-
-
News
News Highlights
- Books
Featured Books
- I-Connect007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current Issue
Beyond the Rulebook
What happens when the rule book is no longer useful, or worse, was never written in the first place? In today’s fast-moving electronics landscape, we’re increasingly asked to design and build what has no precedent, no proven path, and no tidy checklist to follow. This is where “Design for Invention” begins.
March Madness
From the growing role of AI in design tools to the challenge of managing cumulative tolerances, these articles in this issue examine the technical details, design choices, and manufacturing considerations that determine whether a board works as intended.
Looking Forward to APEX EXPO 2026
I-Connect007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, covering everything from the show floor to the technical conference. For PCB designers, we move past the dreaded auto-router and spotlight AI design tools that actually matter.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - I-Connect007 Magazine
SHENMAO Strengthens Semiconductor Capabilities with Acquisition of PMTC
July 10, 2025 | SHENMAOEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
SHENMAO America, Inc. has announced the acquisition of Profound Material Technology Co., Ltd. (PMTC), a premier Taiwan-based manufacturer of high-performance solder balls for semiconductor packaging. The acquisition marks a significant step in SHENMAO’s strategic expansion into the advanced semiconductor and IC packaging market.
This milestone enhances SHENMAO’s vertical integration and reinforces its role as a key innovator and supplier for the growing global semiconductor ecosystem.
Founded in 2004, PMTC specializes in the development and manufacturing of high-end solder balls used in advanced packaging formats such as FCCSP (Flip Chip Chip Scale Packaging) and WLCSP (Wafer Level Chip Scale Packaging). PMTC is recognized globally by major IC design houses and packaging companies for its patented, high-reliability solder alloys that offer excellent ductility, thermal fatigue resistance, and drop performance.
The company brings in-house alloy development, application expertise, and a strong R&D foundation, positioning SHENMAO to accelerate innovation in semiconductor solder materials.
“The addition of PMTC to the SHENMAO Group gives us deeper access to the advanced packaging supply chain and adds new capacity, talent, and innovation in solder ball technology,” said Kelvin Li, General Manager of SHENMAO Group. “Together, we are committed to delivering high-performance materials for next-generation semiconductor applications.”
As part of its expanded focus on eco-conscious and high-reliability materials, PMTC has introduced a new patented low-temperature solder alloy, E4 (Sn47.875Bi+Ag+Cu+In+Ni), designed for temperature-sensitive assemblies and carbon-reducing manufacturing environments.
With a reflow peak temperature of ≤180°C, the E4 alloy supports lower energy consumption while maintaining the high reliability needed for consumer electronics, automotive, and advanced packaging applications.
Key Advantages of E4:
- High Reliability: The alloy’s unique formulation—including Cu, Ni, and In—improves mechanical strength, creep resistance, and thermal cycling performance.
- Controlled IMC Formation: Cu, Ni, and In form stable (Cu,Ni)₆(Sn,In)₅ intermetallic compounds, enhancing joint strength and long-term stability.
- Superior Thermal Cycling Life: E4 outperforms standard Sn42Bi58 and Sn42Bi57Ag1 alloys in thermal cycling reliability and fatigue resistance.
- Homogeneous Element Distribution: Bi remains concentrated within the solder ball, while reinforcing elements are evenly distributed at the joint interface to support stronger solder joints.
The alloy’s low melting point and stable microstructure make it ideal for low-temperature reflow processes in high-density assemblies, enabling better protection for sensitive components and contributing to lower carbon manufacturing goals.
Testimonial
"Your magazines are a great platform for people to exchange knowledge. Thank you for the work that you do."
Simon Khesin - Schmoll MaschinenSuggested Items
KYZEN to Focus on Aqueous and Stencil Cleaning Solutions at SMTA Juarez Expo and Tech Forum
05/12/2026 | KYZENKYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally friendly cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Monterrey Expo & Tech Forum scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 21 at Injectronics Convention Center in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua.
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Precision Milling of Underfilled Surface-mount Components
05/13/2026 | Nash Bell -- Column: Knocking Down the Bone PileUnderfill is a polymeric material used to fill the gap between a printed circuit board and the underside of surface-mount area-array packages such as BGA, QFP, and QFN devices, thereby surrounding and protecting the solder interconnections. This material increases the component's reliability when subjected to mechanical impacts and shocks by distributing forces.
BGA Technology Expands Inspection Capabilities with Creative Electron TruView X-ray System
05/08/2026 | BGA TechnologyBGA Technology, a leading provider of advanced electronics testing and inspection services, has enhanced its inspection capabilities with the addition of a Creative Electron TruView™ Simplex X-ray system at its Holbrook, New York facility.
AQUANOX A4727 and A4625 Lead KYZEN Offerings at SMTA Oregon Expo and Tech Forum
05/06/2026 | KYZENKYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally responsible cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Oregon Expo and Tech Forum scheduled to take place Thursday, May 19 at the Wingspan Event and Conference Center in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Connect the Dots: Designing for the Future of Manufacturing Reality—Surface Finish
05/07/2026 | Matt Stevenson -- Column: Connect the DotsWhen designing the complex boards that many electronic devices require to operate, designers should consider manufacturability at every step. This is my last article focused on designing for the always-evolving manufacturing reality. Choosing the right surface finish has always been important. If you are creating intricate designs with a wide variety of components, like for an ultra-high density interconnect (UHDI) board, surface finish is a critical last step.