Count On Tools Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, announces that its KeyDisc tool holder from PB Swiss Tools has been awarded a 2010 iF Product Design Award in the Industry/Skilled Trades category. The KeyDisc holder was selected out of 2486 submissions from 39 countries and judged by an independent jury.

For 56 years, the iF Product Design Award has been an internationally recognized synonym for excellence in design. iF has long been accepted globally as a sign of extraordinary design achievement and the organization now operates in Hanover, Munich, Taipei, Korea and Brazil.

The PB Swiss Tools’ KeyDisc design was a successful cooperation between PB Swiss Tools and the industrial designer Paulo Fancelli.

The PB Swiss Tools KeyDisc keeps key L-wrenches readily available for every situation. The tool holder is available for all chromed L-wrenches as well as for the powder coated RainBow® versions in sizes from 1.5-10 mm.

With its new shape and design, the KeyDisc holder provides easy storing and access to tool sets. The clear disc can be rotated around the holder to lock the tools in place for transporting the tool set. To use the tools, simply rotate the disc clockwise as far as it will go and remove the keys by twisting the L-wrench forward. It then can be effortlessly removed from the holder.

PB hex keys feature a perfect-shaped ballpoint end that allows users to turn the screws with an angle up to 30°. PB Swiss is the only manufacturer to offer such a large angle for ballpoint hex keys, resulting in both versatility and uniqueness.

With more than 130 years of experience, PB Swiss Tools is a global leader of hand tools manufactured for use in the industrial marketplace, even for the most hazardous jobs. All PB Swiss Tools are 100 percent Swiss-made and come with an unlimited lifetime guarantee.

Count On Tools Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, introduces PB Swiss Tools’ KeyDisc Holder.

The PB Swiss Tools KeyDisc keeps key L-wrenches readily available for every situation. The tool holder is available for all chromed L-wrenches as well as for the powder coated RainBow® versions ranging in sizes from 1.5-10 mm. Additionally, PB Swiss Tools’ color-coded RainBow® KeyDisc gives an indication of size to every tool, and allows users to quickly find the right hex key due to recognition of the sizes by color.

With its new shape and design, the KeyDisc holder provides easy storing and access to tool sets. The clear disc can be rotated around the holder to lock the tools in place for transporting the tool set. To use the tools, simply rotate the disc clockwise as far as it will go and remove the keys by twisting the L-wrench forward. It then can be effortlessly removed from the holder.

Order in the workplace: Because of the multifunctional suspension arrangement, all tool sizes are easy to locate and store. The arrangement system includes three options for storing tool sets: magnet, pin hole and table stand:

• The magnet, which is molded into the KeyDisc holder, allows users to fasten the tools to almost any metal surface, such as a tool box or a piece of equipment being serviced.
• The pin hole, located on the back of the holder, allows users to hang tools on most non-metal surfaces where a fastener can be securely attached.
• The unique table stand features storage for tools on the workbench.

PB hex keys feature a perfect-shaped ballpoint end that allows users to turn the screws with an angle up to 30°. PB Swiss is the only manufacturer to offer such a large angle for ballpoint hex keys, resulting in both versatility and uniqueness.

With more than 130 years of experience, PB Swiss Tools is a global leader of hand tools manufactured for use in the industrial marketplace, even for the most hazardous jobs. All PB Swiss Tools are 100 percent Swiss-made and come with an unlimited lifetime guarantee.

Count On Tools Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, has launched its interactive online catalog and redesigned Web site. The online resource, located at www.smtmachineparts.com, is loaded with new features to enhance the Count On Tools’ online shopping experience.

The enhanced Web site offers customers the same product range with more extensive technical information, and a more logical and user-friendly interface. The newly streamlined site features an exciting new design to make it faster, easier and more intuitive.
Count On Tools’ updated site now operates more efficiently with the new online catalog, which retains a wealth of product and technical information. The new online catalog was developed to inform and help customers understand Count On Tools’ complete scope of products and services.
Upgrades to the new Web site include:

• Design ― The main feature of the new Web site is the ThomasNet® Catalog Navigator with RFQ Services, a complete catalog search engine, the ability to publish catalog pages to PDF, and the ability to compare products in real-time and online. This interactive catalog system allows users to find the products they need most to keep production on track.
• Graphics ― The new Web site also features fresh new graphics and diagrams to enable users to easily find the products and services they need most.
• Navigation ― Count On Tools has simplified the structure of the Web site by developing a consistent menu and simplified interface that makes navigation simple and straightforward.
• Search ― With the new search function, it is easier than ever to quickly locate specific products. The site now provides multiple options for search parameters (by keyword, by part number, etc.), and an easy-to-navigate site structure based on type of machine.
• Security ― The new site also features enhanced security with a VeriSign Class 3 Secure Server CA.

