Abstract: A flip chip packaging method to attach a die to a package substrate, the method including dipping the die into solder paste; placing the die onto the package substrate; and reflowing the solder paste to attach the die to the package substrate. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a soldering method for joining objects is also provided, comprising the steps of applying a flux composition to at least a portion of one or more of the objects, and joining the objects.

Abstract: A transfer process for bonding a solderable device to a solderable firsl substrate having a first oxidized surface comprises placing the solderable device proximate to the first substrate in a reducing chamber, where the first surface cannot be visually observed. We place a second substrate having a second oxidized surface in the chamber in a way to visually observe the second surface. Selecting the first substrate and the second substrate so that the reduction of the second surface correlates with the reduction of the first surface provides an indication of the degree of reduction of the first surface. Introducing a reducing agent into the chamber under reducing conditions reduces the surfaces which we track by irradiating and observing the second surface; evaluate any change in the second surface during irradiation and correlate the change with first surface reduction. When sufficiently reduced, we solder the first substrate to the device.

Abstract: A package structure including an electronic component 2 mounted on a circuit board 1 with a bonding metal 3, wherein a flux 4 contains a compound having a hydroxyl group and remains on the surface of the bonding metal 3, a coating resin 5 contains 10% to 50% by weight of isocyanate, and a reactant 8 of the coating resin 5 and the flux 4 is formed at an interface between the flux 4 and the coating resin 5. Water resistance and moisture resistance can be obtained without cleaning the flux 4. The coating resin 5 can be easily peeled off at a temperature not lower than the glass transition point temperature of the flux 4.

Abstract: Aluminum parts, e.g., heat exchangers, with improved resistance towards corrosion caused by contact with stationary water or aqueous compositions such as cooling water can be obtained by addition of Li compounds in specific amounts to the flux used for brazing the parts. LiF and especially Li fluoroaluminates are very suitable. The flux and the Li salt can be dispersed in water or an aqueous composition separately.

Abstract: A vacuum tip and methods for processing thin integrated circuit dies. A vacuum tip for attaching to an integrated circuit die is disclosed comprising a vacuum port configured to connect to a vacuum supply on an upper surface and having a bottom surface; and at least one vacuum hole extending through the vacuum tip and exposed at the bottom surface of the vacuum tip; wherein the vacuum tip is configured to physically contact a surface of an integrated circuit die. Methods for processing integrated circuit dies are disclosed.

Abstract: A solder pre-form for soldering a coaxial cable to a connector body is provided with a plurality of flux grooves on a cable side and a connector side. The solder pre-form may also have a plurality of holes between the cable and connector sides. In a method of use, flux is applied to the flux grooves and the solder pre-form applied to encircle the outer conductor which is then inserted into the connector body and the solder pre-form melted to complete the solder interconnection. Where holes are present, flux may be applied to the connector side, passing through the holes also to the cable side.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to flux compositions and uses thereof. One composition comprises an activator and a solvent being a glycerol ethoxylate with a molecular weight of 200-500. Another composition comprises an activator, a solvent being a glycerol ethoxylate with a molecular weight of 200-500 and an amine. A soldering method for joining objects is also provided, comprising the steps of applying a flux composition to at least a portion of one or more of the objects, and joining the objects.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to flux compositions and uses thereof. One composition comprises an activator, a medium-viscosity solvent being a polymer, and a high-viscosity solvent being a copolymer containing first monomers and second monomers. Another composition comprises an activator, and a high-viscosity solvent comprising a copolymer containing first monomers and second monomers. Another composition comprises an activator of 6-12 percent by weight of glutaric acid, pimelic acid, tartaric acid, or mixtures thereof, and a medium-viscosity solvent of 88-94 percent by weight comprising a polymer with hydroxyl end groups. Another composition comprises an activator in a liquid state comprising poly(ethylene glycol)-diacid, and a medium-viscosity solvent comprising a polymer with hydroxyl end groups. A soldering method for joining objects is also provided, comprising the steps of applying a flux composition to at least a portion of one or more of the objects, and joining the objects.

