At the show, KIC will launch its groundbreaking Thermal Analysis System software featuring the new OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) feature and the Common Recipe Finder. These innovations are designed to provide manufacturers with actionable insights, enabling them to not only “see where they’re going” but also to “know where they’ve been.” KIC’s solutions are engineered to enhance production efficiency, quality, and sustainability in the electronics manufacturing industry.

Key Exhibits at Elektronikmessen E-24:

KIC Smart Profiler System (SPS):

• See Where You’re Going – Process and Recipe Setup:
  • Fast NPI: Accelerate product launch cycles with rapid and precise profiling.
  • High Reliability and Quality: Ensure consistent product quality with optimized recipes.
  • OEE: Improve equipment performance and minimize downtime with common recipes.
  • High Volume Manufacturing: Optimize for maximum throughput and efficiency.
  • Sustainability: Reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint with eco-friendly practices.

Automatic Profiling During Production:

• Know Where You’ve Been – Value-Add, Cost-Effective Automatic Profiling:
  • Automatic Profiling: Streamline profiling processes for cost-effective operations.
  • Oven Performance Tracking: Monitor and enhance oven performance with real-time data.
  • Traceability: Achieve full traceability with detailed reports and data tracking.
  • Easy Audit Reports: Simplify compliance and audit procedures with intuitive reporting tools.
  • Process Control: Maintain optimal process conditions for superior results.
  • MES/CFX/Hermes Integration: Seamlessly integrate with Manufacturing Execution Systems and communication standards.

Visit KIC at Booth C-4632 to experience firsthand how their smart factory ecosystem helps customers achieve faster NPI, higher quality and reliability, increased volume and productivity, reduced energy consumption, and improved overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). KIC’s innovative solutions are designed to empower businesses to drive continuous improvement and achieve their production goals with precision.

For more information about KIC, visit www.kicthermal.com.

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High-frequency ultrasound is used when the finest particles and minimal film
contamination need to be cleaned from sensitive or finely structured surfaces. This is
the case, for example, in semiconductor production, microsystems technology and
electronics, precision optics, analysis, laser and vacuum technology as well as medical
technology. In order to reliably achieve the cleanliness requirements defined for
perfect functioning and to avoid damaging or impairing the sensitive components,
regular checks of the vibration characteristics and the calculation of cleaning-relevant
key figures are essential quality parameters. For these applications, Ecoclean has
extended the measuring range of the innovative Acoustic Performance Measurement
(APM) technology, which was previously used to measure ultrasonic frequencies up to
132 kHz inline without contact, to two megahertz on the basis of laser acoustics.

Reliable detection of the frequency spectrum proven by test series
The development of the new APM measuring system was preceded by a series of tests
with a laser-acoustic microphone. The tests were carried out in an ultrasonic multi-bath immersion system UCMSmartLine and with ultrasonic systems with 500 kHz and
1,000 kHz plate transducers. In addition, plate transducers with oscillation frequencies
of 40, 80 and 120 kHz already present in the cleaning system were included in the tests
and the results were compared with the previous APM technology with condenser
microphones.

On the one hand, the tests proved that the signal-to-noise ratio in the entire frequency
band is high enough to detect sound waves up to 2 MHz. On the other hand, the aim
was to determine at what distance from the bath surface the laser acoustic
microphone must be used so that an adequate frequency spectrum can still be
calculated despite the increasing attenuation of the sound waves by the air as the
frequency increases. Due to the high sensitivity of the laser acoustic microphone, the
distance is comparable to the condenser microphone used to measure low-frequency
ultrasound.

Advantages due to contactless and motionless measurement
In contrast to hydrophones, measurement with the APM solution takes place without
direct contact with the medium and without movement. This results in various
advantages. For example, contamination of the media by the measuring system is
ruled out and it can also be used in applications with aggressive chemicals without
contaminating the bath or damaging the measuring technology. The motionless
measurement also ensures that it can be carried out reproducibly and inline. In
addition, APM technology makes it possible to detect ultrasonic frequency and sound
pressure even through “walls”. It can therefore also be used in closed cleaning and
rinsing tanks, which are required, for example, when using pressure change processes
(vacuum flood cleaning processes such as PPC – Pulsated Pressure Cleaning), as well as
in chamber cleaning systems. Appropriate manual calibrators are available for a quick
and simple function check of the laser acoustic and condenser microphones used for
the APM system on site.

