‘More than just dry Air’.
Super Dry by Totech Matches Storage to Your Needs
In this interview, Editor Nolan Johnson and Richard Heimsch of Super Dry preview the key criteria for component moisture management. If you can’t make it to IPC APEX EXPO, don’t worry. We’ll be bringing you interviews with the engineers, managers and technologists who are making a difference in our industry. To listen to this Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO interview with Rich Heimsch, click here. Or read the Audio […]
Automated warehouse system at Zollner
EMS providers Zollner, based in Altenmarkt Germany, use 72,000 component reels across 23,000 different part numbers in their SMD assembly. Before the introduction of the automatic Dry Tower system all order picking and storing of components was handled manually. Due to constant growth Zollner were faced with the challenge of optimizing their SMD processes. Among the priorities were the needs to reduce floor space and optimize the control of moisture […]
7 Years with Dry Tower – A field report
Birkholz, a leading German EMS, was founded in 1980. Today the company has 50 employees with a main focus on industrial electronics, especially for customers in the fields of medical, mining, automation and railway technology. With 7 automatic placement machines, automated dry storage, wave and selective soldering machines as well as testing and development facilities, Birkholz is modern and future-oriented. Back in 2013 there were almost no suppliers of automated […]
Software Solutions for MES Environment on the Entire Shop Floor
ASYS offers the industry’s largest product portfolio of machines and material logistics solutions for the entire shop floor. With the integration of Motives Software GmbH into the ASYS Group, the portfolio of software solutions is now also expanding. The latest addition is Factory Conductor, a factory level software tool which complements the existing machine and line-oriented ASYS software solutions, PULSE and OIC (Overall Inline Communication). The Factory Conductor is the […]
Expansion of Long Term Storage Solutions offering
Building on the success of our Long Term Storage Solutions, LTS², the most recent development is the acquisition of a new building to expand on capacity & to minimise risk by assuring continuity should a disrupting incident occur in one of the facilities. Tapping into our unparalleled experience and expertise of storing moisture sensitive components, LTS² continues to grow significantly with ever-increasing demand and serving an ever-expanding worldwide client base. […]
Smart Storage Manager software solutions
Totech has constantly redefined the prevention of moisture absorption, oxidation and intermetallic growth while exceeding the requirements of IPC/JEDEC J-Std-033D. Now, manufacturers can advance their component management processes even further with integrated software tools and intelligent hardware that can track climate, trace components and notify personnel through integration to the ASYS Pulse network . Automated floor life reset, user ID security, component “Pick by Light” and FIFO materials management are […]
RoodMicrotec & Totech join forces to offer comprehensive Long-Term Storage services
We are delighted to announce a partnership with RoodMicrotec N.V, a leading independent company for semiconductor supply and quality testing services. Totech’s expertise with specialist moisture control equipment provides the backbone for our outsourced Long Term Storage Service, LTS², which brings vital long-term component storage solutions into product lifecycle. With the cooperation with Rood Mictotec we will now also offer related quality testing services to deliver a comprehensive suite of […]
Automate, Digitalize & Connect
Automate, Digitalize & Connect: This is the motto and the mission of ASYS, and this will be demonstrated live at Productronica in Munich next month. ASYS and Totech are your technology partners for your journey towards intelligent manufacturing. With PULSE software, you can move even closer to achieving a true Smart Factory. Discover more at Productronica – more performance than ever. The smart assistance system enables the operator to react twice […]
Innovative Dry Storage Solutions at SMT-Connect
The management and treatment of moisture sensitivity is becoming an increasingly critical element of electronics product reliability. Todays manufacturers are being challenged to manage larger and larger volumes of parts in a controlled and traceable manner. Totech has the innovative solutions. We deliver dry storage options to suit any size of manufacturer and our real time monitoring and traceability of moisture sensitive inventory helps you on the path to achieving […]
All at one – the route to efficient manufacturing. See us at SMT 2019
The smart factory – a complex matter? Not for us! At SMT Connect Totech and ASYS are your number one when it comes to designing the overall material logistics solution for your shopfloor. Whatever ideas you may have, we will work with you to implement them. We keep an eye on all processes: Incoming goods: Traceability through fully automatic identification and marking Shopfloor storage solutions for the demand-oriented provision of […]
I-Connect interview – Long Term Storage issues
At IPC Apex show in San Diego last month, Guest Editor of I-Connect 007, Kelly Dack spoke with Richard Heimsch, director of Totech, about some of the differences between storing components and other materials for assembly floor storage versus long-term storage, and how Super Dry can help combat intermetallic growth: Kelly Dack: I’m sitting with Richard Heimsch, director of Totech, at IPC APEX EXPO 2019. Super Dry is a moisture-management, humidity-control […]
Totech participates in successful ASYS Group Technology Days
“A Line is a dot that went for a walk” – under this motto the 10th ASYS Group Technology Days took place from 14 – 15 November 2018. At the two-day event, the automation experts showed how the production of the future can become reality. Visitors were able to experience the latest technology highlights from the fields of Electronics, Solar and Life Science, live in an exhibition area of more […]
How do you evaluate Dry Cabinet Performance?