Abstract: A solder joint comprising a solder capture pad on a substrate having a circuit; and a lead containing or a lead free solder selected from the group comprising Sn—Ag—Cu solder, Sn—Cu solder and Sn—Ag solder adhered to the solder capture pad; the solder selected from the group comprising between 0.1 and 6.0 percent by weight Zn. A solder joint, comprising a solder capture pad on a substrate having a circuit; and a Sn—Cu lead free solder adhered to the solder capture pad, the solder comprising between 0.1 and 6.0% by weight Zn. Formation of voids at an interface between the solder and the solder capture pad is suppressed. A method for forming solder joints using the solders.

Abstract: A surface treating agent containing a novel phenylnaphthylimidazole compound represented by the following formula is brought into contact with the surface of copper or a copper alloy. In the formula, when A1 is a phenyl group, then A2 represents a 1-naphthyl group or a 2-naphthyl group, and when A1 is a 1-naphthyl group or a 2-naphthyl group, then A2 represents a phenyl group; and R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

Abstract: A method of soldering a DIP component on a circuit board includes piercing the DIP component through the circuit board, laying fluxer on the circuit board, passing a first surface of the circuit board through a boiler so that molten tin from the boiler flows between the DIP component and the circuit board through the first surface of the circuit board, and heating a second surface of the circuit board different from the first surface so as to increase temperature of the second surface by a thermal radiation heating device to when the first surface of the circuit board passes through the boiler.

Abstract: A solder-flux composition is sprayed onto a substrate by rotating the solder-flux composition inside a spray cap, and before the solder-flux liquid exits the spray cap, perturbing the flow thereof with a fluid.

Abstract: A flux spraying system controls a flux sprayer to selectively spray soldering flux onto a printed circuit board (PCB) by a fixture. The fixture is disposed between the PCB and the flux sprayer, and comprises a plurality of openings corresponding to target areas of the PCB. The flux spraying system comprises a statistic module, a calculation module, and a control module. The statistic module records attributes of the fixture to determine spraying areas on the fixture. The calculation module calculates movement parameters of the flux sprayer, a movement length during a movement period and spraying segments of the flux sprayer, and spray duration of the flux sprayer based on the movement length during one movement period and the spraying segments of the flux sprayer. The control module directs the flux sprayer to coat the target areas of the PCB through the openings of the fixture.

Abstract: A method of brazing a top loading cutter into a cutter pocket is disclosed, wherein the method includes placing at least one braze disc between an inner wall of the cutter pocket and a portion of the top loading cutter and heating the at least one braze disc to a temperature above the melting temperature of the braze disc.

Abstract: A pin for allowing material having adhesive properties to adhere thereon, the pin comprising: a shaft having a longitudinal axis, a distal end and a proximal end opposite to the distal end; and a first tapered portion disposed on the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the tapered portion tapering from a first circumference to a second smaller circumference in a direction toward the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of brazing an aluminum alloy material, which is a Nocolok brazing method of the aluminum alloy material, in which the method satisfies the condition: Ts?Tf?Ts+15° C. in which Tf represents an incipient fluidization temperature of a filler material, and Ts represents an incipient fluidization temperature of flux.

Abstract: A pre-solder method for a multi-row quad flat no-lead (QFN) packaged chip is provided. Solder paste is applied on at least one pad of the multi-row QFN packaged chip. The multi-row QFN packaged chip is heated, such that the solder paste on the at least one pad of the multi-row QFN packaged chip becomes solid solder before the multi-row QFN packaged chip is mounted on a substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to modified rosin mildly activated (RMA) fluxes and methods of soldering components on printed circuit boards. The modified RMA flux includes a RMA flux material and a randomizing additive. The randomizing additive causes misalignment of the hydrogen bonds between terpine polymer chains created from the RMA flux material during soldering. The resulting modified RMA flux performs as well as, or better than traditional RMA fluxes, but the flux residue remaining after soldering can be removed with a highly polar solvent, such as soapy water.

