Global Citizenship: What I’ve Learned About the American PCB Business
Global Sourcing Spotlight: The Best Products to Buy Offshore Through Global Sourcing
Nolan's Notes: The Rise (and Risk) of Data
IPC Bestows Posthumous Hall of Fame Award to Industry Icon Michael Ford
April 18, 2024 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
IPC honored the late Michael Ford, Aegis Software, for his extraordinary contributions to the global electronics manufacturing industry with the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award at IPC APEX EXPO 2024. IPC’s most prestigious honor, the Hall of Fame Award is given to individuals who have provided exceptional service and advancement to IPC and the electronics industry. Ford, an industry leader and valued IPC volunteer, died suddenly in January 2024.
Ford is credited as a driving force behind the creation of IPC Connected Factory Exchange, (IPC-CFX), the global standard that simplifies and standardizes machine-to-machine communication while also facilitating machine-to-business and business-to-machine applications.
Ford was the recipient of several IPC awards, including the Hillman-Lambert Award, the IPC President’s Award, the Dieter Bergman Fellowship Award, several Golden Gnome awards, and numerous standards committee leadership and special recognition awards.
“Michael was a visionary,” said John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO. “He was not only a gifted, brilliant engineer, but his ability to seek and obtain collaboration gained him loyal friends and colleagues throughout the industry. He was as generous with his knowledge as he was approachable. As many people have said, he shouldered the weight of projects he was involved in, and we owe it to him to carry on the path he generously paved for us. He will be greatly missed.”
Jason Spera, CEO, Aegis Software, accepted the award on behalf of Ford. In his acceptance remarks, Spera had this to say of Ford’s impact upon the electronics industry, “Michael leaves a great legacy of contribution to the electronics industry. That legacy will now be a new step, upon which everything our industry achieves going forward, rises. We can rest assured that this is what Michael hoped for most from his work.”
Share on:
Suggested Items
IPC Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Patty Goldman
11/22/2024 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007In my first article of this special series, I wrote a synopsis of the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame (HOF) Award, along with a commentary on its first few members, particularly Pritchard. Over the years, IPC members who have contributed significantly to IPC and our industry have been awarded this high honor and recognition. Though many early HOF members have passed away and are unknown to today’s IPC membership, their contributions still resonate. Over the coming months, I look forward to researching and reporting on IPC Hall of Fame members and their contributions. This month, I highlight Patty Goldman.
Winners of IPC Hand Soldering World Championship at electronica 2024 Announced
11/21/2024 | IPCIPC hosted its Hand Soldering World Championship in Munich, Germany, at electronica on 14-15 November 2024, welcoming 14 competitors from 13 companies and 12 countries worldwide. Skilled contestants competed to build an electronics assembly in accordance with IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria, and were judged on the functionality of the assembly, compliance with the assembly process and overall product quality. The contestants were allowed a maximum of 60 minutes to complete the assembly.
IPC Issues Clarion Call for EU to Reclaim Leadership in Electronics Manufacturing
11/21/2024 | IPCIPC released a synopsis of its recent white paper, Securing the European Union’s Electronics Ecosystem. This condensed document presents a comprehensive overview of the current challenges in Europe’s electronics manufacturing industry and shares actionable steps to help the EU achieve a stronger, more autonomous ecosystem.
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
11/19/2024 | IPCIPC, a leading global electronics industry association and source for industry standards, training and advocacy, is proud to announce its participation in National Apprenticeship Week, scheduled for November 17-23, 2024.