Electronics assembly and the reliability of lead-free solders are taking centre stage at the forthcoming APEX 2001 conference. The technical conference sessions will be presented at the San Diego Convention Centre in California on 14-18 January 2001.

Focused on the needs of engineers and managers in electronics assembly, the APEX technical conference programme will offer the most comprehensive information on all facets of the electronics assembly process.

One of the highlights of this year's conference is a mini-symposium on assembly and reliability using lead-free solder alloys. Other highlights include a panel discussion featuring managers from top OEMs, EMS companies and suppliers who will explore ideas and strategies for the ideal partnership model. There will also be special half-day seminars on failure analysis for process engineers, as well as BGA assembly and rework.

"The APEX technical conference programme offers the best of the best," said Jack Crawford, Director of Assembly, Standards and Technology at IPC- Association Connecting Electronics Industries. "The papers being presented will give the industry a taste of exactly what the future holds."

The conference will feature four key learning tracks: the Advance Technology track, with sessions on Embedded Capacitance Technology, Flip Chip Process and Area Array Technology; and the Manufacturing Equipment track, which will focus on feeders, placement and inspection, AOI and X-ray equipment. The Electronics Assembly track will cover Process Control, Soldering Advancements, Yield Improvement, SMT Design and Software Tools, while the Manufacturing Processes track, which will have sessions dealing with Advanced Rework, Screen-Printing, Adhesives and Manufacturing Test.

The APEX 2001 conference will feature 106 papers selected by the technical programme committee as the most technically innovative and advanced. There will be a US$1,000 prize for the best international and best domestic papers presented at the conference.

As well as the world-class conference programme, APEX 2001 will host the IPC Standards Development Meetings and more than 60 Professional Development Courses.

All attendees to APEX 2001 are encouraged to join the IPC Standards Development Meetings. Participants will have an opportunity to see how the decisions that affect specifications are made and also learn about the impact that these specifications will have on customers, suppliers and competitors. These interesting and informative sessions will cover five key areas: Assembly and Joining Processes; Cleaning and Coating; Management; Process Control; and Product Assurance.

The Professional Development Courses have been created to help attendees optimise assembly processes, integrate advanced IC packaging technologies, and strengthen the electronics manufacturing supply chain. Subjects range from Surface Mount Technology for Beginners and Basic Soldering Technology Perspectives, to Process Control in Electronics Assembly and CSP, BGA, and Fine Pitch Interconnections.

Business-related subjects such as Selecting, Qualifying and Managing a PCB supplier and Correctly Implementing the Make-Buy Decision by Understanding True Manufacturing Costs, will help attendees to objectively analyse the strengths and weaknesses of OEM and EMS operations and develop selection criteria to conduct effective PCB supplier audits.

For a little light relief from all the in-depth conference sessions and meetings, there will be a US$10,000 Virtual Golf Challenge. All attendees to APEX 2001 will be invited to seek out 'Area 51' and complete their APEX file. After filing the report, attendees will be rewarded with a swing of the golf club.

Harnessing the latest in golf simulation in a closest-to-the-pin contest, those on target will qualify for the daily hole-in-one shootout and a chance to win a US$10,000 prize. Three winners each day will receive a Taylor Made Firesole driver, Rescue Wood or Nubbin Putter.

About IPC
The IPC is a US-based trade association dedicated to the competitive excellence and financial success of its nearly 2,600 member companies which represent all facets of the electronic interconnection industry, including design, printed wiring board manufacturing and electronics assembly. As a member-driven organisation and leading source for industry standards, training, market research and public policy advocacy, IPC supports programmes to meet the needs of a US$44 billion industry that employs more than 400,000 people in the United States.

APEX has been organised by the IPC SMEMA Council in response to an industry need for a trade show that is cost-effective and fair for exhibitors, and highly focused on the products and technology of the electronics assembly industry. This approach, coupled with a premier conference program, organised by the industry, delivers the most attractive package to exhibition visitors. APEX features all segments of the electronics assembly industry, from bare boards to tested assemblies.

Issued by Always Communications on behalf of TechWorks Asia

Annie Ho
Tel: (852) 2855 7819
Fax: (852)2817-1004
Annieh@agrapha-group.com

TechWorks Asia
Dr Gordon Wong /Claire Walker
Wiggy@techworksasia.com or
Claire@techworksasia.com

IPC
Clint Gendusa, Media Relations Manager
Tel: 1 847 790-5371
Fax: 1 847 509-9798
ClintGendusa@ipc.org