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Analytics is a given in this industry, but the threshold is changing. If you think you're too small to invest in analytics, you may need to reconsider. So how do you do analytics better? What are the new tools, and how do you get started?
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The distribution of counterfeit parts has become much more sophisticated in the past decade, and there's no reason to believe that trend is going to be stopping any time soon. What might crop up in the near future?
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In this issue, we turn a discerning eye to solder paste printing. As apertures shrink, and the requirement for multiple thicknesses of paste on the same board becomes more commonplace, consistently and accurately applying paste becomes ever more challenging.
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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.
Suggested Items
Nolan's Notes: The Rise (and Risk) of Data
11/05/2024 | Nolan Johnson -- Column: Nolan's NotesLast month, I read about a United Airlines flight that declared an emergency over the middle of Hudson Bay in northern Canada. All the cockpit screens had gone blank and both flight management computers had entered into a “degraded mode with limited capabilities.” The pilots had lost most of their autopilot functionality, but still had enough control systems to manually fly the plane to a safe landing at O’Hare.
Fresh PCB Concepts: The Critical Nature of Copper Thickness on PCBs
10/31/2024 | Team NCAB -- Column: Fresh PCB ConceptsPCBs are the backbone of modern electronics and the copper layers within these boards serve as the primary pathways for electrical signals. When designing and manufacturing PCBs, copper thickness is one of the most critical factors and significantly affects the board’s performance and durability. The IPC-6012F specification, the industry standard for the performance and qualification of rigid PCBs, sets clear guidelines on copper thickness to ensure reliability in different environments and applications.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
10/25/2024 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Just this month, the Fall issue of IPC Community was released, spotlighting the global activities of IPC and its members. SMT007 Magazine covers the scary situation around counterfeit components. Design007 Magazine is not playing tricks with its hard-hitting discussions about “partial HDI.” (If you are asking yourself what that is, you really need to take a look.) Finally, PCB007 Magazine’s alternate metallization issue offers some real treats, including an interview featured this past week with Carmichael Gugliotti of MacDermid Alpha. In you’re in the U.S., here’s to an early Happy Halloween.
2024 IPC CEMAC China Electronics Manufacturing Annual Conference Focuses on the Electronics Industry’s Future
10/24/2024 | IPCThe 2024 IPC CEMAC China Electronics Manufacturing Annual Conference, co-organized by IPC and the Shanghai Pudong New Area Quality Technology Association, kicked off with a grand opening ceremony in Shanghai. Themed "Making Your Imagination Reality," the event has brought together leaders, technical experts, and corporate representatives from the global electronics manufacturing industry to explore future trends and opportunities.
The IPC Hall of Fame and Its Namesake
10/23/2024 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007IPC has been advancing our industry since the organization was founded more than 60 years ago, but it could not have been done without the volunteer efforts of so many members. Each year, some of those members are recognized for their significant contributions through awards such as the Rising Star Award, the Dieter Bergman Fellowship Award, the President's Award, and the Corporate Recognition Award.