Abstract: A method for forming solder bumps by using a solder paste containing solder particles, a flux, and a volatile dispersion medium, the method including: applying the solder paste on a member having a plurality of electrodes on the surface; heating the member and the solder paste at a temperature below the melting point of solder constituting the solder particles to form a solder particle-containing layer; heating the member and the solder particle-containing layer at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the solder constituting the solder particles to form solder bumps; and removing, by cleaning, a residue of the solder particle-containing layer remaining between adjacent solder bumps, in which the solder particles have an average particle size of 10 ?m or less, and the content of the dispersion medium in the solder paste is 30% by mass or more.

Abstract: A method of applying heat shield material to form a heat shield layer on a crown surface of a piston of an engine is provided. The method includes the steps of disposing a dispenser that linearly discharges the heat shield material toward the crown surface, and moving an applied position of the heat shield material with respect to the crown surface in a circumferential direction of the crown surface, while discharging the heat shield material from the dispenser toward the crown surface.

Abstract: A numerically controlled (NC) machine tool has apparatus for automatically positioning and feeding a cutting tool to follow a programmably predetermined path. Sensing devices are provided to detect when the cutting tool suffers an abnormality, such as becoming dull or chipped. The feed devices of the NC machine tool are then commanded, by an arithmetic unit having a memory and by an NC command generating unit, to automatically retreat the cutting tool. It retreats, without interference with the workpiece, to a first position, parametrically determined by the shape and size of the workpiece, cutting tool data for the abnormality, completion and tool exchange positions, and by the nature of the machining operation. This retreat location is a position at which the cutting tool may be replaced. After replacement of the cutting tool, the cutting tool is automatically returned, via the first position, to a second position from which the machining is resumed.