Materials

METALS & ALLOYS

• Alternative to tin/lead solder
• Low liquidus temperatures

Lead-free solder pastes.

These pastes were developed to meet the needs of electronic and electromechanical manufacturers who require an alternative to tin/lead solder. With liquidus temperatures as low as 217°C, they are viable alternatives to the general-purpose tin/lead compositions. The two new alloys contain tin/silver and tin/silver/copper, and are available with the company's no-clean, RA-based, and water-soluble flux formulas. The alloys provide thorough wetting and shiny, reliable solder joints. Prepackaged in 10cc, 30cc and 55cc syringes, the alloys are formulated for smooth, consistent application with air-powered dispensers or positive-displacement auger valves. EFD Inc, Lincoln, RI. Free info--Circle 563. Go direct to spec at: http://www.OneRS.net/106df-563

See at Semicon West

For more metals & alloys, go to http://www.OneRS.net/106df-413

Near-net titanium extrusions. The use of near-net titanium extruded shapes is an alternative manufacturing solution that results in cost savings and reduced waste for designers specifying titanium in aerospace, marine, food processing and other applications. The company reports this process creates the desired profile to within very close tolerances in fewer steps and with far less material than forging, casting, bar or plate stock. Plymouth Extruded Shapes, Warrenville, IL. Free info--Circle 566. http://www.OneRS.net/106df-566

Seamless formed parts. Previously only available in round shapes, this company offers seamless formed square- or rectangular-shaped shields, liners, containers and other parts from high-temperature strength metals, such as tantalum, zirconium, niobium and vanadium. Metal Technology Inc, Albany, OR. Free info--Circle 565. http://www.OneRS.net/106df-565

Extruded aluminum solutions. This single-source company for fabricating, extruding, quality, finishing and turn-key operations offers extrusions to encompass any configuration, alloy or performance requirement. Engineers are also available to custom design components. Northern States Metals, W Hartford, CT. Free info--Circle 569. http://www.OneRS.net/106df-569

Custom metal products. This company offers custom-engineered composite metal products in wire, rod or bar stock from 0.002- to 1.5-in. OD, to meet specific criteria such as biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, corrosion-resistance, low thermal expansion or cost reduction. They feature 2 or more layers of precious metals and other alloys metallurgically bonded to copper- and nickel-based alloys to meet design requirements. Anomet Products, Shrewsbury, MA. Free info--Circle 567. http://www.OneRS.net/106df-567

Metallic paper. MirrorBrite is a high gloss metallic paper or board with a mirror-like surface that provides extreme smoothness and flatness. It is used in packaging and printing applications for cosmetics, folding cartons, CD- and book-covers. Metallized Products Inc, Winchester, MA. Free info--Circle 564. http://www.OneRS.net/106df-564

Materials

APPLICATION XTRA

* Production costs are 50% less
* Lighter environmental footprint

Thermoplastic Metal Composites Replace Lead in X-ray Shield

Engineers at Xitec, Inc., East Windsor, CT, wanted for years to get the lead out of their X-ray tube shield, a relatively thin-walled cylinder that plays a major part in concentrating X-rays and shielding personnel from stray radiation. The company's portable C-arm X-ray equipment is designed for a range of applications in the medical and veterinary markets, including viewing extremities in the emergency room and in X-ray generators for airport security equipment. Their original tube shield, hand-fabricated by rolling and soldering sheet lead, was climbing in costs, both for the material itself and for the fabrication process. Lead scrap was also a constant hazardous material headache.

The company learned of ECOMASS thermoplastic composite, formulated and distributed by PolyOne Corp., Cleveland, OH. ECOMASS composite is part of a new family of high-density POLYMETAL thermoplastic-metal composites, which are alternatives to lead and other high-gravity metallic materials. It has the density of lead and a similar ability to block radiation, but is less expensive to produce and is 100% recyclable at the molder, retaining its properties through regrind and multiple heat histories.

Xitec worked with Ideas to Market, Austin, TX, a technology transfer firm that brought ECOMASS to market. Together, engineers successfully designed a new X-ray shield that could be manufactured using conventional thermoplastic molding equipment. Due to the complexity of the shape, the ECOMASS part is half the weight of its lead predecessor. A mounting ring is molded into the part, removing several processes from assembly. Best of all, the radiation performance of the material is excellent--zero rad/meter at 40 cm.

"It took us less than half-a-year to switch from lead to ECOMASS composite," said Xitec mechanical engineer Randy LaValley, adding, "That's six months for a total switch in material and approach, including part design, mold production, assembly, training, everything. We've always had the lightest unit on the market, which is important for portable and cart-based equipment like ours. We're now in the process of specifying ECOMASS composite for a series of new products."

For more information: Circle 568 - Xitec, Inc. or connect directly to their website via the Online Reader Service Program at http://www.OneRS.net/106df-568

Circle 572 - PolyOne Corp. or connect directly to http://www.OneRS.net/106df-572

Circle 571 - Ideas to Market or connect directly to http://www.OneRS.net/106df-571