Sikama International Announces Full Commercialization of Acid-Free “Electron Attachment” Fluxless Solder Reflow System 

Sikama International Announces Full Commercialization of Acid-Free “Electron Attachment” Fluxless Solder Reflow System 

SANTA BARBARA, CA – September 1, 2023 – Sikama International Inc., in collaboration with AirProducts Inc.™, is proud to announce the full commercial launch of its acid-free Electron Attachment (EA) Fluxless Reflow Soldering System, a revolutionary step for the Advanced Packaging Semiconductor sector. 

The innovative technology behind this system is based on the Electron Attachment (EA) principle for activating hydrogen, a method that AirProducts has been refining for the past 15 years to efficiently reduce surface oxides. The EA technology is engineered to break down H₂ molecules into hydrogen anions, which are then targeted towards the soldering surfaces to effectively clean and reduce oxides before the reflow process. Additionally, this technology operates at ambient pressure and temperatures well within the window of traditional reflow processes.  

The key advantages of this technology include: 

  • Truly Residue-Free: Enhanced reflow quality without flux-induced solder voids and wafer contamination. No post-reflow cleaning equipment is required and significantly less oven cleaning. 
  • In-line Process: Easily integrated into existing manufacturing lines without batch processing. The EA process occurs immediately before the reflow process.  
  • Environmental Impact: The EA flux-free process is entirely residue-free and environmentally benign with no organic vapors, hazardous residues, or CO2 emission. 
  • Ambient Pressure and sub-reflow temperatures: No vacuum requirements and safely processes substrates. 

Sikama, as the exclusive global integrator of this technology and partner with AirProducts, views the technology and equipment commercialization as “a game-changer for this industry, as the need for advanced solutions to packaging evolutions in the semiconductor industry continue to evolve”, according to Herb Weigel, President and CEO of Sikama International. 

The Sikama EA1200 Solder reflow oven is certified to EN 600204-1, SEMI S2/S8/S22/S23/F47/E6, is CE certified, and is verified to be compliant with NFPA79 in installed applications.  Nearly 50 Worldwide Patents have been issued on this technology.  The technology is well suited to provide significant benefits to small geometries in wafer bumping, copper pillar, and flip chip applications. 

Established in 1982, Sikama International, Inc. designs and produces its products in Santa Barbara, California. Their reflow system offerings provide exceptional performance, with the fluxless systems set to redefine industry standards. 

Reliable. Repeatable. Responsible. Reflow. 

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Sikama International Strengthens Worldwide Distributor Network by Partnering with CMT Global to support Korean and International Markets

Sikama International Strengthens Worldwide Distributor Network by Partnering with CMT Global to Support Korean and International Markets

Sikama International, a trusted provider of state-of-the-art reflow systems is proud to announce their new partnership with CMT, a global leader specializing in back-end semiconductor solutions.

CMT was formed in August 2010 by Mr. CW Kwak, who has over 30 years experience in the semiconductor industry. CMT offers both material and equipment solutions in the back-end semiconductor assembly market.

CMT is a unique global marketing and sales company. CMT focuses on a micro-level marketing working directly with clients and customers through offering specific projects, right beta sites, and global project management. CMT focuses on short-term projects to deliver sales on client’s current products, then offers mid-term projects for next 2-3 years, and long-term programs 5-10 years out to deliver continuous long-term growth and sustainability.

Sikama’s new partnership with CMT will enable both companies to expand their reach to provide customers with an expansive range of solutions on a global platform.


Sikama International Announces Product Support for Copper and Silver Sintering Applications

Sikama International announces product support for copper and silver sintering applications used in the power electronics and EV markets.

Sikama’s sintering pre-dry ovens offer conductive heating in a controlled environment with adjustable O2 levels as low as 5ppm in a footprint of less than 1 square meter. With their compact design, highly efficient conductive thermal transfer to high-mass components, and the lowest carbon footprint in the industry, Sikama’s products are the perfect fit for any power electronics production line. Additionally, with only 15 minutes before reaching temperature set points, energy costs and gas requirements are kept to a minimum.

With SMEMA and SECS/GEM capability and customizable profiling, their Ultra Profile and Falcon series ovens seamlessly integrate into the automated production line. Providing accurate and consistent temperatures, controlled cooling rates, and each zone fully adjustable to within 1°C, the guesswork is removed from the pre-drying process. With multidirectional process flow using either sweeper bar or walking beam transport systems and the lowest vibration and power consumption in the industry, Sikama has a configuration for any need.