Not sure? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is simply one of many MSD management issues facing today’s manufacturers; when it comes to evaluating your dry cabinet’s performance, it can be difficult to know where to start. Fortunately, we’re here to help! 1. Check your cabinet’s recovery time This is arguably the single most important performance parameter for desiccant dry cabinets, though Minimum RH level is the most frequently cited. […]
Drying and storage of 3D Printing Polymers
Keep Your 3D Filament Dry 3D prints may partially or completely fail if moisture ingress has occurred in the filament used. Without appropriate dry storage procedures in place, at some point problems during printing will almost certainly arise due to humidity. Filaments absorb water molecules from the ambient air in a natural process known as hygroscopy. This absorption can occur in just a few hours if filaments are left exposed […]
Standards for storage & moisture protection for printed circuit boards
Guidelines for the proper storage, handling and moisture protection of electronic components can be found in the standards IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033. Though these date back to 1999, there were no published standards for storage and moisture protection for printed boards until 2010, and their proper handling is still often overlooked, even though with the correct storage control and the use of suitable drying methods, considerable manufacturing advantages can be gained: PCBs […]
A year on from acquisition by ASYS
It’s now a full year since the acquisition of Totech by the ASYS group and things have moved forward at quite a pace. CEO Jos Brehler recently spent some time chatting to Phil Stoten of EMSNow to talk about the integration, the progress made and the opportunities and trends in component storage. When you have been taken over by a bigger group there’s a need for major reorganisation of your […]
An Array of Component Storage Solutions
To guarantee the availability of replacement parts for ten or more years demands the advance purchase and extended storage of components and materials. Most components cannot be stored for more than one or two years without very special handling procedures, with oxidation, intermetallics and embrittlement among ageing conditions that must be addressed. Super Dry® Totech has been developing component storage solutions for almost two decades, including ultra low humidity environments […]
Thank you for visiting our booth at Productronica in Munich
We would like to thank all our visitors for taking the time to visit our stand during Productronica in Munich on 14-17 November 2017. It was our pleasure to be able to welcome so many valued customers and we enjoyed many inspiring discussions. We were truly impressed by the number of visitors – 44,000 from 85 countries came to Munich, an increase of almost 20 percent over the previous event. […]
Manage ISO 9001 calibration requirements with our Sensor exchange program
Most of our customers are working with ISO 9001 regulations, which requires regular calibration of measuring devices in their factory. All monitoring and measurement equipment used for product and process verification must be controlled and calibrated against nationally traceable standards at specified intervals. Each instrument should be traceable through its own calibration record which contains: Identification number Manufacturer and model Frequency of calibration Reference standards used Validation certificates and calibration […]
Resetting floor life of components & MSDs
There are eight different levels of moisture sensitivity, (MSL) expressed in hours of available floor life ranging from unlimited — to less than 24 hours (IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033). It is imperative that floor life exposure be known at all times, in order to prevent moisture induced damage. It is possible to “reset” device floor life by removing the moisture, but it must be done under carefully controlled conditions in order to […]
Business and Technical Developments at Totech
In a recent interview with Pete Starkey, Technical Editor of I-Connect007, our CEO, Jos Brehler and Sales Manager Terry Morgan, chatted about the recent Totech partnering with ASYS, what it means for the company and for the ongoing development of Totech Dry Tower automated logistics system. Totech first introduced the Dry Tower five years ago, in response to the ever-increasing use of MSL components and the big drive in Smart […]
Totech is now a member of the ASYS Group
To all our valued customers and partners, I want to inform you of a significant development in the continued growth of our business. We are committed to investment in our products, services and our people so that we all benefit from the best we have to offer. Continuously improving our products and developing new technologies to take on the future demands of manufacturing and deliver benefits for us all is […]
Maintain control of all your component inventory
The Totech Dry Tower is an automated, highly flexible and expandable buffer storage system designed for the safe storage of components and production materials in a controlled environment. A unique identification code ensures that the right component is selected for set up and delivered to the correct retrieval station. Return-to-storage is equally quick. The right component is always in the right place at the right time – ready for quick […]
Dry Storage for so much more than electronics …..
