OK International will be hosting an Advanced Package Rework and Repair seminar taking place June 5, 2012 in Columbia, MD.
Those in attendance will also get a first hand glimpse of the new Metcal Scorpion Rework System and a chance to participate in a hands-on demonstration.
Space is limited, however, they are rewarding the first 20 registrants with free admission! You can register online here.
Additional details of the seminar include:
- Topics such as Repair, Rework, Low-Volume Assembly, Prototyping, Flux Gel Deposition for BGA/CSP Rework and Repair, Temperature Profiling for Rework and Repair and more!
- A 30-minute multi-media presentation, two hours of hands-on demonstrations and a Q&A session.
- There is a $20 registration fee and it will be held from 9am-12pm with a continental breakfast beginning at 8:30am.
All-Spec Industries is an authorized distributor of OKi soldering and desoldering tools. OK International is a leading global supplier of soldering tools and equipment for production assembly.
For more information on the upcoming Metcal Scorpion Rework System, be sure to check out this video!
When you first think of ESD-safe products, paper may not come to mind. ESD-safe paper may seem superfluous, but it can be critical for some applications. If your work area is humid, you may be able to get a dissipative or conductive reading from regular paper, but due to variations in moisture level this may not be enough. You do not want to think paper is dissipative one day only to have humidity fluctuations make it insulative on another. Because of this, if you are working in a static sensitive environment, you should use ESD-safe paper to fully protect your project.
By using ESD-safe paper you can ensure that your project documentation can safely travel alongside with your products without causing any damage. Not only that, but you can also find ESD-safe tags, which allow you to label products without fear of static damage. This can be critical in large production facilities or when you are working in a team, as it allows you to leave detailed notes so your colleagues know exactly what each part needs. Using ESD-safe paper in conjunction with ESD-safe tags you can safely keep track of your projects, increasing production by limiting damage while also staying organized.
Not only is safe documentation important in most ESD-safe areas, but you must be careful about storage of your paperwork as well. ESD-safe binders can limit the amount of static generated from pulling documentation or procedures from shelves.
Lastly, it is important to be clear about what areas are ESD-safe. By using ESD-safe signs and posters you can clearly denote static sensitive areas, without putting those areas at risk.
Be sure to check out www.All-Spec.com for all of your ESD-safe needs. We are now stocking more ESD-safe paper and binders, so place your orders online or call us at (800)537-0351 today!
by Andy on April 23, 2012
One question we get a lot at All-Spec Industries is how to properly launder ESD-safe garments. Generally your best bet is to check with the manufacturer for their garment specific instructions, but there are a few tips that you should keep in mind when cleaning any ESD-safe wear.
- Repair any holes or snags in garments before washing
- Do not use bleach or fabric softener
Bleach can cause deterioration in the conductive components of your garments, and fabric softener may interfere with moisture absorbency as well as mask any soil release finish it may have.
- Wash different types of garments in separate loads
Avoid cross-contamination of fabrics by only washing like garments together. This will also prevent stiff or abrasive fabrics from hurting more sensitive garments.
- Hang dry your garments when possible
Tumble dry only on lowest setting. Many ESD-safe garments are temperature sensitive, so you do not want to hurt their conductivity during the drying process. Also ESD-safe garments tend to dry fast, and you do not want to over dry them.
- Only iron on lowest setting
Avoid ironing if you can, as the heat may hurt the ESD-safe properties of your garments. This is another reason why it is best to hang dry, as you will have to iron your garments less.
Overall it is best to contact the manufacturer to find what chemicals should be used to clean ESD-safe garments. Different fabrics call for different care, so each garment will have different requirements to keep clean and ESD-safe.
We do carry a number of ESD-safe garments at All-Spec Industries! Here is a list of garment specific washing instructions for all of our ESD-safe wear.
Lab Tech™ ESD-Safe Garments
EEC Garments
Tech Wear Smocks and Lab Coats:
OFX-100 Fabric
IVX-400 Fabric
ECX-500 Fabric
Nylostat Fabric
Worklon ESD-Safe Garments
Work-Stat and 98/Two ESD-Safe Lab Coats
Microstat ESD-Safe Lab Wear
by Andy on April 16, 2012
Wire cutters are an essential part of any electronics tool kit or workstation, but you may not know the benefits of different types of cutting edges. Three of the most common cutters are bevel, flush, and shear. Below we have an explanation of each of the cutters and what to consider when purchasing a wire cutter. By using the proper tool for your job you can ensure the best cut every time, reduce worker fatigue, and minimize the cost of replacing worn out cutters.
Bevel:
If you have a cutting application that is non-critical, then bevel cutters are your best bet. Bevel cutting edges tend to last the longest, but they leave a pinch/spike behind on the wire which can be damaging to very sensitive parts. It is best to use bevel cutters if it is ok for your wires to have a pinch or spike at the site of the cut, as you do not have to replace these cutters as often as more precise ones.
Flush:
If you need to reduce the spike left from cutting then flush cutters work well. Not only do they reduce the shock of cutting the wire, but they also require less pressure from the operator to cut. This can be a big deal if your job requires you to cut hundreds of wires a day, as worker fatigue can cause serious problems with accuracy as well as lead to carpal tunnel and other medical problems.
There are different classes of flush cutters, but they are typically divided into flush and super/ultra flush. The super/ultra flush cutters require less pressure and reduce shock on the wire more than normal flush, but you must be careful when using them. Super/ultra flush edges can break or wear out easily, so they have to be used properly and only on materials that the cutter material can handle.
Shear:
Near shear cutters require less force than flush cutters, and only leave a slight step in the wire rather than a pinch/spike. Pure shear cutters typically require the lowest amount of pressure of all of the cutters and leave no pinch or spike in the wire. There is still a small side deformation with pure shear, but you can get one of the cleanest cuts possible with them.
Just like with flush cutters there is a trade off for reducing the amount of pressure it takes to cut as well as lessening shock on the cut wires. Shear cutters require the operator to make each cut with precision, as pressing too hard, cutting at a wrong angle, or cutting the wrong material can lead to the cutter wearing out faster than normal. Always consult with the manufacturer of your cutter to ensure you are using it properly so you can avoid having to replace cutters more often than necessary.
For more information and illustrations you can find a great article by Swanstrom Tools about how to choose a cutter head. Also make sure to check out the wide selection of cutters that All-Spec Industries offers on our website!
