Kester to show it's next generation
solder paste and flux at SMT Nuremberg

Kester will showcase their newest next generation solder paste and flux at the upcoming SMT Nuremberg show, scheduled to take place June 8-10 at the Messezentrum Nuremberg. Kester's recent breakthrough in lead-free technology, NXG1, a lead-free no-clean solder paste, will be highlighted at the show alongside 979T VOC-Free No-Clean Flux and 985M Lead-Free No-Clean Alcohol-Based Flux. Visitors will also have an opportunity to meet Kester's new European Sales Manager, Michael Fullbrecht, and discuss their solder materials challenges with Kester representatives on distributor Eurotool's stand, Hall 9, Booth 512H.

Kester's pioneering new lead-free no-clean solder paste, NXG1, has been developed with cutting-edge capabilities, including ultra-low BGA voiding, superior wetting and excellent joint appearance.  Providing superior printing and the longest shelf life available, NXG1 features exceptional process robustness that opens the process window in the stencil printer and the reflow oven.

Kester solders are known around the world for flux consistency and are designed to increase yields and joint reliability. In response to the burgeoning solar industry, Kester has developed a series of no-clean flux to support customers in this sector.  Included in the range is the 979T, a 100% VOC-free, no-clean flux formulation for high quality, low defect soldering. Designed specifically for tab attachment, the product offers high reliability with low residues after soldering that are benign and non-conductive. 979T VOC-Free No-Clean Flux is specially formulated with a unique proprietary blend of organic activator systems to offer the best wetting and topside hole fill and shiniest solder joints.

Kester 985M Lead-Free No-Clean Alcohol-Based Flux is specially designed to improve effectiveness in the wave soldering of conventional circuit board assemblies. This flux was developed for excellent solderability and through-hole fill in lead-free wave soldering process. 985M minimizes micro-solderballing at connectors and CPU. Its residue left behind is non-tacky, non-corrosive and non-conductive.

Kester representatives will be on hand at Hall 9, Booth 512H to meet with visitors. View website: www.kester.com for further information.

For further information about Kester's full line of products and services, e-mail: customerservice@kester.com  or view website: www.kester.com

Beijer Electronics enters strategic
alliance with American QSI Corporation

Beijer Electronics has entered a strategic alliance with QSI Corporation, a US based company, who develops and sells rugged operator interfaces and mobile data terminals for industrial OEMs and commercial vehicle systems integrators. This strategic alliance will increase Beijer Electronics presence in the US. QSI will build its product offering around Beijer Electronics' new software platform iX and sell it through its channels in the US. By including the iX platform in their offering QSI can address the entire market for industrial automation. They will also include Beijer Electronics iX panels in their current product offering.

Beijer Electronics' President and CEO, Fredrik Jönsson, comments on the cooperation: "The cooperation with QSI increases our footprint on the US market. Together we will be able to offer our US customers a strong product range in which our software platform iX is a key component." QSI designs and sells robust HMI panels and mobile data terminals for use in industrial applications and transport vehicles. Their products, sold under both their own name and as customer specific solutions, are robust and able to withstand extreme environments like vibration, large temperature differences and other environmental parameters. The company operates in the US and is headquartered in Salt Lake City.

The iX platform is by far Beijer Electronics´ largest investment in product development and this new software technology provides a scalable and flexible solution that brings simpler programming and facilitates integration with other systems. Five models of the iX panels were launched last fall, and the software is available on a standalone basis for use in existing operator systems.

For further information, view website: www.beijerelectronics.com  Refer to page 151

Two new international service brands from
UK-based EA Technology Analytical Limited 

EA Technology Analytical's Power Forensics™ service specialises in investigating the condition of HV and MV assets, using the latest laboratory techniques to understand how assets deteriorate. 
 
As part of Power Forensics™, EA Technology Analytical is offering a Failure Scene Investigation (FSI) service, focussing on the importance of sending experienced investigators to the sites of asset failures immediately, to gather vital forensic evidence on their causes. The purpose of FSI is to investigate and prevent failures.
 
The second new brand is OilData™, which uses an array of advanced techniques to gather detailed information on the condition of power assets by analysing the state of insulating oil. 
 
Anne McIntosh, Managing Director of EA Technology Analytical, said: "The new brands are a way of enhancing and packaging our existing services, so companies worldwide can immediately identify what we can do for them.
 
"EA Technology has led the science of understanding the condition of power assets for more than 40 years, with clients from Bermuda to Japan. But in recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the industry's recognition of the value of condition data as a means to more effective asset management, in terms of greater network reliability and safety, at lower cost. 
 
"Our key message is that learning how and why individual assets deteriorate and fail is important: but it is even more valuable to use that knowledge as part of a condition based approach to management across the whole asset estate. This includes implementing more effective maintenance and asset replacement strategies, based on the health of the assets and their operation."
 
The new service brands will be available through EA Technology's offices in Australia, Shanghai and Abu Dhabi, together with its network of distribution partners in 30 countries.
 
The services will be provided by EA Technology Analytical's laboratories in the UK, which have facilities including scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photography, thermal imaging, advanced materials testing equipment and climate controlled test chambers.

For further information, e-mail: marketing@eatechnology.com or view website: www.eatechnology.com

The services will be provided by EA Technology Analytical's laboratories in the UK, which have facilities including scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photography, thermal imaging, advanced materials testing equipment and climate controlled test chambers.

Etek Europe Launches Second User Division--Etek Used SMT

Etek Europe Ltd, one of the UK's leading suppliers of quality SMT equipment and services throughout Europe, has launched a new division to the growing business -- Etek Used SMT.

In the current financial environment, the demand for premium used equipment with a comprehensive warranty has never been higher. Providing the very best range of services to existing and new clients has always been at the heart of Etek's business model - Etek Used SMT has been launched to provide quality, second user SMT equipment to the global electronic manufacturing industry, allowing customers the opportunity to purchase second user, but still retain the peace of mind that every piece of euipment has been serviced by an Etek Engineer.

The Etek technical team includes Field Service Engineers and Equipment Technicians that have many years of experience in reconditioning, repairing and calibrating the equipment and accessories that they sell, all of which come with the valued Etek Warranty. The entire team shares a common goal of providing quality equipment and technical support to all customers.

Etek Used SMT also provides ex-demo equipment for sale, all of which are available with the unique Etek Warranty to give complete peace of mind, guaranteed to operate and perform consistently.

Mike Nelson, Managing Director of Etek Used SMT says, "We understand that today's budgets are tighter than ever. For even the largest manufacturers, every part of capital expenditure can be a struggle. Today's challenge is always to do more with less. Understanding the importance of uptime, we work hard to deliver equipment that is ready for production."

Whether you are buying or selling, Etek Used SMT's highly experienced professionals will guide you through the entire process, ensuring a quality solution that positively affects your bottom line.

For further information on the products and services available from ETEK Used SMT, view website: www.etek-europe.com