Countless customers around the globe put their trust in Count On Tools’ quality nozzles and associated consumables. The upgrades to the Web site make it possible for Count On Tools to become the Internet’s one-stop source for high-quality replacement parts for SMT pick-and-place machines and PCB assembly equipment, including vacuum nozzles, cutter blades, glue dispense nozzles, feeders and feeder accessories, vacuum pumps and accessories, filters, springs, lamps, belts, and more.

Count On Tools has been the original source for quality nozzles and associated consumables in the electronics manufacturing industry for nearly 20 years. The company’s nozzles and associated consumables are in use at many of the world’s leading electronics manufacturing services (EMS) companies.

Count On Tools Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, introduces Titanium Hex Key L-Wrenches from PB Swiss Tools’ new line of high-quality, non-sparking, non-magnetic and noncorrosive Titanium Safety Tools.

The new Titanium Hex Key L-Wrenches are made of titanium and the recommended tightening torques can be reached without visible lasting deformation. PB hex keys feature a perfect-shaped ball-point end, which allows any user to turn the screws with an angle of up to 30°. PB Swiss is the only manufacturer to offer such a large angle for ball-point hex keys, which allows them to be more versatile for the user and very unique.

PB Swiss Tools’ Titanium Safety Tools are anodized for easy identification of the tools, compared to regular tools that are not made of Titanium. Titanium Safety Tools are designed for use in numerous industries where the following properties are necessary for safe work:

• Non-Magnetic: Because they are non-magnetic, or non-ferrous, PB Swiss Tools’ Titanium Safety Tools are ideal for use in numerous industries, including around sensitive magnetic equipment (including scanners, de-mining, disarming, etc.), where parts made of magnetic materials might cause disturbances. In computer technology (e.g. hard disk/hard drives, automation with sensitive linear drives, and in the aviation industry for adjusting compasses.
• Corrosion Resistant: PB Swiss Tools ’Titanium Safety Tools are the ideal choice when working in marine and offshore environments, as well as chemical processing, thanks to the corrosion resistance of the Titanium material. Corrosion and/or rust can be dangerous in hazardous environments because impacts involving rust can initiate a thermal reaction which can cause an ignition in an explosive atmosphere.
• Non-Sparking: PB Swiss Tools’ Titanium Safety Tools are recommended for use as non-sparking tools where hazardous, flammable or combustible vapors, liquids, dusts or residues are present.
• Hypoallergenic: PB Swiss Tools’ Titanium Safety Tools are hypoallergenic and, therefore,  are not dangerous to health like similar tools made from Copper-Beryllium Alloy (CuBe2) or Aluminum-Bronze Alloy (AlBr), which can emit dangerous particles during use. PB Swiss Tools’ Titanium Safety Tools are also suitable the medical and surgical industry, as they are capable of being sterilized in autoclaves or with the help of aggressive chemicals.
• Lightweight: PB Swiss Tools’ Titanium Safety Tools weigh nearly 50 percent less than conventional steel tools.

With more than 130 years of experience, PB Swiss Tools is a global leader of hand tools manufactured for use in the industrial marketplace, even for the most hazardous jobs. All PB Swiss Tools are 100 percent Swiss-made and come with an unlimited lifetime guarantee.

Count On Tools Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, introduces Titanium SwissGrip® Screwdrivers from PB Swiss Tools’ new line of high-quality, non-sparking, non-magnetic and noncorrosive Titanium Safety Tools.

PB Swiss Tools’ Titanium SwissGrip® Screwdrivers are ideal for applications in the high-technology field, on assembly lines and at home. They are particularly appreciated everywhere that problem- and fatigue-free work is necessary.

Titanium SwissGrip® Screwdrivers feature slip-proof handles, even with wet hands, and optimally transmit the applied energy. The handles are autoclaveable up to 120°C, and are resistant to harsh chemicals such as gasoline, acetone, etc. Additionally, the soft handle coating comprised of Santoprene® transfers high hand torque onto the screws effortlessly.

PB Swiss Tools’ Titanium Safety Tools are anodized for easy identification of the tools, compared to regular tools that are not made of Titanium. Titanium Safety Tools are designed for use in numerous industries where the following properties are necessary for safe work:

