2020 EIPC Winter Conference, Day 1

Estimated reading time: 21 minutes

It was shown that a representative set of FR-4 laminates provided by three suppliers did not contain free TBBPA after curing. It was also shown that high-end laminates did not contain free TBBPA. These analyses demonstrated that TBBPA could be used effectively and safely to enhance the flame retardant performance of printed wiring boards.

Dr. Beard’s presentation concluded the first day’s conference session, and delegates boarded buses for a lesson in automated logistics and smart technology in a tour of Hutchison Ports Europe Container Terminal (ECT) Rotterdam, one of the most advanced container terminals in Europe, situated at the Maasvlakte, directly on the North Sea.

Approaching 20 million 20-foot equivalent container units are handled every year, with most of the loading and stacking done by autonomous robotic cranes and computer-controlled automated guided vehicles. It is an enormous and amazing operation.

The final event of a long day was a splendid networking dinner at the castle pavilion in the Sparta Stadium, home of the oldest football club in the Netherlands.

After the meal, many would-be football stars invaded the pitch for team photographs in the goal-mouth before returning to the conference hotel for rest and relaxation in preparation for the second day’s programme.

As ever, I am extremely grateful to Alun Morgan for allowing me to use his photographs. —Pete Starkey

Editor’s note: Click here for Pete’s recap on Day 2 of the 2020 EIPC Winter Conference.

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