As the electronics industry’s leading MSD handling specialist, we’re committed to delivering the dry storage solutions you need to protect your production environment. But not only global electronics manufacturers need to defend moisture sensitive devices against potentially costly defects. End user applications reach across a large variety of different industries, such as laboratories, medical, dental, contact lens, biotechnology, lithium ion batteries and the media and film industry. We know that […]
Totech MSL 2.0 Software: In Pursuit of 4.0
Industry 4.0 changes the rules of the game for manufacturing. It holds great promise for significant increases in productivity by connecting machines with information technologies and the Internet. Companies that use new technologies for Industry 4.0 are more competitive because they produce at lower costs and possess the flexibility to meet wide ranging and quickly changing customer requirements. Industry 4.0 is upon us, and those that are prepared to implement […]
Thermally Managing Intermetallics During Long Term Storage
The storage of moisture sensitive electronic components and materials is problematic, and manufacturers with long term storage requirements face additional obstacles. Requirements for long term storage are increasing. Why? Component obsolescence Due to rapid changes in packaging design and material, companies find themselves forced to purchase additional quantities of components in order to guard against the impact of component obsolescence on their final product designs. This in turn creates an […]
Cogiscan and Totech Announce Partnership
Cogiscan and Totech today announced a new partnership. This collaboration enables Totech to seamlessly integrate their equipment to the TTC solutions developed by Cogiscan. This technology, combined with the Super Dry® robotically controlled Dry Tower storage management systems, enables a more complete solution for Totech customers. Cogiscan is the leading Track, Trace and Control (TTC) solutions provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, and Totech is one of the top providers […]
The Business of Learning. It needn’t be boring.
The recent International Sales Meeting hosted by Totech EU® drew delegates from all across Europe and America. The three day event was technically intensive and the venue quite unique, scenic and fun. 33 staff and representatives boarded a beautiful classic sailing ship named De Nieuwe Liefde, or –in English- The New Love. Originating in the Baltic sea, this classic freight ship provided a 19th century sailing décor and fresh sea […]
Creating the factory of the future… Automating processes for component handling and storage
These days companies are looking more and more for flexible automation and digitalization of their processes. Tracking and tracing becomes an essential part of every automation process. Industry 4.0 is a good example of an initiative that helps companies getting ready for the next industrial revolution, focusing on flexible automation, digitalization, and track and tracing throughout the whole supply chain. In this way manufacturing in Europe stays competitive and significant amounts […]
Industry 4.0 Solutions
We spoke at this year’s Apex with a number of people interested to learn more about our automated logistics systems. One conversation was with iConnect 007’s Andy Shaughnessy. Excerpts from that interview follow: Andy Shaughnessy: Rich, we talked a few times last year, and I understand that you’ve got some updates on what’s been going on in the company. What’s the rundown? Rich Heimsch: Absolutely. Nice to see you again. We’re consistent with our […]
Expert Assembly Announces New Quality Initiatives
Southern California EMS provider Expert Assembly Services, Inc. has been known throughout the region for exceptional quality control processes since their inception twenty years ago. The company recently enhanced that control with the addition of ultra-low RH component and PCB storage and drying by Super Dry. The company specializes in time-critical, complex consign and full-turnkey PCB assembly services for over 100 OEMS from a wide range of end markets including […]
Rich Heimsch and Andy Shaughnessy discuss specialized moisture management technology
Andy Shaughnessy from SMT Magazine and iConnect 007 recently sat down with Rich Heimsch, director of the Americas for Super Dry-Totech, at the SMTAI show in Chicago. They they discussed the specialized moisture management technology that Super Dry has developed, as well as how both the European and American markets are evolving with regard to use of the technology. See full interview below: Andy Shaughnessy: Rich, thanks for speaking with […]
Our Component Logistics System Wins Global Technology Award
Super Dry’s new generation of robotically automated material handling is a 2015 Global Technology Award winner. The prize was awarded during last week’s Productronica Exhibition in Munich, Germany in the category of Component Storage. Incorporating complete moisture management, floor life reset and traceability of MSL components, the system can manage tens of thousands of different sized reels and trays, operator-free.