Stationary measurement or at time intervals – also as a service
The measuring system is available both as a stationary solution and in a portable
version for occasional checks. In the stationary version, the microphone is attached to
the automatic conveyor. The ultrasonically equipped cleaning and rinsing tanks are
then approached one after the other and the measurements are carried out without
contact so that the results are comparable. The values determined for ultrasonic
frequency and power are transferred to the software of the measuring solution,
evaluated by algorithms and compared with the previously defined and stored target
values and saved. In the event of deviations, the system issues a warning or error
message.

Users who use the classic APM system for low-frequency ultrasound but also use
ultrasound with frequencies above 132 kHz, for example in rinsing processes, can
simply swap the microphone and evaluation unit and thus monitor both low-frequency
and high-frequency ultrasound.

For measurements with the portable version, the microphone is aligned to the
respective ultrasonic tank using a holder and records the vibration spectrum in the
tank. During analysis and evaluation by the software, the measured actual values are
compared with the target parameters defined as reference values for the respective
treatment station. All measurements are documented in PDF reports for seamless
verification.

The company also offers mobile control measurements as a manufacturer-independent service for cleaning systems in which ultrasound is installed.

www.ecoclean-group.net

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Technological change has been progressing ever more rapidly for years and is having a major impact on the world of work. Advances in the areas of digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are creating new opportunities: for example, work processes can be automated as well as accelerated and new innovations can be implemented. However, these changes also bring new challenges: many companies are finding it increasingly difficult to find suitable skilled workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the demands of modern industry. The consequences of this shortage of skilled labour are manifold: production delays, an additional workload for the existing workforce, financial losses and reduced competitiveness.

In this context, training and further education programmes are becoming increasingly important. Rehm Thermal Systems, a global manufacturer of reflow soldering systems with convection, condensation or vacuum, drying and coating systems, functional test systems and numerous customized special systems for the electronics industry, recognized the importance of lifelong learning at an early stage and actively invested in the development of its own employees and customer employees in order to successfully meet the challenges of the future. And its success proves it right: as in previous years, some user trainings can no longer be booked for the current year.

The “new” Rehm Academy

In order to be able to further expand the portfolio in the coming years and counteract long waiting times, the company has decided to move the Rehm Academy to a larger adjoining building. With over 800 m² spread over two floors, the new premises at the company headquarters in Blaubeuren-Seissen offer optimal conditions for practical learning: five training rooms with modern equipment and two machine rooms with different Rehm systems. The offer includes user trainings as well as course solutions in the area of software.

User trainings – practical and application-orientated

The user trainings teach both theoretical content from the field of process technology and practical skills relating to operation and maintenance. The trainers always focus on the individual process requirements and work scenarios. This guarantees that the customer receives optimum support for the specific requirements of production. Customized user trainings are also available on request at the customer’s premises.

The Rehm Academy currently offers one- or two-day user trainings for various systems (Vision Series [with vacuum option], Condenso Series, Protecto Series and RDS Drying Systems). The training courses can be booked for users in different roles.

Expertise for modern industry

Industrial companies are faced with the challenge of optimizing their processes, increasing efficiency and at the same time reacting flexibly to market changes. Software solutions play a decisive role here. They not only enable the automation of processes, but also provide valuable insights through data analyses and support decision-making at all levels.

Due to the expansion of the Rehm Academy in terms of space and personnel, new software training courses on the following topics can be offered from September:

ViCON / six hours of face-to-face training

With ViCON, Rehm Thermal Systems has designed and realized software that meets all the requirements of modern, networked and, above all, future-oriented electronics production: the ViCON software impresses with a variety of analysis tools, the highest quality and the ability to access the software with different devices. The software is also intuitive to use thanks to the use of touch elements and gestures. All messages, commands and parameters are visible in the main mask with machine view.

The training offered looks at the topic of disaster recovery and examines in detail backup solutions, system recovery after replacing a defective SSD, importing an image backup as well as importing and exporting a ViCON backup.

