Agfa brought their Jeti 3020 Titan that boasts 10 levels of upgradeability. You start with a base machine having 16 Ricoh heads. From there the unit is field upgradeable with white, varnish, light colors, orange and green and more CMYK heads, to a massive 48 head configuration.

Durst Image Technology had their Rho 1000 outfitted with auto feeder, automatic unloading table and stacker. With a maximum output level of 200 4’x8’ boards per hour, this printer is a production workhorse. The unit is also capable of three quarter automation, manual loading and unloading and roll-to-roll configuration.

EFI debut the GS3250LX, a UV-curing LED printer providing customers with a more sustainable printing solution. This hybrid printer has the capability to print in 8 colors plus white, very nice.

FujiFilm and the Inca Onset S40, another high production, fast turnaround time dedicated flatbed printer. This is a 6-color printer with light cyan and magenta inks using standard UV curing lamp technology., wow Options of up to 28 heads per color for a possible total of 168 print heads.

Hp Scitex had their latest width of latex printer, the LX850. This is a 126” width, 6-color printer capable of printing at 1200×1200 dpi. This printer runs the new HP LX610 Latex Scitex Inks or HP 3M LX600 Specialty Latex inks.
Roland had a brand new VersaUV LEJ-640 hybrid that runs with LED UV curable inks. The ink set has cmyk, white and a clear coat. They have UV-S ink that has the capacity to stretch up to 220%.

Novus Imaging’s pioneering AquEpoxy ink is an entirely new and eco-friendly, aqueous based solution that is 100% environmentally sustainable. This is unusual ink that has two parts, much like a two-part epoxy, with a resin and catalyst component. The ink was not at the show proper, but a sample printed on glass seemed quite well adhered without primers. Watch for this in the future as more varied inks come to market.

Ilford had a “BioMedia” which won a Product of the Year award. ILFORD BioMedia is an environmentally friendly alternative for commercial display products. The products are biodegradable in accordance with ASTM standard D5511. They break down under anaerobic (no oxygen) landfill conditions thanks to a unique enzyme that accelerates the biodegradation process. This is an important step forward, especially since the vast majority of POP and POS printing goes to the landfill after an advertising campaign s finished.

Xantes Excelagraphix 4200 Wide Format Inkjet Print System came with a disruptive technology. This unit features the Memjet Waterfall Printhead Technology. Using aqueous inks the throughput was amazing at 12’ per second. You can see the Memjet technology portfolio at www.memjet.com. There were label sized Memjet printers, which were at the show, one was the Rapid Label printer, which was in the Narrow Format Zone. This unit received huge attention due to the production speed and the price point.

While I listed the major players that I saw, there were many, many other vendors that had products just as important to the imaging community, I just don’t have the space to list everything out here.

What did you find most interesting to you? Please drop us a comment

Jeff Burton, SGIA Staff

IP67-sealed connectors feature internal locking mechanism and touch-proof design for superior safety

Offering exceptional efficiency, the contact resistance of the SolarSpec panel-mount DC connector remains below 0.5 milliohms. The contact can handle as much as 30.0A and accommodates 2.50mm2 and 4.00 to 6.00mm2 (14 AWG and 12 to 10 AWG) cable to meet a wide range of customer requirements. Polarized panel cut-outs help prevent rotation of the connectors and ensure no cross-assembly of male and female connectors on the panel.

Rugged and durable SolarSpec panel-mount DC connectors are IP67-sealed to protect against the ingress of dust and water, and the housing body is resistant to UV and ozone damage. The touch-proof safety design protects installers and maintenance engineers from electrical current even during mating and decoupling operations. The connectors feature exclusive molded surface ribs to allow secure gripping, especially while wearing work gloves.

“Our in-house design and manufacture of the SolarSpec range ensures high quality levels and reliability during service, while at the same time being cost-competitive. Customers also benefit from exclusive Molex design features, including molded surface ribs and the industry’s lowest contact resistance when compared to equivalent DC connectors,” adds Commane.

