-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueThe Essential Guide to Surface Finishes
We go back to basics this month with a recount of a little history, and look forward to addressing the many challenges that high density, high frequency, adhesion, SI, and corrosion concerns for harsh environments bring to the fore. We compare and contrast surface finishes by type and application, take a hard look at the many iterations of gold plating, and address palladium as a surface finish.
It's Show Time!
In this month’s issue of PCB007 Magazine we reimagine the possibilities featuring stories all about IPC APEX EXPO 2025—covering what to look forward to, and what you don’t want to miss.
Fueling the Workforce Pipeline
We take a hard look at fueling the workforce pipeline, specifically at the early introduction of manufacturing concepts and business to young people in this issue of PCB007 Magazine.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- 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 2Suggested Items
KYZEN to Highlight Stencil and Cleaning Solutions at SMTA Monterrey
03/27/2025 | KYZEN'KYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally friendly cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Monterrey Expo & Tech Forum scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 10 at the Cintermex Convention Center in Monterrey, Nuevo León. KYZEN cleaning experts will be on-site highlighting stencil cleaning chemistries KYZEN E5631J and CYBERSOLV C8882.
Indium to Showcase Proven EV Products and High-Reliability Alloys at Productronica China
03/26/2025 | Indium CorporationAs a global materials supplier and trusted partner in electric vehicle (EV) and e-Mobility manufacturing, Indium Corporation® is proud to showcase its high-reliability alloys and soldering solutions at Productronica China, March 26-28, in Shanghai, China.
SolderKing Enhances Brainboxes' Electronics Manufacturing with Expert Support and Advanced Materials
03/26/2025 | SolderKingIn modern electronics manufacturing, success relies on more than high-quality soldering materials. Technical knowledge and process expertise are just as crucial for achieving consistent results. SolderKing, a leading UK manufacturer, provides both, combining advanced consumables with specialist support to help manufacturers optimise their soldering processes.
AIM to Highlight Type 5 Solder and Other Leading Products at SMTA Monterrey Expo & Tech Forum
03/20/2025 | AIM SolderAIM Solder, a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials for the electronics industry, is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming SMTA Monterrey Expo & Tech Forum taking place on April 10 at Cintermex in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Hentec Industries/RPS Automation to Showcase Valence 2508 at IPC Expo 2025
03/17/2025 | Hentec Industries/RPS AutomationThe Valence 2508 Selective Soldering System is engineered for high-mix, high-volume, advanced PCB production. It supports boards ranging from 25 x 25 mm to 559 x 559 mm (1 x 1 in. to 22 x 22 in.), with a maximum processing area of 508 x 508 mm (20 x 20 in.).