-
-
News
News Highlights
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueInventing the Future with SEL
Two years after launching its state-of-the-art PCB facility, SEL shares lessons in vision, execution, and innovation, plus insights from industry icons and technology leaders shaping the future of PCB fabrication.
Sales: From Pitch to PO
From the first cold call to finally receiving that first purchase order, the July PCB007 Magazine breaks down some critical parts of the sales stack. To up your sales game, read on!
The Hole Truth: Via Integrity in an HDI World
From the drilled hole to registration across multiple sequential lamination cycles, to the quality of your copper plating, via reliability in an HDI world is becoming an ever-greater challenge. This month we look at “The Hole Truth,” from creating the “perfect” via to how you can assure via quality and reliability, the first time, every time.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
Better to Light a Candle: Chapter One—Prepping the Next Generation
January 8, 2019 | Marc Carter, Independent ContributorEstimated reading time: 8 minutes
The eager, voluntary support from the industry has been tremendous. It’s not just individual graybeards that have stepped up, either. Earlier in the article, Calumet Electronics support was noted. I asked Dr. Meredith LaBeau, Calumet’s chief engineer, about their serious support in helping this class get off the ground.
Carter: Thanks for taking the time for a few questions, Dr. LaBeau.
Dr. Meredith LaBeau: Thanks for having me comment on this unique program in our backyard at a strong, regional university where we draw many new, young, vibrant, and talented employees to Calumet Electronics.
Carter: How did Calumet Electronics get involved in this effort?
LaBeau: In 2008, Calumet Electronics engaged in a Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) research program HIOPTIMA project that then transformed into a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project with MTU. Although this project was not funded into a secondary stage, this set the stage for our continuing partnership with MTU and Dr. Middlebrook. Fast forward many years to this past spring when Dr. Middlebrook contacted Calumet about developing a joint internship program that would assist in developing the practical lab for this course, using tabletop equipment from the SIBR project. We readily joined forces to support our partner and ensure the continuing education and development of engineers in what some consider a dying industry. Calumet is actively engaged in activities to support the domestic supply chain to be robust and resilient especially for customers such as the DoD. Calumet has been supporting an intern since May 2018 to assist in the development of this course.
Carter: This has to be diverting some key resources that Calumet could use for other, more immediate needs. What’s in it for Calumet Electronics?
LaBeau: Calumet Electronics strives to continue to ensure a thriving domestic supply chain, which includes knowledgeable engineering staff from designers to process engineers. Developing a close partnership with MTU allows Calumet to recruit some of the best and brightest locally who will soon have visibility to a vital industry for the United States—an industry that we all depend on for the future of technology. Educating these engineers through this class and other potential classes at MTU will provide the required next generation of designers, problem solvers, and leaders.
Carter: What would you like to say to your colleagues in the industry—including your competitors—about getting involved in this effort or helping one like it get started?
LaBeau: It is vital that all actors in the PCB industry support a robust domestic supply chain. Building a strong relationship with local universities provides educated talent, partners in future years, and a career ladder for the aging workforce to successfully transfer their knowledge to continue innovation and support our nation.
For further information, email Dr. Middlebrook (ctmiddle@mtu.edu) or myself (pmcarter01@gmail.com).
Marc Carter has worked in the electronics interconnection industry since 1984 in a variety of roles in fabrication and assembly materials, processes, environmental compliance, and supply chain management activities around the world. He has had the honor and privilege of working with and learning from many of the true giants of this industry in multiple functions over many years. His experience includes a major mil-aero OEM, field and development work at materials suppliers to the printed circuit industry, and an educational stint as the sole proprietor of a manufacturer’s agency representing multiple high-tech mil-aero material suppliers.
Page 2 of 2Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
Koh Young, Fuji, and Kurtz ERSA Drive Smart Manufacturing Solutions for EV and Automotive Electronics at Kunshan, China Technical Seminar
09/11/2025 | Koh YoungKoh Young Technology, the global leader in True 3D measurement-based inspection solutions, partnered with Fuji Corporation and Kurtz ERSA to host an exclusive technical seminar for leading automotive manufacturers in East China. Held on September 4 at Fuji’s factory in Kunshan, the event gathered participants representing over 35 companies.
MacDermid Alpha Presents at SMTA New Delhi, Bangalore Chapter, on Flux–OSP Interaction
09/09/2025 | MacDermid Alpha Electronics SolutionsMacDermid Alpha contributes technical insights on OSP solderability at the Bangalore Chapter, SMTA reinforcing commitment to knowledge-sharing and industry collaboration.
Electra’s ElectraJet EMJ110 Inkjet Soldermask Now in Black & Blue at Sunrise Electronics
09/08/2025 | Electra Polymers LtdFollowing the successful deployment of Electra’s Green EMJ110 Inkjet Soldermask on KLA’s Orbotech Neos™ platform at Sunrise Electronics in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, production has now moved beyond green.
Absolute EMS: The Science of the Perfect Solder Joint
09/05/2025 | Absolute EMS, Inc.Absolute EMS, Inc., a six-time award-winning provider of fast turnaround, turnkey contract electronic manufacturing services (EMS), is drawing attention to the critical role of 3D Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) in ensuring the reliability of both FLEX and rigid printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs).
Indium Corporation to Highlight High-Reliability Solder Solutions at SMTA Guadalajara Expo
09/04/2025 | Indium CorporationIndium Corporation, a leading materials refiner, smelter, manufacturer, and supplier to the global electronics, semiconductor, thin-film, and thermal management markets, will feature a range of innovative, high-reliability solder products for printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) at the SMTA Guadalajara Expo and Tech Forum, to be held September 17-18 in Guadalajara, Mexico.