NextFlex Calls for 3D Imaging Technology Proposals
May 10, 2023 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Nolan Johnson talks with Scott Miller about a special "Open Project" call for proposals which NextFlex currently is exploring for methods to dewarp 3D scans of physical boards to enable multi-image scans to be stitched together. There is the possibility of funding for viable proposals. Deadline is May 15, 2023.
About NextFlex Project Calls
Along with developing the workforce of the future and promoting a sustainable advanced manufacturing ecosystem, NextFlex is also focused on accelerating flexible electronics technology innovation and commercialization through pre-competitive partnerships.
Via a series of Project Calls that provide cash awards to proposal teams for development projects that are critical to Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) manufacturing, NextFlex underwrites up to 50% of the development costs of selected projects. The Project Call process follows a structured selection process and rigorous oversight methodology to ensure diversity and breadth in the selection of projects funded.
About Open Project Calls
Opportunities exist to move the Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) industry forward that are either outside the scope of traditional Project Call topics or are revolutionary ideas of which the NextFlex Technical Working Groups and community may not be aware. The Open Project Call has been established to respond to these advanced manufacturing and flexible electronics opportunities through an RFI (Request for Ideas), to which proposers may submit a white paper. Learn more.
Suggested Items
Connect the Dots: Designing for Reality—Solder Mask and Legend
01/02/2025 | Matt Stevenson -- Column: Connect the DotsIn the previous episode of I-Connect007’s On the Line with… podcast, we discussed the strip, etch, and strip process. At this point, we have a functioning board, but we still need to protect the PCB from environmental effects and document the circuit components. This brings us to the solder mask and legend phase of production.
Global PCB Connections: Following DFM Rules Leads to Better Boards
12/18/2024 | Jerome Larez -- Column: Global PCB ConnectionsAs a PCB field applications engineer, ensuring smooth communication between PCB designers and fabricators is one of my frequent challenges. A critical part of that dialogue is design for manufacturing (DFM). Many designers, even experienced ones, often misunderstand or overlook important DFM considerations. They may confuse design rules with manufacturing minimums, leading to technically feasible designs that are difficult or costly to produce. In this column, I will clarify some common DFM guidelines and help designers understand the difference between “design rules” and “minimums” while sharing best practices that will simplify the production process and ensure the highest quality PCB.
Taiwanese PCB Industry Witnessed Steady Growth of 9.6% in Q3 2024
12/12/2024 | TPCAThe global output value of Taiwanese circuit board enterprises demonstrated steady growth in the third quarter of 2024, reaching NT$227.1 billion, a year-over-year increase of 9.6%.
Has the Time Finally Come for Tin-nickel Plating?
12/09/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineIn the 1980s, Electrochemicals, Inc. (now Electrochemical Products) made a significant shift from furniture and industrial goods to electronics and manufacturing. During this journey, a tin-nickel plating alloy was developed. In 1984, Mike Carano, a young engineer, published a paper on tin-nickel plating alloy, but after some initial attention, the plating solution fell into obscurity. Today, PCB fabrication looks largely the same, yet changes are afoot, chiefly due to the demands for very fine feature capability on printed circuit boards, as well as environmental sustainability. So, in this fascinating conversation with Mike Carano and Happy Holden, we take another look at tin-nickel and its advantages in both performance and sustainability.
Flex PCB Design Best Practices with Dave Lackey
12/04/2024 | Brittany Martin, I-Connect007David Lackey, a flex circuit expert at American Standard Circuits, speaks about the advantages and challenges of designing with flexible and rigid-flex PCBs. He also discusses how consulting before the design phase can save time and costs by avoiding manufacturing issues and highlights the reliability and packaging benefits of flex technology, especially for compact designs in sectors like aerospace.