The NEC 2008 (690.33) and NFPA 70 US code-compliant solution developed by Molex is an innovative interlocking mechanism that prevents accidental and unauthorized decoupling of the connector during service in the field and provides for reliable connection and safe handling. For ease of assembly, a simple nut mechanism on the SolarSpec panel-mount DC connector is tightened using a standard wrench, to secure onto the bulkhead of the inverter panel. For added security, a Molex field service tool is required to disengage the latch when unplugging.

SolarSpec panel-mount DC connectors from Molex are globally compatible with other products in the SolarSpec family. For additional information, please visit www.molex.com/link/solardcconnectors.html. To receive information on other Molex products and industry solutions, please click here.

About Molex Incorporated
Providing more than connectors, Molex delivers complete interconnect solutions for a number of markets including data communications, telecommunications, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, medical, military, lighting and solar. Established in 1938, the company operates 39 manufacturing locations in 16 countries. The Molex website is http://www.molex.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/molexconnectors, watch our videos at www.youtube.com/molexconnectors, connect with us at www.facebook.com/molexconnectors and read our blog at www.connector.com.

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Molex is a registered trademark of Molex Incorporated
SolarSpec is a trademark of Molex Incorporated
Other trademarks referenced in this release are the property of their respective owners

If you’re having trouble understanding how and why membrane switches are useful and important tools, consider this situation. You and a few friends have gathered in your living room to watch a game on TV. The gathering involves a lot of food and drinks, which, combined with spontaneous outbursts in reaction to the game, is a recipe for disaster. One of your friends, whose personality is characterized by a combination of hyper excitability and limited spatial awareness, inadvertently knocks a plate of sticky snacks over onto your remote, which is on the floor. There are two ways that this story could end.

Here’s the first way. If your remote is composed of a plastic shell and several individual buttons, you have at best a protracted and annoying cleaning effort ahead of you. At worst, the snack could get plugged in between the buttons and maybe even ruin the device. This situation is not far fetched, and it can be extrapolated to scenarios involving other electronic devices that can be ruined by spills, such as phones, PDAs and other electronics.

Here’s the second way the story could end. If your remote is composed of a plastic shell with a single switch membrane, you can simply wipe off the surface and resume watching the game. Membrane switches are composed of several layers of membranes that allow users to interact with the devices’ circuitry without the possibility of contaminating it. These devices are prized also because they can, in certain configurations, resist hazardous climatic conditions like moisture or dust accumulation, which means that some membrane switches are suitable for use outdoors. Imagine the implications for industry, where hazardous materials can frequently be in use. They also involve fewer moving parts than other kinds of keypads and switches, which means that they feature fewer things that can go wrong. For these reasons, membrane switches are very popular and important utilities.

The first touch screen was a capacitive touch screen developed by E.A. Johnson at the Royal Radar Establishment in Malvern, UK around 1965. From their beginning, touch screens have come a long way and  are now used by many OEM's for their interface solutions. Check out the various types of touch screens on our website by clicking the following link http://www.cubbison.com/products/touch-screens.aspx.

Two of the most common touch screens are the resistive and the capacitive technologies.  See the chart below to better understand the differences between the two technologies.

Cubbison is excited to announce the addition of touch screens to their growing product line.  For over 50 years, we have provided custom product ID solutions to various industries and we are excited to continue our growth as a product ID manufacturer and interface provider. Cubbison will officially launch our touch screen product line at the upcoming Medical Device & Manufacturing Expo in Chicago September 20-22. Come visit us at booth #2269 to learn more about us and our various product lines!

Migrating commerical electronic technologies into military applications for strategic cost-containment in mission-critical applications on land, sea, and in the air

“Molex directs tremendous resources to the global support of our military customers and armed forces,” states Benjamin Jeffrey, Group Manager Industry Marketing, Defense and Aerospace Systems, Molex. “Migrating proven commercial technologies into military applications helps defense contractors strategically control costs, while ensuring superior performance and reliability on the frontline in mission computers, flight control systems, electronic warfare and other critical deployments.”

