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Beyond the Rulebook
What happens when the rule book is no longer useful, or worse, was never written in the first place? In today’s fast-moving electronics landscape, we’re increasingly asked to design and build what has no precedent, no proven path, and no tidy checklist to follow. This is where “Design for Invention” begins.
March Madness
From the growing role of AI in design tools to the challenge of managing cumulative tolerances, these articles in this issue examine the technical details, design choices, and manufacturing considerations that determine whether a board works as intended.
Looking Forward to APEX EXPO 2026
I-Connect007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, covering everything from the show floor to the technical conference. For PCB designers, we move past the dreaded auto-router and spotlight AI design tools that actually matter.
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Executives Discuss Managing Challenges in Periods of Transition at IPC APEX EXPO 2021 Managers Forum
February 15, 2021 | IPCEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
New and experienced managers will gather at the Managers Forum at IPC APEX EXPO on March 8 to discuss strategies for thriving during times of crisis.
Internationally recognized executives and technologists will offer lessons learned during past disruptions such as transportation interruption, trade restriction, labor shortages, lockdowns, and technology innovation. Attendees will gain insight into how to solve problems with applications that lead to factory of the future implementation, including information on employee upskilling, materials, analytics, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
Industry experts and innovators will lead discussions on a wide range of topics for managing in times of transition, and emerging stronger. Representatives from FTG Corporation, Rogers Corporation, Cirtronics, Atotech Group, American Standards Circuits, Germany Industry 4.0 Campus, Luminovo GmbH, General Dynamics, GreenSource Fabrication & GreenSource Engineering, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Vicor Corporation, Green Circuits, and IPC will provide critical insight on how best to move forward when presented with industry’s toughest challenges.
“Our industry has weathered many tough periods and learned from them every time,” said Tracy Riggan, senior director, business development at IPC. “This past year has yielded more than its share of disruption with the pandemic complicating existing geopolitical tensions, labor shortages and speeding up already increased technology advancement and causing logistics interruption and part shortages. These challenges continue and our early responses inform our success at meeting them now and being better prepared for the next big impact.”
“The purpose of the Managers Forum is to give managers of all experience levels the opportunity to gain new insights and learn firsthand how peers are achieving their goals and strengthening their organizations to ensure growth, especially during periods of uncertainty,” said Gene Weiner, president, Weiner International Associates and IPC Hall of Fame Council Program Chair, responsible for Managers’ Forum programming.
To register for the Managers’ Forum, or for more information on all the activities taking place at IPC APEX EXPO, including the technical conference, professional development courses, networking activities and online exhibition, visit www.ipcapexexpo.org.
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Simon Khesin - Schmoll MaschinenSuggested Items
Top Business Groups Urge Congress to Extend, Expand Successful Semiconductor Tax Credit
05/14/2026 | SIAThe Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and a broad coalition of 17 other top business and trade groups in a letter urged Congress to extend the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (AMIC) – a highly impactful tax credit for chip production that is set to expire at the end of this year – and expand it to cover semiconductor design and other critical R&D activities.
New Courses: Advance Your Electronics Expertise in June and July
05/14/2026 | Global Electronics AssociationStay current with design, manufacturing, and quality standards by enrolling in one of these online instructor-led courses starting in June and July from ElectronicsU at the Global Electronics Association, designed to help professionals at every level sharpen their skills and advance their careers. These live, expert-led sessions combine flexibility with real-time interaction, allowing participants to learn directly from seasoned industry professionals while collaborating with peers worldwide. Access to all applicable IPC standards is included in the courses.
The Journey from Dilution to Zero Liquid Discharge
05/11/2026 | Richard Nichols, GreenSource EngineeringIf you’re familiar with the PCB industry, and a little long in the tooth like me, you may remember the cry, “The water board is here!” (or an equivalent authority). This was the signal for a frantic but regularly rehearsed exercise to turn on all the rinses. This anecdote demonstrates that in the early days of PCB production, prevailing practices revolved around a “dilution is the solution” mentality, in which manufacturers used copious amounts of water to dilute contaminants before discharging them into regulated municipal wastewater systems or natural water bodies.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/08/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007This week, I’ve selected some outstanding interviews that you’ll want to take note of. First, is a roundtable discussion featuring three dynamic industry cybersecurity experts. Please watch this important discussion that affects us all. Following that, I spotlight the IPC-2581 Consortium, which explains why IPC-2581 is the standard to replace Gerber data for manufacturing. Next, I am including my interview with PCBAA and AAM, who collaborated to release a short documentary on U.S. PCB manufacturing.
Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Karen McConnell
05/07/2026 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007In 2021, Karen McConnell was awarded the Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame award in recognition of her contributions to the Association and the electronics industry. As a senior staff member and CAD/CAM engineer at Northrop Grumman Enterprise Services, her primary responsibility was to develop a common, shared EDM (Electronic Document Management) library to support the electrical and PCB design tool initiatives across Northrop Grumman Mission Systems.