Hermes / one hour of face-to-face training

Efficiency, simplicity, adaptation to demand and networking are the keywords that characterize today’s industry. In a smart factory, it is essential that the entire production process is networked and that all process data and assembly data can be accessed at any time: “the Hermes Standard” is the successor to the SMEMA interface. It ensures that important assembly information is reliably transmitted from machine to machine (M2M) and to higher-level systems – regardless of the manufacturer of the systems in an SMT line.

The training course of the Rehm Academy deals with the basics, functionality, operation and advantages of this interface as well as the variants and options.

MES mit ROI oder CFX / four hours of face-to-face training

In the age of digitalization, manufacturing companies are increasingly relying on process-oriented production management systems (MES). These systems continuously collect all operating data along the material flow for an individual production line and make it available to the higher-level enterprise resource planning system (ERP) via an interface (ROI/CFX).

This course covers the basics and importance of MES systems and the ROI/CFX standard in modern manufacturing. It also looks at how MES systems interact and exchange data with other Industry 4.0 components, including ROI/CFX. And it deals with methods for collecting, processing and analyzing production data through MES, transmission via ROI/CFX, the use of MES and ROI/CFX to optimize manufacturing processes and increase production efficiency and the use of MES and ROI/CFX to improve product quality and compliance with industry standards.

You are interested or have questions?

As part of this year’s Technology Days, Rehm Thermal Systems is offering guided tours through the new Rehm Academy premises on 11 and 12 September 2024. All important information about the event and registration can be found online at www.rehm-group.com/technology-days.html.

Alternatively, you are welcome to contact Ms Annalena Weiss, Organizational Manager Rehm Academy, on +49 7344 9606-433 or by e-mail at a.weiss@rehm-group.com.

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In Hall 5 at Booth 5411, the Rehm experts will inform you about the wide range of applications of the ProtectoXP as well as the new integrated 3D height sensor of this dispensing and coating system and will be happy to answer all your questions.

The system impresses with its process reliability, solid mechanical engineering and versatile applicators, which allow the user a wide range of possible applications: in addition to dispensing, the ProtectoX series amazes with the ability to create freely defined three-dimensional enclosure shapes through simple application. Immediate curing of UV coatings is possible with ProtectoX systems as well as moulding or bonding of different materials.

The series operates through the intuitive ViCON Protecto software, which is particularly user-friendly thanks to a newly developed touchscreen interface. It features numerous software capabilities, including the ability to directly import eCAD data and image files for optimizing the coating process through trimming. Furthermore, coating programmes can be created directly on the machine or at an offline workstation.

We look forward to your visit and the opportunity to discuss the individual challenges of your manufacturing or production with you in person: we will find the right solution for you – in keeping with the tradition of the state of inventors and tinkerers!

To learn more, visit www.rehm-group.com.

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Texas Instruments’ (TI) extensive global supplier network comprises over 10,000 companies, which ASMPT is among an elite group of suppliers selected for exemplary performance in the areas of cost, environmental and social responsibility, technology, responsiveness, assurance of supply, and quality.

“ASMPT is honoured to receive this prestigious award from Texas Instruments for the second year running,” said Joseph Poh Tson Cheong, Senior Vice President, ASMPT. “The standards for this award are very high, and to achieve it for two years is a wonderful testament highlighting our commitment to sustained customer success and strong partnerships.”

“As a key supplier to TI, we are committed to actively engage in offering continuous comprehensive support for assembly equipment across all types of supply chain conditions, thereby helping them to drive progress with their roadmap and achieve their goals.”

To learn more about ASMPT, please visit us at asmpt.com.

The post ASMPT Wins Exclusive Texas Instruments Supplier Excellence Award for Second Year Running appeared first on SMT Today.

) has been placed in the “Gartner^® Hype Cycle for Revenue and Sales Technology, 2024” as a Sample Vendor in the “Composite Applications” category. “Gartner Hype Cycles are graphic representations of the maturity, relevancy and adoption rate of emerging and mainstream innovations. CIOs and IT leaders can use Hype Cycles and associated Priority Matrices to strategize roadmaps for investing in the right innovations at the right time.“

Fit for the future with composable architecture

In the “Hype Cycle for Revenue and Sales Technology, 2024”, iTAC is positioned as a Sample Vendor in the “Composite Applications” segment. We believe that iTAC is therefore setting a good example in this area.

