree articles from November 2004

CircuiTree archives from November 2004

IPC needs new organizational model.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... Dan Feinberg in his September column lists 16 IPC accomplishments. He also mentions the trade shows that have become the industry's own; each is a signal accomplishment. I cannot speak for Dan Beaulieu's position, nor that of the USPCA....

A 'secret agenda' revealed.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... I want to thank Dan Feinberg for his well-written and thought-provoking column responding to my recent comments in PCD & M. Mr. Feinberg was fair, and made a good argument. I would just like to clear up a couple of things. 1. The quotes in...

An open letter to the Dans.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... Dan Feinberg & Dan Beaulieu, your articles and comments were well received. I love it when things get stirred up. I agree with both of you, somewhat, and I'm not running for any public office. Dan B, I hear you and your associates. IPC is a...

Beware far east outsourcing.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... I was greatly saddened to learn recently of the closing of the Sanmina (formerly Altron) plant in Wilmington, and the loss of jobs for 490 highly skilled PCB manufacturing people. This plant is one of the leading technology PCB plants in the...

'Letting it ride': Sprig Circuits gambles on Circuit Lam.(TheWayWeSeeIt)
November 1, 2004... Joe Grondona doesn't look like a gambling man. But looks can be deceiving. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Nestled in Vacaville, among Northern California's foothills, Grondona's company Sprig Circuits makes double-sided printed circuits for...

Ultra thin copper foil for HDI applications: a unique, ultra-thin copper foil on a releasable rolled copper carrier system might change the way PCBs are made. Its attributes are explored relative to etch rate and laser microvia formation.
November 1, 2004... The evolution of electronic products, which are smaller, faster, more functional and more cost-effective, has catalyzed the need for HDI technology. As this technology is more widely applied, the need for printed circuits with finer features,...

Fantasy or reality? It depends on your perspective.(Fein-Lines)(use of lead in manufacturing printed circuit borads)(Column)
November 1, 2004... No matter how engrossed you are in a fantasy there comes a time to face reality. With information traveling the globe at Internet-speed we all get to see another's perception of reality. The farmer in France, who enjoys some of the highest farm...

Thermal modeling for embedded resistors.(EmbeddedPassivesUpdate)(Column)
November 1, 2004... In the previous two columns, we looked at the main issues and some general design guidelines regarding excessive temperatures for embedded resistors. Now let's talk about modeling these effects. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In heat transfer...

HKPCA, IPC prepare for 2004 Fair in December.(Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Hong Kong -- The annual exhibition and conference for the PCB and EA industries, the 2004 International Printed Circuit and Electronics Assembly Fair, jointly organized by Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association (HKPCA) and IPC, will be held on...

New automated x-ray for lead free inspection.(Products)(V.J. Electronix Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... V.J. Electronix Inc. introduced the VJE X2500, the first fully automated x-ray inspection system for inspection of lead-free solder. The X2500 provides high contrast resolution at higher viewing angles than provided by any other x-ray system...

GCT develops new diamond coating solution.(Products)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Weingarten, Germany -- GCT announced a new generation of PCB milling cutters, characterized by a 500% increase in tool life. This was made possible by the new CCDia[R]Microspeed diamond coating solution from CemeCon (Wurselen, Germany). Visit...

Ceco reveals 'revolutionary' air dryer.(Products)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Ceco Industries introduced the revolutionary WELL AIR[TM] compressed air water separator. Taking advantages of differences in specific gravities, the patented Well Air uses collision separation to remove 99.99% of water and moisture from...

Solder Coat targets western markets with lead-free paste.(Products)(Solder Coat Co. Ltd.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Nagoya, Japan -- Solder Coat Co. Ltd. has begun to introduce its latest lead-free solder paste in North America and Europe. GTS series is a lead-free solder paste that, for the first time in the solder paste history, can withstand a high...

Douthitt offers metal halide light sources.(Products)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Douthitt offers the largest selection of the world's high wattage metal halide light sources. All Olec Olite and Theimer Violux printing lamp assemblies, OEM bulbs, and all replacement parts are in stock for same-day shipping. For all your...

Dainippon Screen announces new AOI system.(Products)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Santa Ana, CA -- Christopher Associates announced that Dainippon Screen introduced the PI-8000E AOI system for the value-priced inspection of inner layer, outer layer, and resist-coated panels. Using Screen's pattern matching algorithms and DRC...