Super Dry will showcase Dry Storage at SMTA Ohio with Murray Percival Co.
Midwest electronics supplier The Murray Percival Company will feature Super Dry desiccant cabinets and moisture management solutions at this year’s SMTA Ohio Chapter Vendor Expo on July 16 in Cleveland.
“360 View” High Visability Desiccant Dry Storage Cabinets
Ever increasing miniaturization of electronics, including thinner components and new materials has made the management and treatment of moisture sensitivity an increasingly critical element of electronics product reliability. Manufacturers are being challenged to manage ever larger volumes of parts in a controlled and traceable manner.
Lead Free Requires Increased Moisture Management
Moisture Sensitive Devices (MSDs) are electronic devices encapsulated with plastic compounds and other organic materials. These include PCBs. Moisture from atmospheric humidity will enter these permeable materials by diffusion and preferentially collect at the dissimilar material interfaces. During solder reflow, the combination of rapid moisture expansion and materials mismatch can result in package cracking and/or delamination of critical interfaces within the package. These defects are nearly impossible to detect during […]
Moisture Barrier Bags; A Brief Tutorial
The need to keep components dry between the time of manufacture and the point of reflow soldering led to the development of Moisture Barrier Bags. Sometimes called Vapor Barrier Bags, they are made from multiple layers of plastic and aluminium that control moisture vapor leakage. It’s also a protective packaging process that can prevent oxidation. MBBs are increasingly used to pack other goods or moisture sensitive assemblies/devices for long term […]
Super Dry Desiccant Technology
People refer to Desiccant Cabinets, and Dry Cabinets, and Desiccant Dry Boxes…but not everyone is familiar with the actual desiccant technology that we employ. Unlike clay or silica, we use a crystal known as Zeolite. It is a molecular sieve — that is to say, the size and shape of its structural openings are that of H2O molecules. And those water molecules are literally sifted from the air inside the […]
Accelerate Existing Drying Processes Without Elevated Temperatures
Ultra low humidity can accelerate any drying process. Super Dry® Totech XSD cabinets create an atmosphere holding only 0.05 grams of H2O per cubic meter. The relative humidity produced by this state-of-the-art system is as low as 0.3% RH. And it consumes less than 50W/hr to do so. This produces a “moisture vacuum” that releases water molecules from the materials into which they have been absorbed…even at ambient temperatures. […]
A discussion on baking, and related moisture management issues…
We chatted recently with SMT Editor Steve Williams to discuss problems associated with baking boards. To remove moisture, baking used to be the only answer–but the temperatures used often meant oxidation, inter-metallic build-up, and loss of solderability.
Great week at Apex 2014
Thanks to everyone that took time to visit with us last week at the Super Dry booth at IPC Apex 2014 in Las Vegas. It was a busy week and we were pleased to meet a lot of new people as well as having the opportunity to visit with many of our existing customers. I also had the opportunity to speak on the record about the technology and about the […]
Lots to See at Next Week’s APEX 2014!
Next week’s APEX 2014 in Las Vegas will be the largest for five years, and Super Dry has planned our biggest display ever. With the largest selection of sizes and performance levels in the industry, we have storage and drying solutions that fit every application and every budget. The technology has been fueled by the advanced moisture management demands of our European customer base, who’s practices are 5- 7 years […]
Low Temperature, Low Humidity Long Term Storage
Due to rapid changes in packaging design and material, many companies find themselves forced to purchase additional quantities of components in order to guard against the impact of component obsolescence on their final product designs. This in turn creates an issue of long term inventory storage. Product lifecycles continue to shorten, with new models being released sooner than ever before. Many manufacturers, such as automobile suppliers, must guarantee the availability […]
Managing Moisture in PCBs
Guidelines for the proper stocking and moisture protection of electronic components can be found in IPC standards (IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033). Because there were no published standards for storage and moisture protection for printed circuit boards until 2010, they were generally overlooked. But with the correct stocking control and the use of low humidity, low temperature drying methods considerable advantages can be gained: Coated printed boards will remain solderable for a much […]
We’re looking forward to APEX next month!
