Jun 06, 2013 
FCT Assembly today announced that it has secured an order from a fast-growing contract manufacturer (CM) in the Northwest. After thorough evaluations, an order was placed for FCT’s DEK VectorGuard® stencil system and NL932 no-clean, lead-free, halide-free solder paste.
As a provider of quick-turn, 24-hour prototype and medium-volume production, the CM was in need of same-day, quick-turn capabilities and advanced stencil technologies. The company selected DEK’s VectorGuard stencil system to meet its quick-turn production needs. The VectorGuard system freed up much needed storage capacity for the CM, in addition to offering quick turnover and overall better tensioning than other frame systems evaluated.
World-renowned for its ease-of-use and effectiveness, VectorGuard is a patented frameless stencil system that allows for reduced storage space requirements, improved operator safety, and consistent tension over the life of the stencil, thus delivering significant advantages as compared to conventional mesh-mount stencils. For assembly firms specializing in high-mix production, VectorGuard is the ideal solution, as a single frame can be used to accommodate an infinite number of stencil foils and provides for extremely quick product changeover.
VectorGuard foils and frames are available in a wide range of sizes and base materials to address varying manufacturing requirements.
Additionally, the CM approved FCT’s NL932 no-clean, lead-free, halide-free solder paste. With the use of NL932, the company experienced improved print performance and transfer efficiency as well as an improvement in reflowed solder joint appearance. NL932 features excellent solderability, enabling the process to handle the most difficult wetting requirements. The lead-free paste offers excellent print consistency with high process capability index across all board designs, as well as excellent wetting characteristics on all pad finishes.
For more information about FCT Assembly’s technologies, quick-turn capabilities and value-added engineering support, visit www.fctassembly.com.
FCT Assembly consists of three divisions: FCT Solder, Fine Line Stencil and A-Laser. With numerous facilities in the United States, FCT is one of the electronics industry’s leading manufacturers of lead-free and leaded solder products, superior quality stencils and precision cut parts.
The company sets itself apart from its competitors by continuously studying new products and processes in order to uphold its reputation as a leader in technology. FCT’s customers can always count on the company to use the latest technology and to supply products with the highest quality.
For more information, visit www.fctassembly.com.
