Target Condition: Are Autorouters Friend or Foe?
Fresh PCB Concepts: Assembly Challenges with Micro Components and Standard Solder Mask Practices
Elementary Mr. Watson: Retro Routers vs. Modern Boards—The Silent Struggle on Your Screen
PCB Carolina 2018 Draws a Crowd of Technologists
November 16, 2018 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 1 minute
PCB Carolina 2018, the one-day tabletop show based in Raleigh, North Carolina, drew quite a crowd to the McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State University on November 7.
Show managers Tony Cosentino, Randy Faucette, and Lance Olive (all employees of the Better Boards service bureau) said that this year’s event showed signs of growth compared to the 2017 show, which was also larger than the previous year. They estimated that about 1,000 people attended this year, and they expect another increase in attendance in 2019.
The show is organized by the RTP chapter of the IPC Designers Council. Cosentino and Faucette are leaders of the RTP chapter; Olive is also the mayor of the nearby town of Apex.
Instructors like Susy Webb, Gary Ferrari and Rick Hartley taught IPC CID classes, along with more targeted design courses throughout the day.
The 85 exhibitors came from companies located around the US, and the show floor was packed for almost the entire day. The tabletop exhibits are among the most competitively priced in the industry at just $750 per tabletop.
I believe that tabletop events like this make up a big part of the future of PCB design and manufacturing; the cost is low enough that almost any company in the industry can afford to exhibit.
If this growth continues, PCB Carolina is on track to move from a regional show to a national must-attend event. Check out some photos from PCB Carolina 2018. If you missed it this year, don't make the same mistake in 2019!
Share on:
Suggested Items
Global Semiconductor Sales Increase 27% Year-to-Year in May
07/07/2025 | SIAThe Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) announced global semiconductor sales were $59.0 billion during the month of May 2025, an increase of 27.0% compared to the May 2024 total of $46.4 billion and 3.5% more than the April 2025 total of $57.0 billion.
SIA Applauds Passage of Strengthened Semiconductor Investment Credit
07/04/2025 | SIAThe Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) released the following statement from SIA President and CEO John Neuffer following passage in the U.S. House of Representatives of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1).
Horizon Sales Celebrates 10 Years of Exceptional Service by Sales Leader David Smith
07/02/2025 | Horizon SalesHorizon Sales, a premier manufacturers’ representative and distributor for the electronics assembly industry, is proud to announce that David Smith is celebrating 10 years with the company this month.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
06/27/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007While news outside our industry keeps our attention occupied, the big news inside the industry is the rechristening of IPC as the Global Electronics Association. My must-reads begins with Marcy LaRont’s exclusive and informative interview with Dr. John Mitchell, president and CEO of the Global Electronics Association. For designers, have we finally reached the point in time where autorouters will fulfill their potential?
Reflections and Priorities: An Update to I-Connect007 Readers
06/24/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007The electronics and manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly—with new technologies, deeper global connections, and a growing drive toward sustainability. To reflect these changes and our place in this dynamic space, we’re refreshing our brand.