I can remember using formed flatpacks on SEM's modules back in the 1973 -
1974 time frame. I also know that the company that I worked for had
incorporated the use of surface mount flatpacks in designs developed in
1968. These parts were of the 14 - 16 lead variety  where the body rested on
the surface of the board and the 1/4" - 3/8" long leads were tapered to the
board and lap soldered.

What strikes me as unusual during from this time period is the difference
between now and then at a typical operator workstation.

Back in the early 70's an operator could....

 -- Smoke at the workstation
 -- use Freon in a degreaser and at the bench for cleaning.
 -- drink coffee in styrofoam cups at the bench
 -- ignore totally any concern for ESD. No wrist straps, no ionizers etc.
 -- place boards in any clean plastic bags
 -- use a styrofoam block as a workpiece holder.
 -- pick up any assembly and walk anywhere with it
 -- use any kind of a box, plastic, paper for storing and handling electronic
assemblies
 -- use tape directly on a work surface for holding purposes

There are lots more.

My. my, how times have changed.

Bill Kasprzak
Moog Inc.

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