Material Disclosure software tracks chemical ingredients in a supply chain. Is Internet-based and available by subscription. Automates and manages supply chain communication and chemical information collection processes for lifecycle assessment and compliance under global restricted lists. New features include IPC1752 xml schema importer and generator; enhanced supplier contact management tools, and advanced supplier response query tools.

Actio, http://www2.actio.net/e/1432/2011-11-02/L5VOK/320993316

Ledia 5 direct imaging system for printed circuit boards uses a multi-wavelength UV LED. Offers flexible imaging capable of handling any photosensitive material (photo resist). Has newly designed autoloader. Exposes circuit patterns at high-speed and precision onto photo resist and solder resist films on PCB. Eliminates photo mask-related processes from conventional exposure. Handles a wide range of production formats, from small run production of test PCB for diverse products through to mass production. Exposure over a range of wavelengths from 350 to 420nm is possible. Uses a 2-D modulator projection imaging system; performs modulated imaging while synchronizing with transfer stage. Has high-precision imaging head.

DaiNippon Screen Mfg. Co. Ltd., www.dnse.com

Free PCB Converter can import intermediate data format files into Google SketchUp. Adds a 3D CAD backend capability to PCB design tools; can transfer files from any CAD environment, providing IDF output into COLLADA format. Export PCB designs into Google SketchUp to assess compatibility with the mechanical constraints of enclosures and mounts. Can then incorporate 3D models of electromechanical components to complete design. CAD models of products in the RS product range can be downloaded from the website in SketchUp compliant format (*.skp) and used in the tool.

RS Components, www.rsonline.co.za/electronics

CR-8000 printed circuit board design product family is designed for system-level multi-board design.