Seica unveils S40 Valid test system.(Products)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The S40 Valid is a complete system for testing PCBs, capable of performing analog, digital functional, and high frequency digital functional tests. It is ideal for military test applications including LRU testing. The system can be connected to...

Dispense Works introduces micro-machining robot.(Products)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Dispense Works introduced the RP Series robot, available for micro-machining applications. The high-speed spindle allows quick machining of PCBs and/or rework or depaneling of components by following a path or contour directly imported from a...

Salaries of mainland Chinese engineers rise.
November 1, 2004... Hong Kong -- Global Sources Ltd. released the results of its 2004 Annual Salary & Career Development Survey, which compares compensation levels among electronic engineers in mainland China's manufacturing industry. Survey results indicate that...

JPCA Show 2005 now accepting exhibitor applications.(Japan Printed Circuit Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Tokyo, Japan -- The Japan Printed Circuit Association (JPCA) announced it will hold its JPCA Show 2005 June 1-3 at Tokyo Big Sight. The application deadline is Friday, February 4, 2005. The JPCA also announced it has launched a three-year...

A cost-effective methodology for improving system signal integrity by back-drilling plated through holes in backplanes: component and system level electrical performance with counter-bored plated through holes (CBPTH) is investigated.
November 1, 2004... Performance of complex electronic systems depends more and more on the overall systematic and multidisciplinary chip-package-board co-design, modeling, measurement, and technology selection. High Speed Serial (HSS) interfaces have evolved...

The brave new world of 'co-opetition'.(ViewFromTheMiddle)
November 1, 2004... As I reflected on a recent negotiation with a potential supplier, I remember thinking how unlikely it would have been to have this type of relationship only five years ago. Why? Because this supplier is also a competitor. As our industry...

Fine lines in high yield (part CX): the use of insoluble anodes in copper electroplating.(TechTalk)
November 1, 2004... Copper plating involves the formation of metallic copper at the cathode through electrochemical reduction of cupric ions, i.e., the addition of electrons to the metal cations (see Fig. 1, Equation A). Metallic copper that serves as a source of...

Electro Scientific Industries.(People)(appointments)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Portland, OR -- Electro Scientific Industries Inc. appointed Ian Corr as vice president of service. In his new role, Corr will leverage his two decades of industry experience to enhance ESI's customer service offerings. He received a...

Parlex.(People)(appointments)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Methuen, MA -- Parlex Corp. appointed three senior executives to fill key company roles. David M. Price has been appointed corporate VP and GM of Polymer Thick Film and Surface Mount Assembly operations. Dr. Neil Kirby was appointed...

Paramount Laminates.(People)(appointments)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Chicago, IL -- Paramount named Bill Wilhelm in charge of East Coast sales. An experienced industry professional, Wilhelm previously headed global sales of Rigid and Composite for Isola. Wilhelm is based in South Carolina, and will pursue...

Resolution Performance Products.(People)
November 1, 2004... Houston, TX -- Resolution Performance Products LLC announced Mr. Layle K. Smith has been selected as President and COO. Smith is now responsible for all marketing, purchasing and other operating activities of the company.

Sanmina-SCI.(People)(appointments)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... San Jose, CA -- Sanmina-SCI announced that David L. White has joined the company as Executive VP of Finance and CFO. White has over 20 years of experience in technology manufacturing. White received a B.S. in Physics from BYU and holds an MBA...

Excellon Automation.(People)(appointments)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Torrance, CA -- Excellon Automation appointed Roy D. Cripps as VP, Sales and Marketing. Prior to that, Cripps has had over 25 years of machine tool experience including Director of Sales for Ellison Manufacturing Technologies. For a list...

Profiles in flexible thinking: Russ Griffith.(FlexibleThinking)(flexible circuit industry)(Column)
November 1, 2004... As has been the practice of this column since shortly after it was begun, this month's comments are dedicated to the praise of an individual who has made sustained and significant contributions to the flexible circuit industry. With that, it is...

European Union: equipment suppliers craft a global approach.(Cover Story)
November 1, 2004... European equipment suppliers are adapting to the global economy. For some, this means blazing new trails into an already-competitive Asian market. For others, it means cutting costs while keeping manufacturing firmly rooted in Europe. All are...

MicroCraft installs more machines at Data Circuit Systems.(Suppliers)(Data Circuit Systems Inc)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... San Jose, CA -- Data Circuit Systems Inc. purchased and installed two EMX 6151 Flying Probe test systems from MicroCraft. The company's test department now operates five flying probes 24 hours a day, and offers increased throughput, capacity,...