Abstract: A curable amine flux composition is provided, comprising, as initial components: a resin component having at least two oxirane groups per molecule; an amine fluxing agent represented by formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C1-80 alkyl group, an unsubstituted C1-80 alkyl group, a substituted C7-80 arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C7-80 arylalkyl group; wherein R7 and R8 are independently selected from a C1-20 alkyl group, a substituted C1-20 alkyl group, a C6-20 aryl group and a substituted C6-20 aryl group or wherein R7 and R8, together with the carbon to which they are attached, form a C3-20 cycloalkyl ring optionally substituted with a C1-6 alkyl group; wherein R10 and R11 are independently selected from a C1-20 alkyl group, a substituted C1-20 alkyl group, a C6-20 aryl group and a substituted C6-20 aryl group or wherein R10 and R11, together with the carbon to which they are attached, form a C3-20 cycloalkyl ring optionally substituted with

Abstract: A curable flux composition is provided, comprising, as initial components: a resin component having at least two oxirane groups per molecule; a fluxing agent represented by formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C1-80 alkyl group, an unsubstituted C1-80 alkyl group, a substituted C7-80 arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C7-80 arylalkyl group; and wherein zero to three of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is(are) hydrogen; and, optionally, a curing agent. Also provided is a method of soldering an electrical contact using the curable flux composition.

Abstract: An amine flux composition is provided, comprising, as an initial component: an amine fluxing agent represented by formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C1-80 alkyl group, an unsubstituted C1-80 alkyl group, a substituted C7-80 arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C7-80 arylalkyl group; wherein R7 and R8 are independently selected from a C1-20 alkyl group, a substituted C1-20 alkyl group, a C6-20 aryl group and a substituted C6-20 aryl group or wherein R7 and R8, together with the carbon to which they are attached, form a C3-20 cycloalkyl ring optionally substituted with a C1-6 alkyl group; wherein R10 and R11 are independently selected from a C1-20 alkyl group, a substituted C1-20 alkyl group, a C6-20 aryl group and a substituted C6-20 aryl group or wherein R10 and R11, together with the carbon to which they are attached, form a C3-20 cycloalkyl ring optionally substituted with a C1-6 alkyl group; and, wherein R9 is selected from a hydrogen, a C1-30

Abstract: A flux composition is provided, comprising, as an initial component: a fluxing agent represented by formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C1-80 alkyl group, an unsubstituted C1-80 alkyl group, a substituted C7-80 arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C7-80 arylalkyl group; and wherein zero to three of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is(are) hydrogen. Also provided is a method of soldering an electrical contact using the flux composition.

Abstract: A polyamine flux composition is provided, comprising, as an initial component: a polyamine fluxing agent represented by formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C1-80 alkyl group, an unsubstituted C1-80 alkyl group, a substituted C7-80 arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C7-80 arylalkyl group; wherein R7 comprises at least two tertiary carbons and is selected from an unsubstituted C5-80 alkyl group, a substituted C5-80 alkyl group, an unsubstituted C12-80 arylalkyl group and a substituted C12-80 arylalkyl group; and, wherein the two nitrogens shown in formula I are each separately bound to one of the at least two tertiary carbons of R7; with the proviso that when the polyamine fluxing agent of formula I is represented by formula Ia: then zero to three of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is(are) hydrogen. Also provided is a method of soldering an electrical contact using the polyamine flux composition.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a fluxing agent for soldering components, which creates one or more specific surface characteristics during the soldering process itself, thus obviating the need for the surface treatment process that is conventionally carried out after the soldering process. To achieve this, nanoparticles are added to a base substance.

Abstract: A method of attaching a solder ball to a bonding pad includes disposing flux on the bonding pad, attaching a conductive metal ring to the pad using the flux, and placing the solder ball in the ring. A reflow operation is performed that secures the ring to the pad and melts the solder ball into and around the ring. A solder joint is formed between solder ball and the pad, with the ring secured within the ball. Use of the ring allows for higher stand-off height to be achieved with similar solder ball size, without having to use bigger ball size as in the conventional method, which causes solder ball bridging. With higher stand-off height, better board level reliability performance can be obtained.