• Non-Magnetic: Because they are non-magnetic, or non-ferrous, PB Swiss Tools’ Titanium Safety Tools are ideal for use in numerous industries, including around sensitive magnetic equipment (including scanners, de-mining, disarming, etc.), where parts made of magnetic materials might cause disturbances. In computer technology (e.g. hard disk/hard drives, automation with sensitive linear drives, and in the aviation industry for adjusting compasses.
• Corrosion Resistant: PB Swiss Tools ’Titanium Safety Tools are the ideal choice when working in marine and offshore environments, as well as chemical processing, thanks to the corrosion resistance of the Titanium material. Corrosion and/or rust can be dangerous in hazardous environments because impacts involving rust can initiate a thermal reaction which can cause an ignition in an explosive atmosphere.
• Non-Sparking: PB Swiss Tools’ Titanium Safety Tools are recommended for use as non-sparking tools where hazardous, flammable or combustible vapors, liquids, dusts or residues are present.
• Hypoallergenic: PB Swiss Tools’ Titanium Safety Tools are hypoallergenic and, therefore,  are not dangerous to health like similar tools made from Copper-Beryllium Alloy (CuBe2) or Aluminum-Bronze Alloy (AlBr), which can emit dangerous particles during use. PB Swiss Tools’ Titanium Safety Tools are also suitable the medical and surgical industry, as they are capable of being sterilized in autoclaves or with the help of aggressive chemicals.
• Lightweight: PB Swiss Tools’ Titanium Safety Tools weigh nearly 50 percent less than conventional steel tools.

With more than 130 years of experience, PB Swiss Tools is a global leader of hand tools manufactured for use in the industrial marketplace, even for the most hazardous jobs. All PB Swiss Tools are 100 percent Swiss-made and come with an unlimited lifetime guarantee.

Count On Tools Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, introduces Universal Instruments’ GSM special low force (spring suspended) nozzle with replaceable tips for delicate components. Count On Tools’ new low force nozzles are ideal for gaas die, gallium arsenide, thin silicone (less than 0.10" in thickness), die with air bridges and flip chips.

As the trend for smaller, more compact electronics grows, the need for smaller flip chips and other delicate components increases. Typically, flip chips feature large bumps on a coarse pitch that help to distribute the load of the placement force necessary for proper placement on a circuit board assembly. The newer, smaller flip chip designs feature small bumps on more aggressive pitches, which limit the amount of force that can be applied during the placement process.

To assist customers working with all styles of delicate components, including flip chips and dies, Count On Tools has developed a line of cost-effective nozzles for the Universal GSM platform that features low force, spring suspended bodies with replaceable tips.

This nozzle range is designed for applications that require placement forces below 150 grams. This is below the normal range specified for the high force placement head associated with most of Universal Instruments’ equipment. Count On Tools’ selection of low force nozzles is compatible with any Universal GSM 4-spindle high force or pressure enhanced placement head.

With the new low force nozzle, placement forces as low as 20 grams can be accomplished. Applications where low force may be required include: RF applications, silicon on silicon, and other custom processes. The tips on low force nozzles are replaceable, and the selection of tips varies by customer application.

Count On Tools Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, is pleased to announce the appointment of Assembly Products, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Blackstone Global, Inc., to its team of manufacturers’ representatives. Assembly Products will provide customers throughout the New England territory with Count On Tools’ full line of SMT nozzles and consumables, as well as custom nozzle engineering services for odd form components.

Count On Tools’ policy has always been to provide customers with the best level of service and support available in the marketplace, whether they are located five or 5000 miles from the factory. The company selects only the very best manufacturer’s representatives that have relevant industry experience and resources to effectively service any requirements.

“Count On Tools’ reputation for engineering and manufacturing quality precision tools for pick-and-place systems is the reason that Assembly Products is excited to form this partnership. Assembly Products focuses on value-added relationships between customers and the companies we represent through a commitment to applications engineering and service. Count On Tools mirrors our philosophy, and we look forward to providing customers with solutions to cut costs and maximize their profits,” said Lino D’Andreti, Electronics Assembly Product Manager for Assembly Products, Inc.

Assembly Products will represent Count On Tools’ precision components and SMT spare parts throughout the New England territory, including Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. For more information about Assembly Products, Inc.’s products and services, contact Lino D’Andreti at (978) 692-5166, or on the Web at www.assemblyonline.com.

Count On Tools Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, announces that the company now manufactures
Pillarhouse AP-1 universal nozzles for its entire line of selective soldering machines, including Synchrodex, Handex, Jade, GEM, Orissa, MPR and Topaz-E.

As Selective soldering becomes more popular in the electronics manufacturing industry, Count On Tools has realized the need for higher quality selective solder nozzles that can consistently apply flux and solder to component leads without disturbing nearby SMT components.

By utilizing superior steel alloys made in the USA, along with the latest precision machining technologies, Count On Tools is able to produce selective soldering nozzles that are more durable and last longer than those from the OEM, while still maintaining all of the original design properties.

The nozzles are available in all standards sizes, from 2.5mm to 12mm. Count On Tools also provides identification marks that enable customers to easily identify lead nozzles from lead-free versions.

