Weiner’s World

Estimated reading time: 16 minutes

The bare board market in India is now $1.2 billion of which only $360 million is made domestically. The market size is optimistically forecasted to quintuple to $6 billion by 2020 as there is a strong push by local industry and governments (local and national) to increase the percentage of domestic production. There are currently over 200 PCB fab companies in India of which about 60% are classified as "small-scale" industry. Infrastructure for bare board fabrication is still a problem as key high-tech supplies such as copper clad laminates and dry film photoresist must come from abroad. Most domestic PCB production is made from FR-4 and is low-tech, 4-layer (or slightly higher).

Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies will start to make smartphones in India next month joining a wave of compatriots setting up in one of the world's biggest mobile phone markets. The plant will be operated with the Indian arm of electronics manufacturer Flextronics International in the southern Indian city of Chennai, Huawei said in a statement. As growth in China stagnates, India, the world's fastest-growing smartphone market, is providing Huawei and rivals like Xiaomi with new expansion opportunities.

HP is buying Samsung Electronics' printer business for $1.05 billion. Samsung has agreed to make an equity investment of $100 million to $300 million in HP through open-market stock purchases after completion of the sale which is expected to close in less than a year—subject to regulatory approval.

Back to the Drawing Board

Camtek will reorganize its current mode of operation with respect to its functional inkjet technology (FIT) activity. It will cease supporting the four Gryphon systems currently installed at customer sites, and will re-focus on creating the next generation of digital printer. Camtek estimates that the development of the next generation printer will take approximately 18 months. Rafi Amit, Camtek’s Chairman and CEO, commented, “Based on feedback we gathered from the four customers that have been evaluating the Gryphon system, and in order to increase the addressable market, we have decided that there is a need for a significant redesign of the system, the process and the ink. This will enable us to better gear the technology to market requirements. The Project run rate savings forward are expected to be $2.5 million.” 

The D2P (Design 2 Part) show in Marlborough, Massachusetts had far fewer 3D printing displays as well as fewer bare board fabricators. Most of the 18 EMS companies including one from Australia, reported good sales this year; one attributed it to its "open sourcing" policy. This company was operating at a one-plus shift capacity. It stated that it showed its customers its margins on the services performed for them. Attendance seemed light.

Return of the Reps?

The first thing that I saw after picking up my badge at the D2P show was a board with a sign "REPS WANTED." On it were 22 5"x7" cards describing the company, the opportunity, and the company's booth number where further information could be obtained. 

Last month's NEPCON South China was busy—with "tire kickers." There was a lot of interest in the products shown, but few buyers as the industry continued in its doldrums outside of a few hot spots—automotive, military, and medical. There did not seem to be any grousing about the two-year wage freeze imposed by the government after years of mandated increases of 18−20%.

On November 16, Gene Weiner will present an IPC "Wisdom Wednesday" Webinar titled: "A Vision for the Industry." The free webinar will be an IPC members-only presentation.

Are you an executive of a company that makes printed or flexible circuits?

Do you plan to attend IPC APEX EXPO 2017 in February at the San Diego Convention Center?

If so you should definitely participate in the Executive Forum produced by the members of the Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame designed to help you go forward in these difficult times.

An all-star program comprised of suppliers, fabricators, buyers, and consortia leaders will provide their expertise. Others will participate in a panel discussion to provide you with ideas that they used to succeed. A special speaker from Asia will give you the real scoop as to what is going on there.

Did you say that you are not an IPC member? No matter! Let me show you how to save nearly $1,000 on a first year membership and over a $1,000 on an all-inclusive package for the show.

Still doubtful?

You can take advantage of this one-time special arrangement to attend the February 13, 2017 Executive Forum at the same price as IPC members, and then take a few days to decide if you wish to take advantage of the special membership offer.

As Chairman of the IPC 2017 Executive Forum, please do contact me for detailed information.

Gene Weiner is president of Weiner International Associates. To contact Gene, click here.

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