Abstract: Solder materials, such as a solder paste, and contact surfaces for solder connections are provided in which a metal stearate is used as a flux. The metal stearate is applied either as a solid layer on the solder particles or as contact surfaces or is present as a dispersion or solution in a binder. Advantageously, such materials allow one to avoid the use of classical fluxes. In particular, non-resin solder materials can be provided. A simplified storage and processability of the solder materials results, while at the same time producing comparatively better solder connections. The ability to use metal stearates as a flux is achieved if the first oxide of the metals used is formed from pure metal at lower oxygen activity (ao) than the first chromium oxide of chromium, preferably lower than the first titanium oxide of titanium, and if the metal stearate is present in a sufficient amount.

Abstract: A flux for application on and for reduction of oxide layers on a metal surface. The flux includes potassium fluoride, sodium fluoride, remaining moieties of water and gelatin. The can also include a reactant comprising moieties of at least one of the compositions of zirconium fluoride, lithium fluoride, sodium fluoride, potassium cryolite and potassium aluminum fluoride (KaAlF4), moieties of salts on the basis of at least one of the elements zirconium, lithium, potassium, sodium, bismuth boron and titanium and gelatin. The flux can be used in a method to reduce oxide layers on a metal surface by applying the flux onto the metal surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to modified rosin mildly activated (RMA) fluxes and methods of soldering components on printed circuit boards. The modified RMA flux includes a RMA flux material and a randomizing additive. The randomizing additive causes misalignment of the hydrogen bonds between terpine polymer chains created from the RMA flux material during soldering. The resulting modified RMA flux performs as well as, or better than traditional RMA fluxes, but the flux residue remaining after soldering can be removed with a highly polar solvent, such as soapy water.

Abstract: An improved thermal interface between an integrated circuit chip and a heat sink comprises a copper grid embedded in a layer of a solder material that has a fusion temperature higher than the maximum operating temperature of the semiconductor chip, and bonds to the semiconductor chip and the heat sink when heated to the fusion temperature of the solder material in the presence of a soldering flux. The copper grid has high thermal conductivity so that the amount of solder material needed for an efficient thermal interface is reduced and solder materials with less expensive components may be used. The copper grid also tends to mitigate local hot spots by enhancing lateral heat transfer, and inhibits solder spreading during formation of the thermal interface.

Abstract: An underfill formulation includes a solvent (110), a plurality of amphiphilic block copolymers (120) in the solvent, and an adhesion promoter (130) in the solvent. Groups of the plurality of amphiphilic block copolymers form a plurality of micelles (140) in the solvent, with the micelles including a core (141) and a shell (142) surrounding the core, and the adhesion promoter is in the core of at least some of the plurality of micelles.

Abstract: A composite includes a thermally conductive metal matrix and silicone particles dispersed therein. The composite can be used to form a thermal interface material in an electronic device. The composite can be used for both TIM1 and TIM2 applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for arranging magnetic solder balls includes: a stage for placing and fixing the substrate thereon; a magnet which is incorporated in the stage and is movable in parallel with a lower surface of the placed and fixed substrate so as to cause a magnetic force to act in an upward direction of the stage; and a mask frame capable of being positioned above the stage. An arranging method using this arranging apparatus is also provided. An apparatus for arranging magnetic solder balls includes: a stage for placing and fixing the substrate thereon; a mask frame capable of being positioned above the stage; and a magnetic generator which is movable above the mask frame and causes a magnetic force to act on the stage. An arranging method using this arranging apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printed wiring board having a bump. The method includes forming a solder-resist layer having a small-diameter aperture and a large-diameter aperture, each aperture exposing a respective conductive pad of the printed wiring board, and printing a solder paste in the large-diameter aperture in the solder-resist layer, but not printing the solder paste in the small-diameter aperture in the solder resist layer. The method also includes loading a solder ball in each of the large-diameter aperture and the small-diameter aperture using a mask having aperture areas that correspond to the small-diameter aperture and large-diameter aperture of the solder-resist layer, and forming a small-diameter bump from the solder ball in the small-diameter aperture and a large-diameter bump from both the solder paste and the solder ball in the large-diameter aperture.