“Composable stands for a modern IT architecture concept in which systems and applications are composed of modular, reusable and independent components. These components can include different types of software modules, microservices, containers or applications and can be developed using different technologies and platforms. They are designed to be easily combinable, interchangeable and scalable in order to be able to react quickly to business requirements and market changes. These trends and the continuing digitalization and automation in the manufacturing industry are driving the development of MES/MOM systems.

The switch from monolithic systems to microservice-oriented architectures therefore enables greater independence, flexibility and agility,” explains Martin Heinz, board member of iTAC Software AG.

The Manufacturing Operations Management solution iTAC.MOM.Suite works according to this principle, setting new standards in the manufacturing industry. The MOM combines Manufacturing Execution System (MES) functions with real-time solutions for controlling, optimizing and forecasting production processes. It has all the necessary functions for networking and automating processes. The open and service-oriented architecture simplifies data exchange and forms the basis for seamless integration into existing platform concepts. The microservices approach makes it easy to add new functionalities as required.

Martin Heinz says: “We think the recognition in the Gartner report confirms that our production management system is fit for the future.“

Read the full report here: https://www.itacsoftware.com/de/media/analysten-reports/gartner-report

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Tech Gear Ltd. is an emerging supplier and service provider in the electronics manufacturing industry, offering comprehensive solutions in production and control. Located in the dynamically developing M59 business park in Székesfehérvár, Tech Gear Ltd. is equipped with various systems for product presentations and educational purposes.

With this partnership, Tech Gear Ltd. will provide installation, training, servicing, process support and consulting for Anda Technologies’ cutting-edge solutions, including high-precision automated fluid dispensers, coating machines, UV & thermal curing ovens, and plasma surface cleaning equipment.

“We are excited to collaborate with Tech Gear Ltd. to bring our advanced technologies to the Hungarian market,” said Abby Tsoi, CEO at Anda Technologies. “Their expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction make them an ideal partner to represent our brand and support our customers.”

Daniel Prait, Technical Manager at Tech Gear Ltd. expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Anda Technologies innovative products and our dedication to providing top-notch service and support create a powerful combination. We look forward to showcasing Anda’s solutions and helping our customers achieve new levels of efficiency and precision in their manufacturing processes.”

For more information about Tech Gear Ltd., visit www.techgear.hu.

To learn more about Anda, visit www.anda.us.

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Among men alone – women are still underrepresented in technical professions. Even at Rehm Thermal Systems, the proportion of women in STEM professions is only slowly increasing. This must change! This is why Rehm Thermal Systems has been cooperating with schools in the region for years as part of educational partnerships and is happy to use every opportunity to support young people in their career choices according to their interests and abilities and free from stereotypes.

On the morning of 19 July 2024, some students from years eight and nine at the Anne-Frank secondary school in Laichingen visited the headquarters of Rehm Thermal Systems in Blaubeuren. They were warmly welcomed by the HR department, represented by Head of Human Resources Joachim Erhard and Natalie Werner. This was followed by a brief introduction of the company and a presentation of the various training opportunities at Rehm Thermal Systems by the training officers Fabian Neumann and Daniel Eißler.

A highlight for everyone: the handicraft project with the team led by Tobias Sauter, Trainer Mechatronics, about soldering. The pupils soldered components onto circuit boards with the aim of building a functioning water level indicator for plants – the Panda Plant Guardian. This gave them a hands-on experience of how the Rehm reflow soldering systems work, which are used to solder electrical components onto circuit boards that are later used in sensitive electronics, as well as the importance of special care when soldering.

The morning was rounded off with a company tour, during which the students were able to get a taste of the various departments at Rehm Thermal Systems and had the opportunity to see the various reflow soldering systems as well as coating and drying systems live.

We would like to thank our visitors for their keen interest and wish them all the best for the final phase of their school career – we are already looking forward to meeting the students who have registered directly for an internship at Rehm Thermal Systems and will be registering in the future!

To learn more, visit www.rehm-group.com.

