-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- design007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssuePartial HDI
Our expert contributors provide a complete, detailed view of partial HDI this month. Most experienced PCB designers can start using this approach right away, but you need to know these tips, tricks and techniques first.
Silicon to Systems: From Soup to Nuts
This month, we asked our expert contributors to weigh in on silicon to systems—what it means to PCB designers and design engineers, EDA companies, and the rest of the PCB supply chain... from soup to nuts.
Cost Drivers
In this month’s issue of Design007 Magazine, our expert contributors explain the impact of cost drivers on PCB designs and the need to consider a design budget. They discuss the myriad design cycle cost adders—hidden and not so hidden—and ways to add value.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - design007 Magazine
Checking In With ICAPE Group
April 3, 2024 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
ICAPE Group’s field application engineer Erik Pederson drills down on sustainability, supply chain resiliency, and what value engineering really looks like in this exclusive interview. Founded in 1999, European-based ICAPE Group provides 21 million printed circuit boards and over six million technical parts to manufacturers every month. With 30 PCB manufacturing partners globally and 50 partners providing a wide array of technical parts, ICAPE Group has operations in China, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, South Africa, Europe, Mexico, and the United States. The company also focuses on the value proposition for its customers.
Sustainability
Nolan Johnson: How does ICAPE Group incorporate sustainable practices into manufacturing printed circuit boards?
Erik Pederson: There are many things that we do in the process of manufacturing a PCB that focuses on sustainability. PCB fabricators reclaim precious metals from waste and have done so for many years, sending it out to salvage companies that reclaim the metals. Regarding epoxy fiberglass laminate, we can grind it down to small particles that can be used as filler material in things like construction and concrete. As far as the processes themselves, we minimize waste and reclaim materials in as many steps as possible. On the electrolytic copper plating line, when the small copper balls (anodes) are sufficiently depleted, we collect them and send them to salvage for recovery. It is also common to collect router dust from drilling and routing to reclaim especially the gold particles. We reclaim the HASL and precious metals from rinsing during the wet processes. In the etch process, the spent etchant is treated to remove the copper, which is also recovered. This has all been going on for many years, but for someone unfamiliar with the fabrication process, it is important to educate them on all we do to reduce waste.
Johnson: Today, sustainability is not something we only think about during the manufacturing process. PCB fabricators have been focused on environmental sustainability, reducing waste, and maximizing ROI in many ways for decades. Working toward better sustainability really should start long before the board arrives at the PCB shop, correct?
Pederson: That is correct, Nolan. Probably the most important thing we do is to work on sustainability with our customers at the design stage. What are the most (ENIG) and least impactful (OSP) surface treatments to the environment? What is the cost? We also promote the use of halogen-free material. It is my personal belief that customers should pay more attention here. The halogens used to make the fire-retardant materials remain even when you grind down the waste materials. They are harmful to the environment. Today, there are halogen-free materials that have as good a performance as halogen materials, but they cost 20–30% more. But if most PCB makers (and OEMs) would use halogen-free material, the market would drive the price down and they would become more common, addressing a significant environmental issue. One example is NOKIA and Samsung requiring halogen-free material for their PCBs.
To read this entire conversation, which appeared in the March 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
Suggested Items
American Made Advocacy: There's No Substitute for American-made Microelectronics
11/04/2024 | Shane Whiteside -- Column: American Made AdvocacyThe COVID pandemic put a spotlight on the fragility of the global supply chain. Disruption has become the new normal. Companies now see that one political decision or other interruption in Asia could bring the electronics industry to its knees. With 90% of the world’s PCBs and almost all IC substrates made in Asia, the current state of the electronics supply chain continues to present significant risk to the U.S. market.
Tritek Hosts Open House at Advanced West’s Facility
11/04/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn this recent conversation with I-Connect007’s Andy Shaughnessy and Barb Hockaday, Steve Kenney, president of Tritek and Advanced West, discusses their long history serving the PCB industry, dating back to when Tritek sold Shipley chemistry in Southern California. During this interview, recorded minutes before an open house at Advanced West in Corona, California, Steve underscores the company’s customer-centric culture and their drive to meet customers' changing requirements in the PCB space.
It’s Only Common Sense: When Will Big Companies Start Paying Their Bills on Time?
11/04/2024 | Dan Beaulieu -- Column: It's Only Common SenseLet’s address a truth that PCB and PCBA providers across America know all too well and it’s about time that someone talks about this: There’s an alarming and frankly disturbing trend with our customers—especially the larger ones—of not paying their bills on time. For the industry’s small- and medium-sized shops, the impact of these delayed payments isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s creating a severe, often crippling cash flow issue.
Root-cause Analysis and Problem-solving
11/01/2024 | Happy Holden, I-Connect007An essential skill for any process engineer in printed circuit fabrication is the ability to conduct root-cause analysis (RCA) and problem-solving. These are related to TQC and Six Sigma applications and are essential for customer support and continued profitability. All engineers will encounter these methods sooner or later, but it will likely be sooner if you are in product or process engineering in manufacturing.
Discover the Future of PCB and PCBA at the International Electronics Circuit Exhibition
11/01/2024 | HKPCAThe International Electronics Circuit Exhibition (Shenzhen) (HKPCA Show) is one of the largest and most influential trade shows in the PCB and electronic assembly industry. Having already been successfully held 21 times, the Show takes place every December.