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Current IssueIt'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.
Inner Layer Precision & Yields
In this issue, we examine the critical nature of building precisions into your inner layers and assessing their pass/fail status as early as possible. Whether it’s using automation to cut down on handling issues, identifying defects earlier, or replacing an old line...
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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
February 4, 2022 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

The last time I was in this space, we were busy preparing for our extensive coverage of IPC APEX EXPO, so now I have the honors of compiling the news from the week following the event. We often use the phrase “busy news week” in these compendiums, but this week I have metrics—25% more news items published this week at I-Connect007 than our weekly average. All the more reason to read the website newsfeeds and newsletters, but also all the more reason for me to bring you the best of the best from the past week.
This week we include the IPC reports on both PCB and EMS industry sales. We also highlight three of the Real Time with… interviews from the APEX show floor. There was quite a lot more news that would have made this list on any other week, so be sure to visit the I-Connect007 website to see all our coverage.
Also, look for our special edition “Real Time With ….” magazine issue for IPC APEX EXPO 2022 to publish in the next several days. You will find complete show coverage, including news, interviews, awards, the designers competition, committee coverage, several photo galleries, our thoughts and impressions on the show, and so much more, It’s one of our favorite issues to put together and I’m sure you’ll agree that nothing else compares to it.
North American PCB Industry Sales Up 16.9% in December
Published January 31
IPC chief economist, Shawn DuBravac summarized it thus, "PCB bookings rose sharply in December 2021, the strongest month of bookings since December 2005.” For more details, read the news item here, and access the full report at the IPC website.
North American EMS Industry Up 0.9% in December
Published January 31
Total North American EMS shipments in December 2021 were up 0.9 percent compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, December shipments rose 8.0 percent. Click through for more details.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO: John Mitchell Shares Thoughts on the Show
Published January 31
John W. Mitchell, president and CEO of IPC, shares his thoughts with Barry Matties about the return of the in-person IPC APEX EXPO after a two-year hiatus. John and Barry agree that they were pleasantly surprised at the sheer volume of machinery that made it through the shipping hurdles and onto the show floor. Attendees were there to do business and to learn how to improve their processes.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO: Update From PCBAA
Published February 1
We’re closely following this new association, so we appreciated this opportunity to sit down with PCBAA Chairman Travis Kelly to discuss their recent activities and plans for the future. The Printed Circuit Board Association of America is focused on advocating for manufacturing in America. To help keep you up to date, follow Travis’s column in PCB007 Magazine.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO: Advocacy in Washington
Published February 1
While at IPC APEX EXPO, I had an opportunity for a visit with Chris Mitchell, vice president of global government relations at IPC. Just like with PCBAA, we discussed the industry's advocacy in Washington to educate Congress on our key issues, as well as the growth in global advocacy by IPC. With the passage of legislation such as the CHIPS Act, we know Congress is starting to pay attention, so our lobbying voice is more important than ever.
Suggested Items
IPC Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Denny Fritz
03/13/2025 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007This month, the Hall of Fame spotlight features Denny Fritz, a long-time friend and associate of mine. Denny first got involved with IPC in 1978 while working with MacDermid. His first efforts were with the various board fabrication committees, something he believes helped lead to his eventual Hall of Fame award.
IPC Asia’s Talent Development Program Opens Pathways to a More Qualified Workforce
03/14/2025 | Evelyn Cui, IPC AsiaIn Asia, the contradiction between the rapid development of the electronics manufacturing industry and the shortage of talent is particularly evident. The existing talent pool cannot fully meet the market's demand for highly skilled professionals. According to feedback from industry companies, there is an urgent need for professionals with knowledge of IPC standards and practical skills in electronics. However, the reality is that most academic courses are disconnected from the actual needs of the industry, leading to disappointing results when companies recruit from universities and schools.
Ventec International Group Announce Launch of VT-47LT IPC4101 /126 Prepreg for HDI
03/12/2025 | Ventec International GroupVentec International Group announce launch of VT-47LT IPC4101 / 126 Prepreg. Are Microvia Failures Plaguing Your HDI Any Layer Designs? High-density interconnect (HDI) designs are pushing the envelope - higher layer count HDI relies on complex microvia designs: skip vias, staggered microvias, and stacked microvias in sequential laminations.
IPC Releases Latest List of Standards and Revisions
03/12/2025 | IPCEach quarter, IPC releases a list of standards that are new or have been updated. To view a complete list of newly published standards and standards revisions, translations, proposed standards for ballot, final drafts for industry review, working drafts, and project approvals, visit ipc.org/status. These are the latest releases for Q1 2025.
The Test Connection Inc. Promotes Melanie Rutkauskas to Director of Operations for The Training Connection, LLC
03/11/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a leading provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, is pleased to announce the promotion of Melanie Rutkauskas to Director of Operations for The Training Connection, LLC (TTC-LLC). With her extensive background in operations management, accounting, and customer relations, Melanie brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her new role.