Dow Corning, INVINT team on R & D.(Suppliers)(INVINT Ltd)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Midland, MI -- Dow Corning Corp. signed a joint development contract with Scotland's INVINT Ltd., specialists in conductive polymer interconnect technology. INVINT will develop and characterize novel inter-connect processes based on new Dow...

March Plasma Systems turns 20, announces installation.(Suppliers)(US Circuit Inc)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Concord, CA -- March Plasma Systems announced its twentieth year anniversary of providing gas plasma treatment equipment to customers worldwide. Founded in 1984, its mission is to expand its product offerings to provide innovative, quality...

Dielektra still alive.(Suppliers)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Cologne -- The District Court of Cologne, Germany, held a hearing of the creditors of Dielektra GmbH. Insolvency procedures (equivalent to the American chapter 11) had been opened for Dielektra on June 1, 2004, less than seven years after Park...

Atotech invests $5 million in Werder facility.(Suppliers)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Berlin -- Atotech laid the foundation stone for the expansion of its plant in Werder, Germany. The production facilities will almost double to 10,000 [m.sup.2], while annual production output will increase to 20,000 tons with this 4 million...

Desantage completes $1.25 million financing round.(Suppliers)(Desantage Corp)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Pittsburgh -- Desantage Corp. secured $1.25 million in Series A funding led by the Spencer Trask Software and Information Technology Group. The company has now raised $1.7 million since January of this year. Desantage, a spin-off from Carnegie...

PSI announces system sale to PC Boards.(Suppliers)(Preproduction Solutions Inc)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Greenville, SC -- Preproduction Solutions Inc. (PSI) installed a ValueFab Software System at PC Boards Inc. (Chanute, KS). This system will be used to integrate and automate PC Boards' new product introduction process. "This integration will...

IPC gets new digs.(Suppliers)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Northbrook, IL -- IPC relocated to Bannockburn, Ill., in September. The new office is located at 3000 Lakeside Drive, Suite 309 S, Bannockburn, IL, 60015, approximately nine miles north of the current office. The new main phone number will be...

Lloyd Doyle reports new AOI installation.(Suppliers)(Automatic Optical Test )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Lloyd Doyle installed its fluorescent/CCD system, phasor, at Litton Systems Inc., part of the Northrop Grumman Corp. phasor is focused on the high technology sector of the PCB market, particularly those applications using low-contrast...

RPP hikes prices.(Suppliers)
November 1, 2004... Houston, TX -- Resolution Performance Products LLC increased the list price of BPA by eight cents per pound. The new list price for hopper cars will be 90 cpp and full truck load quantities will be 94 cpp; both FOB shipping point, freight...

Viking sells 2nd Emma to Tru-Lon Printed Circuits.(Suppliers)(Viking Test Services)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Viking sold another MicroCraft Emma test system to Tru-Lon Printed Circuits (Royston, UK). Tru-Lon specializes in high-tech PCBs for high frequency and microwave applications. This is Tru-Lon's second MicroCraft test system, and is part of its...

GBM selects HMS for Desmear-Electroless copper and plating line.(Suppliers)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... HMS received an order from GBM China to supply a horizontal Desmear Electroless Cu "S-Line" and the Reverse Pulse Plater "ComPlate." The "S-Line" is equipped with the newest HDF Tsunami Flood Technology by HMS. The sophisticated dosage...

Gloom: correction drags on, 'recovery' remains elusive; Glee: electronic equipment orders and shipments finally move into balance.(MarketOutlook)(Industry Overview)
November 1, 2004... Electronic Outlook Corp. recently estimated that $1,218 billion of electronic equipment would be produced globally in 2004 (Chart 1). However "production" can have multiple meanings. A personal computer assembled "down the street" using all...

Plexus announces 'restructuring,' closes Bothell plant.(Board Buyers)
November 1, 2004... Neenah, WI -- Plexus Corp, announced that as part of a $10 to $13 million restructuring program, it will close its facility in Bothell, Wash. The closure will affect 160 employees. The Wisconsin-based EMS provider said it will transfer the...

Flextronics weighs software consolidation.(Board Buyers)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Flextronics is considering consolidating its software business under Hughes Software (HSS). As a first step, HSS and the India-based Futuresoft, acquired by Flextronics recently, are expected to be consolidated into a single entity. This could...