Military applications require components that can withstand harsh conditions; components may be subject to water, extreme temperatures, wind, sand, and vibration or impact. From avionics to marine applications and radar systems, Molex offers a full range of advanced copper and fiber optic solutions that are rugged and reliable in the most demanding environments. Solution highlights include:

Ultra-reliable Copper Flex Assemblies feature a flexible printed circuit system and high-speed flex assemblies supporting signal speeds over 10 Gbps. These temperature-resistant assemblies offer tight electrical properties to mitigate impedance, loss and cross talk. Copper Flex can be bent to fit a much smaller device enclosure. Copper Flex military applications include night vision goggles, wireless antennas, missile detonators, ordinance and tactical systems, cockpit video recorders, infrared sighting systems, ruggedized computers, radar systems, and GPS-guided missiles.

Molex fiber optic connectors and adapters, assemblies, backplanes, and optical circuitry include the industry’s only metal-housing LC2+ Optical Connector to support enhanced performance aerospace-grade optical cabling. The next-generation solution to the highly popular LC connector interface, LC2+ Optical Connectors meet all FOCIS 10 (Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standard) specifications. LC2+ military applications include avionics, satellites, remote antennas, signal processors, sensors, and space systems.

Cost-effective Optical Connector Cable Assemblies provide short lead-time solutions. Rugged and flexible circuitry, backplane systems and standard connectors (FC, LC, MT, MTP, SC and ST) feature customized terminations for discrete fiber and ribbon cable. Military applications for Optical Cable Assemblies include avionics, flight-control equipment, mobile tactical field command platforms, EMI sensitive equipment, security, and battlefield networking.

The high-speed HBMT™ MT High Density Backplane Interconnect System provides signal integrity, with reduced impedance and cross-talk for military data-communication and telecom. Leading-edge fiber optic assemblies offer security, bandwidth, and weight savings for lighter and faster aircraft, ground and water-based vehicles. Fiber optic interconnects and cable assemblies resist RF and EMI, making them ideal for sensitive applications such as radar, video surveillance, target identification and night vision.

“Military electronics no longer focus exclusively on ruggedized construction—to the exclusion of performance and cost considerations. Molex advanced electronic solutions deliver the total package,” adds Jeffrey. “For specialized military applications, our engineering teams build prototype solutions from the ground-up. Designing integrated assemblies, rather than single components, shortens the design cycle and substantially lowers overall cost.”

Molex supports industry efforts toward developing VITA open standards in modular embedded computing systems and components, in addition to SAE standards for fiber optics on aircraft and other flight vehicles. Reliability testing ensures product certification by third party agencies (UL, TUV, CSA, CE). All Molex world-class manufacturing facilities are ISO9000 and ISO14000 certified. For more information, visit www.molex.com. To receive information on other Molex products and industry solutions, please click here.

About Molex Incorporated
Providing more than connectors, Molex delivers complete interconnect solutions for a number of markets including data communications, telecommunications, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, medical, military, lighting and solar. Established in 1938, the company operates 39 manufacturing locations in 16 countries. The Molex website is http://www.molex.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/molexconnectors, watch our videos at www.youtube.com/molexconnectors, connect with us at www.facebook.com/molexconnectors and read our blog at www.connector.com.

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Molex is a registered trademark of Molex Incorporated
Other trademarks referenced in this release are the property of their respective owners

Activation forces are 320g and 550g respectively. The TC-Series domes feature a reverse dimple that serves as a built in actuator, or tactile concentrator.

Advantages of this feature include:

• When used in conjunction with an oversized actuator there is negligible adverse effect on the activation force and tactile ratio of the dome
• These domes perform more consistently if an actuator is located off center

For samples of the TCG08320 or TCG08550 tactile dome please contact the Snaptron sales team at 970.686.5682 or sales@snaptron.com

The world of electronics manufacturing is constantly moving forward with innovative technologies and improved processes. The best of these advances can be found at IPC APEX EXPO®, February 28–March 1, 2012, as participants from more than 50 countries will gather at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Calif.  Attendees will find solutions to increase efficiency, learn about new findings and research to stay ahead of the competition and experience the largest electronics manufacturing exhibition in North America. Additionally, this year IPC APEX EXPO will feature a new focus on printed electronics.

With nearly 400 exhibitors, the exhibition will be feature suppliers for printed electronics, printed boards and electronics manufacturing. Top categories include test/inspection systems; pick and place; rework/repair; and production hand tools & fixtures plus adhesives/dispensers and more. To view the current list of exhibitors, visit www.IPCAPEXEXPO.org/exhibitors.