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As an internationally active company, Rehm Thermal Systems fulfils its responsibility to protect the environment in a variety of ways: by using predominantly regional raw materials, low material consumption, short transport routes through productions in Germany and China and reliable recycling of materials, high-quality and durable systems with low energy consumption and minimal emissions are manufactured on which customers can sustainably produce new technologies for the energy transition.

For some years now, hydrogen has been seen as a beacon of hope for the energy and climate transition: in hydrogen fuel cells, it acts as a fuel and oxygen as an oxidizing agent. This chemical energy is converted directly into electrical energy and heat. The applications for hydrogen fuel cells range from heat and power supply to the propulsion of vehicles, aircraft and ships.

Within the process chain for manufacturing fuel cells, Rehm Thermal Systems offers innovative drying systems. These are used to produce both PEM cells – the so-called low-temperature fuel cells – and the high-temperature fuel cells based on ceramic (SOFC) or metallic (MSC) membrane materials. The Rehm experts will be on hand in Hall 4 at Booth 4C19 to advise you on the individual options and system configurations for your fuel cell production.

Optimal drying process for reliable results

The heat management of the Rehm drying system with upper and lower heaters works with infrared radiation (IR) and/or convection to dry a wide range of materials. By implementing these two heat transfer processes, the systems are optimally designed for processing coating materials that contain solvents. The exceptional thermal insulation of the heating zones and the individually adjustable temperatures allow for optimum profiling of your drying processes – perfectly tailored to the requirements in fuel cell production.

Simple operation and process traceability

The Visu operating software of the Rehm drying systems has an intuitive touch interface, which facilitates a familiarization with the software and significantly reduces the need for operator training: All the relevant parameters are visible at a glance on the main screen with its machine view. In addition, the drying process can be documented for each product using appropriate tools and can be integrated into the traceability programme.

We look forward to your visit and the opportunity to discuss the individual challenges of your manufacturing or production with you in person: we will find the right solution for you – in keeping with the tradition of the state of inventors and tinkerers!

To learn more, visit www.rehm-group.com.

About Rehm Thermal Systems

Rehm Thermal Systems is a specialist in the field of thermal system solutions for the electronics and photovoltaic industries and is recognized as a leader in technology and innovation for the modern and cost-effective manufacturing of electronic assemblies. As a global manufacturer, we offer a wide range of products, including convection, condensation, or vacuum reflow soldering systems, drying and coating equipment, functional testing systems, equipment for the metallization of solar cells, and numerous custom solutions. With over 30 years of industry experience, we operate in all significant growth markets and provide innovative manufacturing solutions that set industry standards. 

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“Whether for electromobility, renewable energies or industrial automation and motor control systems – in the course of the energy transition, electricity is increasingly becoming the dominant energy source,” explains David Felicetti, Business Development & Product Marketing Manager, at ASMPT. “But especially in power electronics, conventional joining technologies such as soft soldering are increasingly reaching their limits.”

Silver sintering instead of soldering

ASMPT has overcome these limitations with its line of products for silver sintering and, in future applications, copper sintering. POWER VECTOR, for pick and place or tacking dies and modules on heat sinks, completes the process chain in ASMPT’s sintering production line.

The advantages of this process are obvious: While silver has a melting point of 961 degrees Celsius, it can be “cemented” at much lower temperatures when pressure is applied, resulting is a thermally and mechanically strong connection with excellent conductivity.

Process and feeding flexibility

With the POWER VECTOR, this method is now being translated into a practice-oriented manufacturing system. The platform features an automatic tool changer, achieves bonding forces of up to 588 N, and works with all popular processes: dry paste, wet paste, and die transfer film (DTF). Components can be supplied via wafer, tape-and-reel, waffle pack, or tray.

The POWER VECTOR uses a hot thermo-compression bond head to place dies on the substrate with outstanding precision. To achieve this, the bond head and platform can be heated to >200°C to create a pre-adhesion, which is finished using ASMPT’s SilverSAM sintering platform at temperatures between 200 and 300 degrees Celsius and pressures between 5 and 30 MPa.

“Silver sintering creates reliable and highly conductive connections even in applications with high currents where components become quite hot,” says David Felicetti. “With the POWER VECTOR system, we have closed one of the last remaining gaps in our portfolio and are now able to offer a full-service production line for power modules.”

To learn more, visit www.asmpt.com.

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