For over 40 years Sikama International has offered highly reliable equipment and is the trusted option of manufacturers worldwide.


Sikama International in the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce Magazine

Click HERE to read our article in the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce Magazine

 

“With 40 years in Santa Barbara, California, Sikama International has seen the South Coast grow and develop over the years. Sikama continues to expand its production space and team to meet the increasing demand for small footprint, high efficiency, and long-lasting products.”

 

Read more about Sikama International on page 15.


Sikama's Newsletter: A Year in Review 2022

Click HERE to download our latest Newsletter

 

"Through past performance and nearly 40 years in the industry, Sikama International, Inc. has gained a reputation for quality products delivered on time with outstanding customer service."

 

A year in review, 2022. CLICK HERE to sign up for our Newsletter.


Sikama International Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Sikama International Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Established in July of 1982 by Sig, Kail, and Mariellen Wathne (hence the name, “SiKaMa”), Sikama was founded to design, develop, and manufacture high quality reflow soldering and curing systems utilizing a first of its kind high efficiency conductive heating technology to support the demands of the electronics industry.

After nearly 40 successful years, Sikama was purchased by Herb Weigel. Keeping with the mission originated by the founders, Herb’s goal is to elevate Sikama’s products to keep pace with the demands of the industry and exceed customer expectations. With an enhanced product roadmap and a growing number of services to support customers, Sikama is positioned better than ever to meet the increasing demands of its customers.

Sikama continues to grow its production space and team to meet the increasing demand for small footprint, high efficiency, and long-lasting products. In addition, with the launch of the fluxless EA UP1200, the company is positioned better than ever to meet the needs of the most demanding applications.

Here’s what was happening in 1982 when Sikama was founded:

• Time Magazine’s Machine of the Year was The Computer
• Biggest Blockbuster of 1982 was E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
• Superbowl XVI Champions were the San Francisco 49ers
• Billboard’s #1 Song was Physical by Olivia Newton-John
• Adobe was founded in California by Chuck Geschke and John Warnock


Sikama International, Inc. Congratulates and Supports the Passing of The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022

Sikama International, Inc. Congratulates and Supports the Passing of The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022

As the only producer of Made-in-America reflow ovens supporting the semiconductor industry for over 40 years, Sikama International, Inc. is pleased to see and support the passage of The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.

Established in 1982 and still operating in Southern California, Sikama International has been a leading producer of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and with the U.S.’s passing of the CHIPS and Science Act, we are excited to see the investment in US leadership of domestic manufacture, design and research to advance the deployment of advanced semiconductor technologies and manufacturing for years to come.

With the ongoing chip shortage and continually increasing demand, the strong support from the US government is key to our country’s economic growth, infrastructure, and national security. We are excited to see the future domestic growth, technology, and opportunities presented by the passing of this act. This funding is an invigorating step towards a brighter future for the United States.


Sikama's Interview with Easy Engineering

Click HERE to read our Interview with Easy Engineering

 

“Sikama is the only reflow oven manufacturer that utilizes both conductive and convective heating methods, something that’s not available in a belt furnace, and offers industry-leading thermal transport. This significantly increases our performance advantage and energy/gas usage. This also allows very small footprints since components are allowed to “dwell” in each zone for a specified period, dramatically decreasing floor space requirements.”

 

Our Director of Sales and Business Development, Jeffrey Blair, interviewed with Easy Engineering regarding Sikama International’s profitability, advantages, and our Electron Attachment Technology.


Sikama International's Interview with Tech Company News

Click HERE to read our Interview with Tech Company News

 

“We are proud of the close partnerships we develop with our customers to allow a collaborative approach to meet their needs. Sikama is building out a customer experience center that will serve as the hub for on-site customer testing and demonstrations. We are also enabling our global network of distributors and sales representatives with tools to better equip them to be an extension of Sikama and provide the same level of customer service and support that our customers have grown accustomed to.”

 

Our Director of Sales and Business Development, Jeffrey Blair, interviewed with Tech Company News regarding Sikama International as a whole, looking into our product lineup, future plans, and some of the best things about Sikama International.