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14th Electronic Circuits World Convention
June 20, 2017 | Happy HoldenEstimated reading time: 10 minutes
Figure 9: KT action sequences. (Source: Happy Holden.)
Figure 10: Selecting the right statistical tool. (Source: the NIST Engineering Statistics Handbook.)
Figure 11: Automation strategy and methodology. (Source: Happy Holden.)
Figure 12: PCB fab automation software interactions. (Source: Happy Holden.)
“FPC Market and Related Technology Trend,” Hirofumi Matsumoto, Nippon Mektron
Nippon Mektron is considered to be the largest printed circuit fabricator in 2015, with ZenDing Technology a close rival. This invited talk highlighted the flex circuit segment of the PCB market:
- FPC market trends: The FPC market has grown by an average of 6.5% to $15.4B in 2015. It is expected to slow to 1.5% over the next seven years to $17.7B in 2022. Of that amount, $4.98B will be FPC assembly.
- FPC primary market and future markets: The mix has changed. In 2000, the applications were: mobile phone—22%, mobile camera—11%, hard discs—24%, digital audio—17%, packaging—13%, LCDS—5%, vehicle—4%, and optical—2%. In 2014, the distribution was: cellular phones—51%, LCD for phones—9%, camera for phones—4%, HDD—10%, automotive—9% computers—6%, cameras—6%, wearables—1% and other—4%
- Smartphone market and related FPC technologies (Figure 13): 17 different kinds of FPCs go into the smartphone and shipments exceeded 1.5 billion sets in 2016, growing to 1.84 billion by 2020 (Figure 14).
- Future FPC markets: The smartphone will continue to grow for medical, emergency, and other social network needs. Other growing markets will be automotive, virtual reality, drones, and IoT/M2M
- Wearable, 5G and IoT markets: These growing markets will demand new materials better suited to their performance and environment. Washable materials, ultra-high-speed films like LCP (30-300 GHz), and disposable film or harsh environment films.
Figure 13: Smartphone growth (updated 2016). (Source: Matsumoto.)
Figure 14: Smartphone flexible display trend. (Source: Matsumoto.)
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Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
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08/21/2025 | Gerry Partida, Summit InterconnectSustainability has become a key focus for PCB companies seeking to reduce waste, conserve energy, and optimize resources. While many discussions on sustainability center around materials or energy-efficient processes, PCB design is an often overlooked factor that lies at the heart of manufacturing. Good design practices, especially those based on established IPC standards, play a central role in enabling sustainable PCB production. By ensuring designs are manufacturable and reliable, engineers can significantly reduce the environmental impact of their products.
50% Copper Tariffs, 100% Chip Uncertainty, and a Truce
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Global PCB Connections: Understanding the General Fabrication Process—A Designer’s Hidden Advantage
08/14/2025 | Markus Voeltz -- Column: Global PCB ConnectionsDesigners don’t need to become fabricators, but understanding the basics of PCB fabrication can save you time, money, and frustration. The more you understand what’s happening on the shop floor, the better you’ll be able to prevent downstream issues. As you move into more advanced designs like HDI, flex circuits, stacked vias, and embedded components, this foundational knowledge becomes even more critical. Remember: the fabricator is your partner.
MKS’ Atotech to Participate in IPCA Electronics Expo 2025
08/11/2025 | AtotechMKS Inc., a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, announced that its strategic brands ESI® (laser systems) and Atotech® (process chemicals, equipment, software, and services) will showcase their latest range of leading manufacturing solutions for printed circuit board (PCB) and package substrate manufacturing at the upcoming 17th IPCA Show to be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from August 21-23, 2025.
MKS Showcases Next-generation PCB Manufacturing Solutions at the Thailand Electronics Circuit Asia 2025
08/06/2025 | MKS Instruments, Inc.MKS Inc, a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, today announced its participation in Thailand Electronics Circuit Asia 2025 (THECA 2025), taking place August 20–22 at BITEC in Bangkok.