On February 28–March 1, the IPC APEX EXPO technical conference, known worldwide as one of the finest and most selective in the world, will present 100 technical papers on new research and innovations from experts in board fabrication and design and electronics assembly. New advances in the areas of lead-free alloys (especially proliferation and testing) and reliability; high temperature laminates; halogen-free and how to deal with it; counterfeit components and large BGA reliability will be covered. Also, new for this year, there will be technical sessions on printed electronics.

Beginning on Sunday, February 26, industry experts from around the world will participate in more than 70 IPC standards development committee meetings. These meetings offer participants the opportunity to have a voice in the development of industry standards influencing all aspects of the manufacture of printed boards and electronics assembly and ultimately impacting companies, customers and suppliers worldwide. Beginning this year, meetings will begin to establish industry requirements for printed electronics in the areas of design, base materials/substrates, functional materials and final assembly. These sessions are open to all registered attendees.

Also starting February 26, the professional development program will offer 49 half-day courses covering a broad range of critical topics including the latest in advanced technologies, cleaning, counterfeit components, design, HDI, lead-free technologies, materials, solder joint reliability, and more.

On Tuesday, William Shatner will deliver the opening keynote, “Captain’s Log — Boldly going where no man has gone before…” a topic he is uniquely qualified to address. The keynote is free to all registered IPC APEX EXPO attendees and exhibitors and will be followed by a book signing on the show floor.

In addition to the opening keynote, free events at IPC APEX EXPO include educational BUZZ sessions on critical industry topics, such as conflict minerals, embedded technology, process defects and supply line issues such as counterfeit parts; technical poster presentations; and Wednesday’s forecast keynote on game changers in the printed circuit board and electronics assembly industries.

Other free activities on the show floor include a New Product Zone; the first-ever IPC APEX EXPO Hand Soldering Competition; the NPL Defect Database Clinic featuring new mini seminars this year; and a two-hour show floor reception.

For complete IPC APEX EXPO 2012 event information or to register, visit www.IPCAPEXEXPO.org.

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About IPC

IPC (www.IPC.org) is a global trade association based in Bannockburn, Ill., dedicated to the competitive excellence and financial success of its 3,000 member companies which represent all facets of the electronics industry, including design, printed board manufacturing, electronics assembly and test. As a member-driven organization and leading source for industry standards, training, market research and public policy advocacy, IPC supports programs to meet the needs of an estimated $2.02 trillion global electronics industry. IPC maintains additional offices in Taos, N.M.; Arlington, Va.; Stockholm, Sweden; Moscow, Russia; Bangalore, India; and Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing, China.

“AMT is encouraged by the Administration’s continued focus on the manufacturing sector,” Woods said. “The Advanced Manufacturing Partnership is the second initiative announced this month that emphasizes recommendations set forth in AMT’s Manufacturing Mandate.”

The Advanced Manufacturing Partnership in a national effort to bring industry, universities and the federal government together to invest in emerging technologies that create manufacturing jobs and boost global competitiveness, particularly in industries critical to national security. The $500 million plan uses existing funds and future appropriations from various federal agencies to boost innovation in manufacturing technologies such as small, high-powered batteries, advanced composites, metal fabrication, bio-manufacturing and alternative engineering. The goal is to enhance defense-critical industries; build U.S. leadership in next-generation robotics; increase energy efficiency in manufacturing; and develop technologies to help improve manufacturing efficiency.

“Collaboration is key to speeding the development of next-generation manufacturing technologies and products, as well as building a manufacturing smartforce,” Woods said. “Leveraging existing funds to jumpstart this effort is a big plus given the current deficit. However, as Congress grapples with the debt ceiling and budget this summer, it must consider that investments in science, technology and smartforce made today will increase revenue in the long-run.”

“As the representative for U.S. manufacturing technology suppliers, AMT is eager to work with the stakeholders on this important collaborative effort to regain worldwide leadership in manufacturing,” Woods concluded.