In addition, Count On Tools now offers custom selective solder nozzles based on specific application requirements. This includes special wave form sizes and extended or shortened lengths. Generally, these nozzles can be completed in 3-5 days with savings up to 50 percent less than OEM nozzles.

“Our goal with this product line is to offer our customers a more cost-effective selective solder nozzle that will not only last longer than conventional nozzles, but will also outperform OEM nozzles in terms of accuracy and consistency. It is our obligation to assist customers that wish to incorporate lean manufacturing into their operations by offering solutions that allow them to automate processes and become more streamlined in the production of circuit board assemblies," said Zachery Shook, Marketing Director at Count On Tools, Inc.

All nozzles are guaranteed to function properly with the original equipment. Every selective solder nozzle manufactured by Count On Tools comes standard with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. If any customer is not 100 percent satisfied with the performance or quality of a product, Count On Tools will replace it or offer a full refund.

Count On Tools Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, announces that the company is now manufacturing ACE Bullet nozzles for the KISS range of selective soldering machines.

As Selective soldering becomes more popular in the electronics manufacturing industry, Count On Tools has realized the need for higher quality selective solder nozzles that can consistently apply flux and solder to component leads without disturbing nearby SMT components.

By utilizing superior steel alloys made in the USA, along with the latest precision machining technologies, Count On Tools is able to produce selective soldering nozzles that are more durable and last longer than those from the OEM, while still maintaining all of the original design properties.

The nozzles are available in all standards sizes from 3mm (0.125") to 25mm (1.0"). Count On Tools also provides identification marks that enable customers to easily identify lead nozzles from lead-free versions.

In addition, Count On Tools now offers custom selective solder nozzles based on specific application requirements. This includes special wave form sizes and extended or shortened lengths. Generally, these nozzles can be completed in 3-5 days with savings up to 50 percent less than OEM nozzles.

“During the development of our selective soldering product line, we strived to design a nozzle that would outperform OEM designs by lasting longer without wearing, being both more accurate and working more consistently over time in the selective soldering process. These three processes are critical in the function of this equipment. We were able to not only meet this goal, but to lower the cost of the nozzle,” said Zachery Shook, Marketing Director of Count On Tools, Inc.

All nozzles are guaranteed to function properly with the original equipment. Every selective solder nozzle manufactured by Count On Tools comes standard with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. If any customer is not 100 percent satisfied with the performance or quality of a product, Count On Tools will replace it or offer a full refund.

Count On Tools Inc., a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, introduces its new series of custom SMT pick-and-place nozzles for CREE® LED components. This new series is manufacturer-approved, based on CREE Inc.’s strict requirements and specifications.

By working closely with the component manufacturer, Count On Tools guarantees secure picking of all fragile components and accurate placement on the circuit board. The company’s line of custom SMT nozzles was developed for the following CREE XLamp® LEDs: MP-L Easy White, MX-6, XP-G, XP-E, XP-C, XR-E, XR-C, MC-E, 4550 and XR.

CREE LEDs are unique because they require special handling operations to prevent damage to the optical lens. Count On Tools’ SMT nozzle designs for CREE LEDs avoid placing mechanical stress on the LED lens by not touching the optical surface during component picking or placement processes. This eliminates the possibility of degraded performance from the LED after the circuit board is assembled.

Joshua Markle, Applications Technical Associate for CREE Inc., commented, “I have been working with Count On Tools for the past year, and in this time they have gone above and beyond expectations with the construction of the pick-and-place tooling that CREE recommends in our documentation. CREE is a leader in the manufacturing of LEDs for the solid state lighting industry. We have released multiple products in the past year and Count on Tools has helped to provide a proper pick-and-place tool to be used with CREE products. They have provided outstanding service with an amazing turnaround time during the development of the tooling. I would recommend the work that Count On Tools provides to anyone looking for a quality pick-and-place tool with knowledgeable, friendly and expedient service.”

COT Marketing Director Zachery Shook said, “Count On Tools understands that in order for our customers to remain competitive in today’s market, they must be able to cut costs while simultaneously maximizing the capabilities of their SMT assembly equipment to prevent costly investments in new equipment or increased labor from hand placements of odd-form components. This new line of custom LED nozzles allows us to help customers achieve better placements with odd-form components in their machines while saving them money.”

Count On Tools’ custom SMT nozzle designs for CREE LEDs can be applied to any style of pick-and-place nozzle for any OEM or machine type (including, but not limited to: Assembleon, Fuji, Juki, Mirae, MYDATA, Panasonic, Samsung, Quad, Siemens, Universal, etc.). Count On Tools can provide a finished nozzle within one to two days of receiving component samples or specification documents, and can save customers up to 50 percent over OEM designs for custom nozzles. There are no design fees, and the company provides free quotes based on customers’ equipment and the type of LED being placed.