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Visitors to OK International's stand at Nepcon, Brighton can expect to see the latest developments in benchtop technology for hand soldering, optical inspection, fume extraction and array package rework.
Couple this with a visit to Nepcon's "Lead-free experience" where OK International experts will offer advice to companies making the transition to lead-free manufacture.
Despite an industry downturn, OK International has continued its R and D commitment to provide the industry with the very latest in benchtop technology.
Nepcon, Brighton provides a UK platform for its latest product demonstrations, plus a chance to offer visitors expertise on lead-free manufacture in the SMART Group "Lead-free experience" area.
Metcal has made the most significant change in hand soldering since the introduction of its patented SmartHeat technology two decades ago.
The PS-800 Soldering system revolutionises hand soldering by combining the power and Process control advantages of SmartHeat, with the system quality and innovative design of vintage Metcal irons.
Importantly, cost of ownership is minimal, as the PS-800 uses replaceable heater tips rather than cartridges.
Nepcon is also the first UK preview of the latest version of Metcal's benchtop optical inspection system.
Metcal entered the inspection arena in November 2001 offering the industry a high quality and versatile alternative, encompassing the very latest technology in benchtop visual inspection.
Over two years later Metcal reckons it is redefining the way electronics assemblers inspect array packages and SMT devices, with standoff heights as low as 0.05mm and clearances of just 1.1mm.
The large board version, VPI-1000-XL, is the latest in the series, capable of inspecting boards up to 914 x 914mm.
Visitors to the SMART Group "Lead-free experience" at Nepcon will be able to see the VPI-1000-XL optical inspection system in action.
Lead-free Solder joints look distinctively different from tin-lead joints, and training is extremely important if an engineer is to recognise what is and isn't a good solder joint.
The sharper and clearer images offered by Metcal's VPI-1000-XL will give engineers a significant advantage.
OK International can offer considerable expertise to companies making the transition to lead-free manufacture and would like to welcome visitors to discuss their needs and concerns regarding dispensing, inspection, soldering and rework, as the industry makes its move towards lead-free.
Manufacturers need to be aware of the heightened need for fume extraction in lead-free manufacture.
Research has shown that the fumes and vapours emanating from lead-free solders may be more dangerous to operators and the environment than those emitted by traditional lead containing solders.
Metcal has added to its benchtop fume extraction portfolio with the launch of the BVX-200, a compact and portable two-arm system that combines strong fan performance with efficient filtration and quiet, flexible operation.
On show at Nepcon, this latest system exploits the same successful motor as the singe-armed model, plus a new one-stage impeller design that provides more than double the total free-blowing airflow.
Visitors to the lead-free experience at last years Nepcon exhibition will have been introduced to the advanced capabilities of the APR-5000 array package rework system from Metcal.
Driven by the success of the APR-5000, Metcal has now developed a large-to-small board version, capable of handling boards up to 610 x 610mm in size and up to 6.35mm thick.
The new APR-5000-XLS enables precise, cost-effective rework of the widest range of component types, including leading-edge components such as BGA, CSP, land grid array (LGA), micro SMD, micro-lead frame (MLF) and bumped chip component packages.
The APR-5000-XLS exploits a single reflow/placement head and a stationery PCB that is centred over enhanced, dual stage preheaters capable of handling both large and small boards.
"OK International's solutions for hand soldering, rework and inspection (Metcal), fume extraction (Impell) and fluid dispensing (Techcon Systems), has continued to bring the industry the very best for the benchtop", says Rick Nuttall, Senior Sales Manager, UK and Ireland.
"We are also among the few companies able to not only offer sound advice and expertise to companies moving to lead-free manufacture, but equipment solutions that are ready and waiting for them now".
OK International's fluid dispensing products, from its Techcon Systems division, can be found on the Keltech stand number U159.
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