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology

Founded in 1902 as the National Machine Tool Builders’ Association, AMT supports and promotes the U.S. manufacturing technology industry.  The association provides U.S. builders of manufacturing systems with the latest information on technical developments, trade and marketing opportunities, and economic issues.  It also gathers and disseminates information about world markets, promotes its members’ products in those markets, and acts as a representative on manufacturing technology matters to governments and trade organizations throughout the world.

Crystal oscillators are used in an increasing variety of modern communications devices, as well as in many devices that are used to measure time.  Among the common applications are cell phones, quartz watches, computers, radio transmitters and receivers, and sonar devices.  The effective function depends on the oscillator striking a resonant frequency to create an electrical signal.   Electrically conductive adhesives are use in the bonding of leads onto crystals.  In this application, the best adhesives have small particle size, low shrinkage, and high bond strength. Low resin bleed is also an important characteristic, in order to ensure that the oscillation is not affected. Thermally conductive adhesives are used for lid attachment.

In recent years, adhesives are more highly customized as they become integral to the functional device.  In the case of crystal oscillators, the characteristics of the adhesive can greatly affect the oscillating functioning.  Creative Materials’ adhesives combine features such as low thermal stress, ability to be screen printed and /or machine dispensed (also available as a die-stamping adhesive), excellent electrical conductivity and thermal stability, low out-gassing to ensure thermal stability, and low resin bleed.

To view the products table and PDF of this release:
http://www.membraneswitchnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Adhesives-for-Crystal-Oscillators.pdf

About Creative Materials, Inc.
Creative Materials, Inc., is a leading manufacturer of electrically conductive inks, coatings, and adhesives. Products from Creative Materials are used in electronic components for computers, keyboards, cell phones, solar collectors, automobiles and aircraft, for medical electrodes, medical instruments, and heating equipment. Creative Materials is ISO 9001 certified, with an extensive product line that includes more than 1,000 products. The company is renowned for creating custom formulations that are used in a wide variety of global applications, providing cost-effective design solutions for demanding production requirements.  With over 80 years of experience in the adhesives, ink and coating industry, our staff combines technical expertise with nimble production capabilities, enabling us to reduce time-to-market for new product applications.

High signal integrity and excellent performance with rugged IP67-sealing

Combining both the power and data lines in one M12 connector, the Micro-Change CHT connector features a reduced footprint and lower installation and cabling costs in process and automation control and industrial applications, HVAC systems, telecoms infrastructure, vision systems and surveillance cameras, commercial transportation, and military/aerospace applications.

Based on the robust Brad Micro-Change M12 threaded connector design, the Micro-Change CHT connector comprises two shielded twisted pairs cat5e data lines. Either two or four contacts are capable of carrying up to 10.0A per contact. Overmolding ensures complete IP67-rated sealing and provides dependable strain relief.

The fully-shielded 4-pin array for the cat5e lines with wrap-around metal tube (patent pending) allows for optimum signal integrity and performance. The two overlapping tubes channel the signal through the connector without affecting crosstalk and EMI (Electromagnetic Interference). The Micro-Change CHT connector 4+2 and 4+4 configuration is currently available in the M12 threaded form factor. Future configurations will extend the design into Molex Ultra-Lock®, M16 and M23 connector formats.

“As the unique Molex shielding concept of the Micro-Change Circular Hybrid Technology connector is not limited to the M12 format, we are able to adapt the technology to meet specific customer needs and requirements.” explains Ted Szarkowski, Global Product Manager for Integrated Products, Molex.

For additional information about the new Brad Micro-Change Circular Hybrid Technology (CHT) connector and its specifications, please visit Molex Incorporated. To receive information on other Molex products and industry solutions, please click here.

About Molex Incorporated
Providing more than connectors, Molex delivers complete interconnect solutions for a number of markets including data communications, telecommunications, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, medical, military, lighting and solar. Established in 1938, the company operates 39 manufacturing locations in 16 countries. The Molex website is http://www.molex.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/molexconnectors, watch our videos at www.youtube.com/molexconnectors, connect with us at www.facebook.com/molexconnectors and read our blog at www.connector.com.

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Molex is a registered trademark of Molex Incorporated
Other trademarks referenced in this release are the property of their respective owners