Abstract: A fluxer comprises a spray head (15), a reservoir (3) for the flux (9) and a feed line (11) for feeding flux from the reservoir (3) to the spray head (15) by pressurising the reservoir with an air supply via a line (7). A return (12) line is provided from the spray head (15) so that cleaning fluid (9?) can be fed from a reservoir (3?) via line (11) and returned to a waste reservoir (19). A spray head has an electromagnetically operated piston (53) for spraying flux. The piston (53) is biased to a first position by a spring (49) to close a spray outlet aperture (63) and is moved against the force of the spring (49) by the electromagnet (71).

Abstract: In a method of mounting an electronic component on a substrate, electrode terminals on at least one of the substrate and the electronic component are composed of solder bumps. The electrode terminals of the substrate and the electrode terminals of the electronic component are placed in contact and ultrasonic vibration is applied to at least one of the substrate and the electronic component to provisionally bond the electrode terminals together. A gap between the substrate and the electronic component is then filled with flux fill, and the electrode terminals of the substrate and the electronic component are bonded by reflowing the solder bumps.

Abstract: System and method of producing multi-layered aluminum alloy products are disclosed. A multi-layered aluminum alloy product may be formed by first heating a first aluminum alloy to a first temperature where the first temperature is at least about 5° C. lower than the eutectic temperature of the first aluminum alloy, second heating a second aluminum alloy to a second temperature where the second temperature is at least about 5° C. higher than the liquidus temperature of the second aluminum alloy, and coupling the second aluminum alloy to the first aluminum alloy to produce a multi-layered aluminum alloy product.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to modified rosin mildly activated (RMA) fluxes and methods of soldering components on printed circuit boards. The modified RMA flux includes a RMA flux material and a randomizing additive. The randomizing additive causes misalignment of the hydrogen bonds between terpine polymer chains created from the RMA flux material during soldering. The resulting modified RMA flux performs as well as, or better than traditional RMA fluxes, but the flux residue remaining after soldering can be removed with a highly polar solvent, such as soapy water.

Abstract: An apparatus for arranging magnetic solder balls includes: a stage for placing and fixing the substrate thereon; a magnet which is incorporated in the stage and is movable in parallel with a lower surface of the placed and fixed substrate so as to cause a magnetic force to act in an upward direction of the stage; and a mask frame capable of being positioned above the stage. An arranging method using this arranging apparatus is also provided. An apparatus for arranging magnetic solder balls includes: a stage for placing and fixing the substrate thereon; a mask frame capable of being positioned above the stage; and a magnetic generator which is movable above the mask frame and causes a magnetic force to act on the stage. An arranging method using this arranging apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Improved solder and soldering methods are disclosed. In accordance with one technique, a solder having a plurality of individual wire strands braided together is used. In accordance with another technique, the braided solder comprises both the same solder composition and wire gauge in the individual solder wire strands. In accordance with another technique, the braided solder comprises at least two different solder compositions used in the individual solder wire strands. In accordance with another technique, the braided solder comprises at least two different wire gauges used in the individual solder wire strands. In accordance with another technique, the braided solder comprises at least one wire strand where the primary surface is coated with a thin layer of a noble metal. In accordance with another technique, the braided solder comprises at least one wire strand where flux material is present.

Abstract: A substrate manufacturing apparatus manufactures a ball-mounted substrate and has a ball mounting apparatus which includes a ball vacuum chucking apparatus including a vacuum chucking head that carries out a vacuum chucking process to chuck balls at edges of inlets formed in a vacuum chucking surface and which mounts the balls vacuum-chucked by the vacuum chucking head on a substrate, the ball vacuum chucking apparatus further including: a holding vessel that holds the balls; and a vacuum chucking/holding unit that vacuum chucks and holds the balls held in the holding vessel on a front end thereof, and carrying out a supplying process that brings the vacuum chucking/holding unit that holds the balls on the front end thereof and the vacuum chucking surface of the vacuum chucking head relatively close to supply the balls to the vacuum chucking head while air is being drawn through the inlets.

