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I-Connect007 Editor's Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
December 23, 2022 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
In this week leading up to Christmas, we have a little bit of everything. Pete Starkey has a review of the most recent EIPC Technical Snapshot, while Tom Kastner discusses the dwindling number of PCB companies in North America. Are we really down to 170 companies? But as Tom says, the news isn’t all bad.
IPC reports that North American PCB sales up 26.1% in November YOY, and the book-to-bill is dead-on at 1.00. Cybord CEO Zeev Efrat explains how his company can provide 100% component inspection. And I have an interview with a student I ran into at PCB Carolina who is working toward his “dream job” on being a technician. As Alex Barile says, he’d hate to work at a desk all day; he likes to install equipment.
I hope you all have a fantastic holiday season. See you on the flip side!
PCB Carolina: Alex Barile Studying for His Dream Job
Published December 22
During PCB Carolina, I met with Alex Barile, a student at Wake Tech who’s studying for his “dream job.” He already builds custom computers, and he knows he doesn’t want to sit at a desk all day; he’d rather be installing and uninstalling equipment. Are you working at your “dream job”? Yes, young people are coming into this industry. It’s a great time to be working in electronics.
EIPC Technical Snapshot: ‘There Is No Green Without Digital’
Published December 22
Our intrepid technology editor Pete Starkey wrote a great review of the 20th EIPC Technical Snapshot. Speaker Pia Tanskanen of Nokia discussed the continuing move toward ESG (environmental, social, governance) in the electronics industry. This concept has been spreading for a few years, and Pia explains how Nokia hopes to embrace “doing well by doing good.”
North American PCB Industry Sales Up 26.1% in November
Published December 21
North American PCB sales rose 26.1% in November, while bookings were down 4.1% compared to last year. As IPC’s Shawn DuBravac explains, “order volume remains muted.” There are still some supply chain kinks that need to be worked out, but it looks like we’re on a positive track.
Cybord: 100% Component Inspection Is Here
Published December 21
Nolan Johnson recently spoke with Cybord CEO Zeev Efrat, whose company claims to provide 100% component inspection services. As Zeev points out, there are millions of components on PCBs; how can anyone achieve 100% inspection? Cybord seems to have found a way. Check it out.
Punching Out: When Less Might Actually Be More
Published December 20
Pop quiz, hot shot! How many PCB companies are left in North America? I would have said 250, but as columnist Tom Kastner points out, GP Ventures pegs that number at 170, down from 199 less than two years ago. Yikes. But the news is not all bad. Read on.
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Enjoy the Journey: PCB Design Instructor Kris Moyer on His Sustainable Lifestyle
11/19/2024 | Michelle Te, IPC CommunityWhen I contacted IPC design instructor Kris Moyer to discuss his sustainable lifestyle, he responded to my text with a call. "I'm calling you from about 8,000 feet, sitting at the foot of Mammoth Lakes," he told me. “My friends and I are about to get in the pool for the afternoon." Kris can do this because he actually lives full-time in his travel-trailer at this campground. He's now a permanent camper, taking him anywhere the winds blow—and where there's strong internet service—so he can teach his PCB design classes, offer expert interviews, and live off the land.
IPC Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with a Focus on Electronics Manufacturing Excellence
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IPC Introduces First Standard for In-Mold Electronics
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Virginia is for (PCB) Lovers: Weidmuller USA Celebrating 50 Years in Virginia
11/18/2024 | Linda Stepanich, IPCThe Weidmuller Group, a provider of Smart Industrial Connectivity products and solutions, is a family-owned company founded in 1850 in Germany. It currently operates sites in more than 80 countries. Weidmuller USA, based in Richmond, Virginia, and celebrating 50 years in 2025, plans to open an engineering and production facility this fall, bringing more jobs to the region.
Disruptive Innovation and Generative AI Inventor, Kevin Surace, to Keynote IPC APEX EXPO 2025
11/15/2024 | IPCEach year, IPC APEX EXPO features industry’s most dynamic, innovative minds to deliver keynote presentations that are both educational and entertaining. IPC APEX EXPO 2025 will feature Kevin Surace, an internationally renowned futurist and generative artificial intelligence (AI) innovator.