Standard of Excellence: The Human Touch in an Automated World
The Government Circuit: Navigating New Trade Headwinds and New Partnerships
Global Sourcing Spotlight: How to Evaluate Supplier Capabilities Worldwide
Summit Interconnect's Gerry Partida to Present at SMTA Capital Expo and Tech Forum
August 7, 2017 | SMTAEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Gerry Partida of Summit Interconnect will present "Density, Advanced Materials and Cost Drivers Associated with Advanced Circuit Design, Fabrication and Assembly" at the upcoming SMTA Capital Expo and Tech Forum, to be held on August 24 at Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Lab, Kossiakoff Center.
PCBs are the platform for all surface mount technology processes and electronics manufacturing. There have been tremendous advancements in high speed and microwave materials, via structures and processing techniques. The material constructions and attributes provide unique opportunities for designers and unique challenges for bare printed circuit board fabricators. Partida will explore the various material options and their trade-offs, provide insight into the manufacture of multiple lamination cycle requirements, review stack-up and routing considerations, managing registration requirements, micro drilling and copper wrap plating processes. This will be an invaluable session to understand materials considerations, cost trade-offs and leading-edge processing technologies for the design, manufacture and assembly of high-technology printed circuit boards.
The SMTA Capital Expo and Tech Forum will be held at Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Lab, Kossiakoff Center, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, Maryland. Registration opens at 8:00 am and includes a complimentary lunch on the show floor. Exhibits are open from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm and the first technical presentation will start at 9:30 am.
To register for this free event, click here.
About Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA)
The SMTA membership is an international network of professionals who build skills, share practical experience and develop solutions in electronic assembly technologies, including microsystems, emerging technologies, and related business operations. For more information or to join, please visit www.smta.org.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Advertising in PCB007 Magazine has been a great way to showcase our bare board testers to the right audience. The I-Connect007 team makes the process smooth and professional. We’re proud to be featured in such a trusted publication."
Klaus Koziol - atgSuggested Items
Trouble in Your Tank: Minimizing Small-via Defects for High-reliability PCBs
08/27/2025 | Michael Carano -- Column: Trouble in Your TankTo quote the comedian Stephen Wright, “If at first you don’t succeed, then skydiving is not for you.” That can be the battle cry when you find that only small-diameter vias are exhibiting voids. Why are small holes more prone to voids than larger vias when processed through electroless copper? There are several reasons.
The Government Circuit: Navigating New Trade Headwinds and New Partnerships
08/25/2025 | Chris Mitchell -- Column: The Government CircuitAs global trade winds continue to howl, the electronics manufacturing industry finds itself at a critical juncture. After months of warnings, the U.S. Government has implemented a broad array of tariff increases, with fresh duties hitting copper-based products, semiconductors, and imports from many nations. On the positive side, tentative trade agreements with Europe, China, Japan, and other nations are providing at least some clarity and counterbalance.
How Good Design Enables Sustainable PCBs
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
08/19/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007If you’re like me, tariffs were not on your radar screen until a few months ago, but now political rhetoric has turned to presidential action. Tariffs are front-page news with major developments coming directly from the Oval Office. These are not typical times. President Donald Trump campaigned on tariff reform, and he’s now busy revamping America’s tariff policy.
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.