Abstract: An apparatus coats flux on a projection of a part mounted on a printed circuit board. The projection passes through the printed circuit board and projects from the printed circuit board. The apparatus contains a printed-circuit-board-holding member that holds the printed circuit board, a nozzle having an opening through which the projection comes in the nozzle and comes off the nozzle, a nozzle-moving member that moves the nozzle to a predetermined position, and a flux-supplying member that supplies the flux to the nozzle. The flux is coated on at least the projection by dipping the projection in the flux contained in the nozzle through the opening.

Abstract: The method for bonding a semiconductor element comprises the step of applying to solder bumps 10 of a semiconductor chip 12 a soldering flux 16 which contains a thermosetting resin, a polyhydric alcohol and an organic acid and in which the thermosetting resin remains uncured after reflow-bonding, the step of reflow-bonding the solder bumps 10 to the electrodes 18 of the circuit board 20 with the soldering flux 16 while melting the solder bumps 10, and the step of filling an underfill material 22 between the semiconductor chip 12 and the circuit board 20 with the soldering flux 16 being left, the underfill material 22 containing a thermosetting resin of the same group as the thermosetting resin contained in the soldering flux 16 and at least one of a curing agent and a cure catalyst for curing the thermosetting resins.

Abstract: The invention provides a clad member excellent in strength and brazability and a production method thereof. A clad member comprises a core material, an outer skin layer provided on one surface of the core material, and an inner skin layer provide on the other surface thereof via an intermediate layer. The core material is made of an aluminum alloy comprising Mn: 0.8 to 2 mass %, Mg: 0.2 to 1.5 mass %, and the balance being Al and impurities. The outer skin layer is made of an aluminum alloy comprising Zn: 0.01 to 4 mass %, and the balance being Al and impurities. The intermediate layer is made of an aluminum alloy comprising Mn: 0.8 to 2 mass %, Zn: 0.35 to 3 mass %, and the balance being Al and impurities. The inner skin layer is made of an Al—Si series brazing material.

Abstract: A method for mounting a chip component includes the steps of: flattening a solder deposit adhering onto a land terminal of a circuit board; forming grooves on the solder deposit simultaneously with or after flattening the solder deposit; coating the solder deposit with a flux; and placing a chip component on the solder deposit with the flux interposed therebetween.

Abstract: Flux formulations that remain pliable after deposition are disclosed. In certain examples, the flux comprises a first component and an effective amount of a second component to provide a pliable flux after deposition. The flux may also include activators, plasticizers and the like.

Abstract: A soldering flux composition comprising: (i) a carrier vehicle comprising a solvent; (ii) an activator component for activating a metal surface for soldering; (iii) a colour-imparting component with an appropriate colour to facilitate optical detection of flux on the fluxed component; and optionally (iv) a gelling component to control flux rheology. The colour-imparting component is utilised to indicate the presence of desired amounts of flux. A component with inadequate flux for reliable soldering can be rejected.

Abstract: A tin or tin alloy plating film surface treatment aqueous solution that can reduce whiskers on the surface of a tin or tin alloy plating film, and can provide a favorable tin or tin alloy plating film using a simple method for tin or tin alloy plating films that are used on electronic components.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an SIP semiconductor device is provided. In this method, a first Organic Solderability Preservative (OSP) is coated over an upper surface of a semiconductor device including a plurality of elements and a first through electrode. An electrochemical plate (ECP) process is then performed on the semiconductor device. A second OSP is then coated over a lower surface of the semiconductor device, the lower surface including a Cu plug that has been formed over the first through electrode through the ECP process. The upper and lower (first and second) OSPs are used to prevent the Cu plug from being easily oxidized when exposed to the air.

Abstract: Systems and methods for brazing and soldering using low and non-silver based filler metals are described. The present invention includes methods and systems for brazing and soldering using copper based or bronze type filler metals in lieu of silver containing filler metals. The systems and methods provide advantages in that the bronze filler metals are substantially cheaper than silver alloy filler metals that are commonly used. Furthermore, the present invention uses a low-temperature, water-soluble flux that provides for easier cleanup after the completion of the brazing process. Additionally, the present invention provides significant advantages over traditional copper brazing in that it allows for a one-piece workflow and eliminates the need for large component pieces and filler metal inventories. This results in a significant decrease in capital expenditures and utility costs.