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Future Evolution of the PCB: Are you Ready?

There is a wind of change blowing in the printed circuit business, new technology, new ideas are progressing. We believe we will see a different type of PCB market; in fact, it is well on the way.

When I started in the printed circuit business in the early '60s you had little choice of material; there was g10 and there was g10! There were two types of boards: single-sided and double-sided. That was about it. Today we see an ever-expanding choice of laminate materials, more copper weight and line size abilities, but what we are talking about is way bigger than that. With nano technology just starting to make its strength felt, we will see new laminates with significant changes in their properties. We will see new methods to make the old standards.

Where it will all end? We don't know, but I guarantee you the future will be different. Ask yourself: is my printed circuit company going to change and embrace new technology, or will it continue to be stuck in the past? Believe it or not, we still hear about printed circuit companies who only make the old standard single- and double-sided boards. These will be the same companies posting their equipment list for auction. People will study the equipment list and say, "Wow! They had good equipment; why did they go under?" We must realize it's not equipment that makes a successful printed circuit company but, in fact, a modern mindset of the owners which is the most important point. Many times I have sold advanced technology in to a well-equipped but underutilized shop and every time it's the old, "can't do that" personal attitude of the workers and owners which has held them back. I have seen many very poorly equipped shops make the most exquisite, complicated, high-priced boards. It's all about the positive "we-can-do-that" attitude.

We often see hotels change every 5 to 7 years. They update the lobby, change names, paint and change the room decor. They spend money to re-invent themselves to improve the image and update to new styling. Ever spend a night in a old motel with the same pictures of Elvis in velvet on the walls? I have. In fact, one hotel after 20 years had not changed a bit and it looked it: rates were down, attendance was low. In fact, I could see the end in sight. Had the owners kept up with the times they would be just as busy as the new motel right next door. Well, what does that have to do with your PCB business? The same rule applies, if you are not out reinventing your business every 5-7 years, you're falling behind. You're the run-down motel with the old, unlit neon sign. So get out there and re-invent yourself, create an R&D future in new printed circuit boards.

Robert TarzwellDirector of Technology, Sierra Proto Express

Ken BahlCEO, Sierra Proto Express