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An Introverted Physicist in a Press-Fit World
November 2, 2023 | Dr. Erika Crandall, TE ConnectivityEstimated reading time: 1 minute

Press-fit technology as an interconnection to printed boards (PBs) started in the telecommunication industry in the 1970s. With press-fit technology, the electro-mechanical connection between compliant pin and PB is achieved through a single insertion process, eliminating the use of auxiliary materials (e.g., flux, solder alloy, cleaning agents) and heat treatment, which makes it no surprise that not only is this technology widely used in automotive, industrial, aerospace, and many other applications, but it continues to grow.
Until May 2020, the only available press-fit standard on the market was the IEC 60352-5, which was initially developed within the context of telecommunication equipment or similar applications.
As a physicist who has spent much time for my PhD utilizing various surface analysis techniques, plating conditions, and environmental exposures to investigate the underlying mechanisms behind metal whisker growth, many of my main projects for the automotive industry were focused on the development and testing of new surface finishes for whisker mitigation of compliant press-fit pins.
However, the IEC standard at that point didn’t call out any kind of whisker testing, not to mention environmental conditions harsh enough for automotive applications. So, imagine my excitement when I saw the Cold Joining Press-Fit Task Group listed in the standards development committee meetings at IPC APEX EXPO 2019, my first-ever IPC event. Immediately, I signed up.
When I walked into that committee meeting, I saw familiar faces—acquaintances from other companies in the field whom I greatly regarded as renowned experts. As the meeting started, I couldn’t help but smile, relishing the detailed conversations. Even when members would disagree, there was always steadfast respect. Everyone really listened, contemplated, and sought to understand one another’s viewpoints. Often, it was something they hadn’t initially considered, yet realized it was important to the topic at hand.
By the end of the meeting, the final action items were concluded. Later, the first working draft was distributed for committee comments. It was a very exciting phase in the creation process of a new standard, and I wholeheartedly wanted to become an active member of the committee.
To read the rest of this article, which appeared in the Fall 2023 issue of IPC Community, click here.
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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
07/18/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007It may be the middle of the summer, but the news doesn’t quit, and there’s plenty to talk about this week, whether you’re talking technical or on a global scale. When I have to choose six items instead of my regular five, you know it’s good. I start by highlighting my interview with Martyn Gaudion on his latest book, share some concerning tariff news, follow that up with some promising (and not-so-promising) investments, and feature a paper from last January’s inaugural Pan-European Design Conference.
Report: Broadcom Scraps $1 Billion Chip Investment in Spain
07/15/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamAmerican chipmaker Broadcom has pulled out of plans to invest in a microchip plant in Spain. According to a July 14 Reuters report, Europa Press, quoting anonymous sources, stated the action followed collapsed government talks but gave no further information.
IPC Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Lionel Fullwood
07/15/2025 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007Many IPC members who have contributed significantly to IPC and our industry have been awarded the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame (HOF) Award. Though many early HOF members have passed away and are unknown to today’s IPC membership, their contributions still resonate. This special series on IPC Hall of Fame members provides a reminder of who was honored and why. As a bonus, for those who are still around, we get to find out what these talented individuals are up to today.
I-Connect007 Observes U.S. Independence Day Holiday
07/04/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Today marks the 248th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress. Known widely in the U.S. as Independence Day or “The Fourth of July,” this day also commemorates the declaration by the Congress that the American colonies are free and independent states.
MRSI Systems, LLC Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Suzhou LieQi in China
06/16/2025 | MRSI Systems, LLCMRSI Systems, LLC (a part of Mycronic Group), a global high-tech company that provides high precision production solution in electronics industry, filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Suzhou LieQi Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd. (SZLQ) with Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court for infringement of MRSI Systems’ patent related to die bonder (Case No. (2025) YUE03minchu No. 7154).