Below is a comprehensive listing of the tools available for use with C-SHAFT facilities. Documentation and manuals for C-SHAFT tools and equipment can be found here.
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Pick-and-Place Assembly System:
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The Madell DP2006-3 pick and place assembly tool is a low-cost fully automatic surface-mount technology (SMT) assembly system which can be used in the fabrication of complex printed circuit boards (PCBs). A pick-and-place machine such as this is used to automate the production of PCBs, greatly reducing manufacture time and personnel hours involved in placement and soldering. This machine can handle various SMT components, particularly in the size range of 0402 components and above. Certain 0201 components may also be able to be placed. |
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The solder reflow oven is used as the final step in printed circuit board (PCB) production. The oven functions by bringing a pick-and-place assembled PCB up to a temperature high enough to liquefy the solder paste, which, upon cooling, will form fully adhered solder joints. |
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Solar Simulator:
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C-SHAFT maintains an Oriel® Sol3A™ Class AAA Solar Simulator. Solar simulators such as this one are commonly used in the testing of space technologies, particularly in photovoltaic testing of solar cells. Devices such as this provide illumination which approximates naturally experienced sunlight and allows for directed and controlled application in a laboratory setting. |
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Assembly, Inspection and Rework Station:
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The assembly, inspection, and rework station at C-SHAFT allows for comprehensive construction and review of all electrical components. This provides researchers the ability to not only to verify the functionality of prefabricated components, but to also design and build their own prototypes. |
Parameter Analyzer: |
The Keithley 4200A-SCS Parameter Analyzer allows for streamlined studies of semiconductor devices, electronic component research, and materials and process development. As a high performance parameter analyzer, it delivers synchronizing current-voltage (I-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V) and ultra-fast pulsed I-V measurements based on specified testing needs. |
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The Hakko Rework Tool is used for quick placement and/or removal of components from PCB boards through melting and vacuuming. Some key features include the ability to make full-scale thermal profiles, measure and record the temperature of components, and easy data transfer. |
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A three axis shaker table is critical in the design and testing of spacecraft and equipment to establish the dynamic response of the material in question. This is particularly important in testing space-bound technology before launch as the dynamics and vibrations involved in rocket takeoff are extreme and can have significant effects on the launch payload. |
Thermal Vacuum Chamber: |
The thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC) is used to test space-bound technology in its environment of intended operation. The vacuum of space and the temperatures which can be experienced by spacecraft upon launch and deployment are fundamental to ensure proper operation of technology in space. These conditions are difficult to simulate on the ground, but can be approximated to a functional degree by using a vacuum oven preset to a space-like environment. |
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The Espec EPX-2H Ultra Cold Temperature and Humidity Chamber allows for testing in environments of a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels. |
| Hand and Power Tools |