Solectron takes $20 million in restructuring charges.(Board Buyers)
November 1, 2004... San Jose, CA -- Solectron Corp. expects to record $20 million to $25 million in restructuring charges in its fiscal fourth quarter and lay off 500 employees in Europe and North America. According to a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and...

Lucent to invest another $70 million on R & D in China.(Board Buyers)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Beijing -- Lucent Technologies plans to invest an additional $70 million on the research and development of its third-generation wireless technology in southeastern China. That move is part of Lucent's commitment to long-term mobile network...

Viasystems downsizes Netherlands plant.(Board Buyers)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Viasystems Group Inc. cut its work force at a plant in the Netherlands by nearly a quarter as part of a realignment and cost-cutting move. As part of the realignment, the company said it would expand the PCB production plant in Echt,...

Annual Aloha Golf Get-Together strengthens supply chain relationships.
November 1, 2004... On a blistering, sun-soaked day in Southern California, an industry got together for an afternoon of golf. While this might seem fairly typical, what set the 2004 Aloha Golf Get-Together apart from similar events was one thing: total supply...

Turning point or 'inflection'?(Finance & Forecast)
November 1, 2004... There are signs of a slowdown in U.S. manufacturing, retail sales, and among key players in the global economy, such as Germany, Japan, and Korea. Higher oil prices are dampening the enthusiasm of U.S. and European consumers. Interest rates are...

The halogen-free diet.(FromTheLab)
November 1, 2004... Halogens have become frightening things. If you believe the rhetoric, they're a real nuisance to the universe. There are those who whisper to us in our sleep that Halogens are evil and will eventually kill us all. They say that Halogens could...

Coming attractions: 2004 International PCB and Electronics Assembly Fair.(Printed circuit board)
November 1, 2004... The 2004 International Printed Circuit and Electronics Assembly Fair will be held on 8-10 December at the Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Centre (Dongguan, China). Hosted by Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association Limited (HKPCA)...

AT & S invests $6 million in Fehring plant.(Fabrication)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Vienna -- AT & S invested 5 million euro ($6.1 million) to expand its facility in Fehring, Austria, CEO Willi Doerflinger said. The company is looking to hire engineers from Asia and the U.S. to help Fehring become a leading flexible PCB plant....

Listen up: HEI, Cochlear announce agreement.(Fabrication)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Minneapolis, MN -- HEI Inc. announced it will supply Cochlear with high density rigid-flex PCBs for implantable hearing devices. The scope of work will include current and future applications, with revenue in the range of $1.5-1.8 million per...

CMK expands Chinese factory for auto customers.(Fabrication)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Tokyo -- CMK Corp. is expanding production of PCBs for auto parts in Guangdong Province, China, to keep pace with demand from Japanese companies there. By fiscal 2006, it plans to raise production capacity at a subsidiary in the province to...

Delphi, Parlex team up.(Fabrication)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Troy, MI -- Delphi Corp. and Parlex Corp. teamed up to focus on the military/aero-space interconnect market. Parlex will provide Delphi Connection Systems with flexible and rigid-flex circuits for various customer applications. Delphi...

Hope still alive for Lares Tecno.(Fabrication)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The industrial consortium of the Italian city of L'Aquila plans to buy the industrial plant of Italian PCB fabricator Lares Tecno, which was declared bankrupt in March 2004. The company employed 250 workers, who are currently receiving a...

Nanya and PPT secure ATI orders.(Fabrication)(Nanya Printed Circuit Board)(Phoenix Precision Technology)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Nanya PCB and Phoenix Precision Technology (PPT) secured large flip-chip substrate orders from ATI Technologies, according to sources at the makers. Both companies declined to comment on the news. Orders from ATI boosted Nanya PCB's total order...

Trilogy Circuits opens Richardson facility.(Fabrication)(Trilogy Circuits Inc)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Richardson, TX -- Trilogy Circuits Inc. built a new, state-of-the-art PCB design and assembly facility located in Richardson, Texas. From concept to finished product, Trilogy Circuits' new operation offers one-stop shopping for the electronics...

Events.(Calendar)
November 1, 2004... November 9, 2004 Determining the Bottom Line: Effective Cost/Margin Analysis in a IMS/PCB Organization Hosted by Hallmark Circuits (San Diego, CA) Contact: SusanFilz@ipc.org November 9-10, 2004 Designer Learning Symposium...