Learning With Leo: What Is the Cost of Quality Brought About by Training?
Nolan’s Notes: A Tribute to Iola—and Automation
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Solderability Test Methods, Myths, and Realities
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
June 12, 2020 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
In industry news this week, recovery is on everyone’s mind. And that influenced my picks this week for the five stories you should not miss. In this week’s selections, you’ll find industry roadmaps and market reports, a new manufacturing facility, and an IPC Task Group focused on the future. While there’s bad to go with the good in the news this week, it seems we’re done hunkering down.
This week’s five items were sourced from all of I-Connect007’s various news sources and publications, including Design007, PCB007, SMT007, The Daily Newsletter, and our weekly newsletters for SMT007, Design007, and MilAero007. Next week, Andy Shaughnessy will be making his selections.
Walt Custer’s EIPC Business Outlook Webinar: ‘You Can’t Sugarcoat This Stuff!’
by Pete Starkey
Published June 11, 2020
In lieu of a traditional EIPC summer conference kicked off with a market briefing by Walt Custer, the 2020 event was instead held virtually. Pete Starkey, I-Connect007 technical editor, attended and captured the essence of the presentation to share with I-Connect007 readers. Custer’s information is always insightful, and this time is no exception. This was an easy choice for this week’s list.
The iNEMI 2019 Roadmap: Optoelectronics
by Pete Starkey
Published June 9, 2020
iNEMI is currently engaged in a series of industry briefings on its 2019 Roadmap, outlining the upcoming goals and needs in the electronics manufacturing space. I-Connect007 technical editor Pete Starkey attended the briefing (held as a webinar) and reported on the session here.
For industry strategists, Pete’s report is recommended reading.
Benchmark Unveils New Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Phoenix
Benchmark
Published June 8, 2020
How does an electronics manufacturing company open a brand-new facility during COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing? Benchmark did just that by hosting a virtual grand opening celebration for its new Phoenix, Arizona, facility.
Elmatica CEO to Serve as Vice-Chair for New IPC Cybersecurity Task Group
IPC
Published June 10, 2020
Didrik Bech is not only CEO at Elmatica but also an I-Connect007 columnist. Now, Bech has been appointed vice-chair for the new IPC Cybersecurity Task Group. Bech brings many years of technical experience and involvement in IPC standards work to his new role on the Task Group.
Standard of Excellence: A Great Partnership Is a Two-Way Street
by Anaya Vardya
Published June 8, 2020
In this “Standard of Excellence” column, Anaya Vardya asked, “Are you a good and true partner to your PCB vendors?” This question seemed to strike a chord with readers in the first 24 hours. Given the interest in the subject, this column had to make this week’s list.
Share on:
Testimonial
"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "
Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
Koh Young, Fuji America, and Creative Electron Unite to Launch The SMT Future Experience
12/05/2025 | Koh YoungThree of electronics manufacturing's most innovative companies announced the formation of THE SMT FUTURE EXPERIENCE, an independent collaborative venue designed to accelerate innovation and define the future of SMT manufacturing.
Summit Interconnect’s Leadership in the ‘Silicon Prairie’
12/05/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineSummit Interconnect is one of the two largest PCB fabricators in the United States. I visited with Deepak Makwana, general manager of Summit’s Chicago plant, Business Development Manager Tom Veitch, and Vice President of Technology Gerry Partida at their Schaumberg, Illinois (Summit Chicago) facility to learn more about the evolution of PCB manufacturing in the Midwest.
Continental Electronics Expands Capacity with New Texas Manufacturing Site
12/04/2025 | BUSINESS WIREContinental Electronics Corporation (CEC), an OSI Systems company and a global leader in mission-critical radio frequency (RF) and microwave technologies, announced the expansion of its U.S. manufacturing footprint with a newly constructed, state-of-the-art facility in Richardson, Texas.
UMC, Polar Collaborate to Meet Growing Demand for U.S. Onshore Semiconductor Manufacturing
12/04/2025 | BUSINESS WIREUnited Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), a leading global semiconductor foundry, and Polar Semiconductor, LLC, a U.S.-owned and operated foundry specializing in high-voltage, power, and sensor technologies, announced they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore collaboration on delivering scalable U.S.-based 8-inch production of high-quality wafers that are essential across pillar industries including automotive, data centers, consumer electronics, and aerospace & defense.
Real Time with... productronica 2025: Polar on Understanding Material Libraries in Design
12/04/2025 | Real Time with...productronicaPete Starkey and Martyn Gaudion discuss the rapid updates in material libraries and the critical need for designers to grasp material properties. They highlight the role of suppliers and the importance of communication between designers and fabricators. Martyn focuses on the educational aspect of their services, aiming to connect design and manufacturing. The conversation underscores the significance of material knowledge in enhancing the design process through collaboration.