Air Products Introduces New-Generation Inert Wave Soldering Technology

Advanced Nitrogen Inerting Technology Significantly Lowers Cost of Ownership in Wave Soldering

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Mar 28, 2011, 04:37 ET

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., March 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Air Products (NYSE: APD) will introduce a new-generation wave soldering technology for the electronics assembly and packaging industry at the IPC APEX Expo in Las Vegas on April 12. Air Products© Inert Wave Soldering is a patented technology that -- using new or existing soldering equipment -- addresses the major issues faced by the electronics assembly and packaging industry by providing improved nitrogen inerting in wave soldering applications.

Air Products Inert Wave Soldering technology is based on original patented designs that are currently in operation around the globe. Through its efficient use of nitrogen, this new-generation technology enables customers to reduce manufacturing and material costs, including reduced nitrogen flow rates; significantly increase soldering joint quality; and transition to lead-free soldering technology with minimal effort. More than 50 units with Air Products' proprietary technology are currently installed at leading electronics assembly companies worldwide.

"Through extensive research, both in-house and with our customers, we have added new features to our existing system that overcome key challenges of applying nitrogen inerting in wave soldering," said Greg Arslanian, global manager for Electronics Packaging, Assembly and Test at Air Products. "This optimized system has demonstrated dramatic results, including significantly reduced key defects and dross formation in day-on-day production."

Christine Dong, Ph.D., lead research scientist at Air Products, will present detailed technical information, laboratory evaluations and production trial data for Air Products' advanced nitrogen inerting technology at a conference session to be held at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12. Attendees will hear about the benefits of the technology, view hard data, and learn how they can lower their cost of ownership. For more information about Air Products Inert Wave Soldering, stop by Booth #621 at IPC APEX from April 12-14.

Air Products is a total solutions supplier to the global electronics assembly, packaging and test industry. For more than 20 years, the company has been providing customers around the world with technology, gases and know-how for wave, reflow and selective soldering. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com/electronics_assembly.

Air Products (NYSE: APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. In fiscal 2010, Air Products had revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,300 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release regarding important risk factors. Actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors not anticipated by management, including risk factors described in the Company's Form 10K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.

SOURCE Air Products