Agilent Technologies Pioneers Lead-free Solder X-Ray Test; Enhancements to Agilent 5DX Allow Three-Dimensional X-Ray Imaging on Lead-Free Alloys.Business Editors/High Tech Writers PALO ALTO Palo Alto, city, California Palo Alto (păl`ō ăl`tō), city (1990 pop. 55,900), Santa Clara co., W Calif.; inc. 1894. Although primarily residential, Palo Alto has aerospace, electronics, and advanced research industries. , Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2000 Agilent Technologies This article needs sources or references that appear in reliable, third-party publications. Alone, primary sources and sources affiliated with the subject of this article are not sufficient for an accurate encyclopedia article. Inc. (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :A) has announced confirmation of the ability of its 5DX Automated X-Ray Inspection Automated x-ray inspection (AXI) is a technology based on the same principles as automated optical inspection. It uses x-rays as its source, instead of visible light, to automatically inspect features, which are typically hidden from view. system to test a variety of the new lead-free solders destined des·tine tr.v. des·tined, des·tin·ing, des·tines 1. To determine beforehand; preordain: a foolish scheme destined to fail; a film destined to become a classic. 2. to appear in consumer electronics in the coming years. "We are seeing strong market pressures regarding the toxicity of lead and other materials found in today's consumer electronics products," said Kamran Firooz, general manager of Agilent's Manufacturing Test Division. "Consumers want more environmentally friendly Environmentally friendly, also referred to as nature friendly, is a term used to refer to goods and services considered to inflict minimal harm on the environment.[1] products, thus manufacturers worldwide are exploring new solder alternatives such as tin, copper and silver." Both Japan and Europe are accelerating the elimination of lead from printed circuit boards. With lead-free deadlines of 2001 and 2004 respectively, manufacturers must address the solder issue and work to incorporate newer, more environmentally friendly solder in existing products. Manufacturing with lead-free solder alloys poses new challenges to the manufacturing process, including increased material costs and higher melting points. In this new environment, X-ray imaging will become a valuable tool on the manufacturing line to characterize good joints, monitor the assembly process and, most importantly, analyze the structural integrity of joints. Demonstrating a clear advantage in intelligent testing, the Agilent 5DX Series allows manufacturers to analyze printed circuit board joints on the line, monitor quality and make appropriate changes to upstream processes -- from adjusting oven temperature to changing solder paste distribution. The Agilent 5DX System is the next generation in automated X-ray inspection designed for the new breed of high-volume, global manufacturers. Keeping in lockstep lock·step n. 1. A way of marching in which the marchers follow each other as closely as possible. 2. A standardized procedure that is closely, often mindlessly followed. Noun 1. with consumer demands, it offers manufacturers improved throughput and better reliability with a variety of easy-to-use features. Information about Agilent Technologies Manufacturing Test can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com/go/manufacturing. About Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: A) is a diversified technology company, resulting from Hewlett-Packard Company's plan to strategically realign re·a·lign tr.v. re·a·ligned, re·a·lign·ing, re·a·ligns 1. To put back into proper order or alignment. 2. To make new groupings of or working arrangements between. itself into two fully independent companies. With 42,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent Technologies is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. The businesses comprising Agilent, a subsidiary of HP, had net revenues of more than $8.3 billion in fiscal year 1999. Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com. |
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