In a strategic move to help customers speed time to market and reduce manufacturing costs, Dow Corning Corp. has launched the External Equipment Provider Alliance with nine leading companies from the electronics assembly and packaging industry. Under the new alliance - the first of its kind in this market - Dow Corning will work with member companies and customers to streamline the integration of materials and equipment used in board-level assembly and back-end packaging, resulting in standard equipment or customized solutions that help customers meet production goals more quickly and efficiently. The network of member companies includes Asymtek, Bartec Dispensing Technology, DEK, Fluid Research Group, Lambda Technologies, Liquid Control Corp., PVA (Precision Valve & Automation), Scheugenpflug AG and Sieghard Schiller GmbH & Co. KG. As leaders in the areas of meter-mix, conformal coating, fluid delivery, rapid curing, stencil printing and robotic XYZ positioning, these companies have all demonstrated expertise in applying and handling Dow Corning's silicone and organic materials.