We’ll be showcasing our broad range of desiccant cabinets at this year’s APEX in Las Vegas March 25-27. Visitors to Booth 425 will learn there are both processing and financial benefits in replacing costly nitrogen and eliminating high tempehttp://https://superdry-totech.com/index.phprature baking for the protection of moisture sensitive components and PCBs. The continuing miniaturization of electronics, including thinner components and new materials has made the management of moisture sensitivity an increasingly critical […]
Commonly Asked Questions About Moisture Management
Do we need to Dry or do we need to Store? We need both. Most of the time assemblers do not know how much moisture has been absorbed by their components or PCB’s, so they must be returned to a known state. A drying cabinet can reset the floor life clock back to Zero without inducing oxidation and inter-metallic growth caused by high temperature baking. The drying cabinet combines <0.5% […]
Expandable modular Desiccant Cabinets for reduced component storage costs
Ever increasing miniaturization of electronics, including thinner components and new materials has made the management of moisture sensitivity an increasingly critical element of product reliability. Manufacturers are being challenged to manage larger and larger volumes of parts in a controlled and traceable manner. Cabinet recovery time is a critical performance factor and frequent and extended door openings impact the interior environment. Super Dry® MSD cabinets provide recovery times after door […]
Combating Oxidation and Intermetallics
To avoid damage from micro cracks and delaminating during the processing of electronic components, it is necessary to provide appropriate storage. The introduction of lead-free soldering and the higher processing temperatures involved can triple the saturated vapor pressure within components (up to 30 bars). The same component that could safely be processed before lead free becomes a moisture sensitive device with limited floor life. The difference is often 2 sensitivity […]
SMTAI Fort Worth
We recently enjoyed several days of lively discussions with visitors to this year’s SMTA International conference and Exhibition in Fort Worth, Texas. Kudos to IPC and SMTA for collocating the events at a common venue and time. It provided measurable benefits to everyone. We had a moment to speak with Andy Shaughnessy from SMT Magazine and iConnect 007. Let us know what YOU think. Article Link: http://www.realtimewith.com/pages/show.cgi?rtwsid=69&rtwvid=3058&c=0
Visit With Us In Your Local Neighborhood
Super Dry will continue to exhibit our unique drying and storage technology around the US through the summer and fall, stopping at the local chapter SMTA Expo Tech forums, and then of course at SMTA International in Fort Worth in October… Visit with us June 27th a the SMTA Upper Midwest Expo & Tech Forum where we will be exhibiting with our local representative Doug Loberg, Benchside Technologies. Next will be July […]
Our Interview with EMSNow
We had the opportunity recently to speak with Phil Stoten at EMSNow about the increasing awareness in North America of the importance of managing MSDs. Watch our interview with EMSNow.
APEX Visitors Applaud Oxidation Free Baking and Storage
This year’s IPC/Apex Expo was a great week for Super Dry. Visitors expressed keen interest in our Global Technology Award winning XSD Series drying cabinets for Oxidation Free Baking and Storage and repeatedly explained that their needs for comprehensive MSD management have become priority projects at their companies.
Global Technology Award
Awareness of our unique technology continues to grow and we’re pleased that we won a 2012 Global Technology Award this week at SMTAI in Orlando.
Long-term storage of electronic components and PCBs
The storage of electronic components and PCBs is increasingly problematic because of two issues.
Managing Moisture Damage in PCBs
There were no published standards for storage and moisture protection for PCBs until 2010, but nonetheless problems with moisture damage were common. Lead free processing further increased the need for controls because saturated vapor pressure is commonly 3X that encountered in SnPb reflow.
IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033 Version C
Latest standards for the handling of MSDs Released in February of this year, Version C of the moisture sensitive device handling standard includes more recognition than previously of desiccant cabinet technology and its use in preventing damage from moisture absorbed into components and boards. However, it is still considerably behind European manufacturers’ processes that have significantly eliminated high temperature baking of components and boards in favor of ultra low RH […]