The Chemical Connection: Common Misconceptions in Wet Processing
It’s Only Common Sense: Selling to Engineers
Trouble in Your Tank: Organic Addition Agents in Electrolytic Copper Plating
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
August 2, 2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
This week, we bring you a veritable smorgasbord of news, columns and articles from the past week.
After getting stuck in an airport during the Crowdstrike outage, our colleague Nolan Johnson has a review of the first-ever THECA trade show in Bangkok, Thailand. We have a column by Matt Stevenson on drilling optimization, and an interview with Schmoll America President Kurt Palmer about what it takes to thrive in this industry. We have an article by SMTA’s Tara Dunn that focuses on the organization’s educational offerings, and news about All Flex joining the PCBAA.
It's been a busy week. I hope you all have a great weekend!
Impressions from THECA 2024
Published July 31
Our weary editor Nolan Johnson brings us his review of the inaugural Thailand Electronic Circuits Asia trade show. Nolan had the bad luck to be heading to the airport when the Crowdstrike snafu first began, turning his already-long trip to Bangkok into a three-day ordeal. He says it was all worth it, and THECA drew a pretty good crowd of attendees, many looking to Thailand for its China+1 potential. Check it out.
Connect the Dots: Navigating the Intricacies of PCB Drilling
Published August 1
Drilling is a fairly simple operation, but it can be one of the most complex tasks in the PCB fabrication cycle. In this column, Matt Stevenson offers various tips and tricks that can streamline your PCB drilling, beginning with pre-drilling planning and preparations.
Schmoll America: Thriving in the Global PCB Market
Published July 31
Is your business thriving? What does it take to thrive in this industry? In this interview with Marcy LaRont, Kurt Palmer, president of Schmoll America, discusses what it takes to not only survive, but thrive.
Training and Education in the Electronics Industry
Published July 31
With many of the “silverbacks” in our industry heading toward retirement, educational resources are in high demand now. Tara Dunn, director of training and education for SMTA, walks us through the organization’s educational offerings, including webinars, in-person classes, technical papers, and much more.
The PCBAA Accepts All Flex Solutions as Newest Member
Published July 31
PCBAA was founded just a few years ago, but it’s been on a continuous growth path, with more companies joining the organization in its mission to advocate for U.S. PCB companies. Flexible circuit maker All Flex Solutions is the latest company to join the organization, which now numbers 61 PCB U.S. manufacturers.
Share on:
Suggested Items
OKI Develops 124-Layer PCB Technology for Next-Generation AI Semiconductor Testing Equipment
04/28/2025 | BUSINESS WIREOKI Circuit Technology, the OKI Group printed circuit board (PCB) company, has successfully developed 124-layer PCB technology for wafer inspection equipment designed for next-generation high bandwidth memory, such as HBM mounted on AI semiconductors.
North American PCB Industry Shipments Down 3.1% in March
04/28/2025 | IPCIPC announced the March 2025 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.24.
Candor Elevates PCB Fabrication Services with Continued Facility Upgrades
04/28/2025 | Candor CircuitsOntario-based circuit board manufacturer, Candor Circuit Boards has recently completed a series of facility upgrades to improve their PCB offerings. These investments will allow Candor to provide higher volumes of complicated boards more efficiently with better yield. The new technology has allowed the company to take on exciting high technology projects and collaborations in industries such as Military and Aerospace, Medical, Energy and more.
LITEON, Elephantech Deepen Partnership to Further Drive Innovation and End-to-End Sustainability
04/24/2025 | LITEON TechnologyLITEON Technology has signed a second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Elephantech, deepening their strategic partnership in advancing green Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) manufacturing. Announced on Earth Day (April 22), the renewed collaboration highlights their joint commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
Elementary Mr. Watson: Navigating RF—A Glide Path Approach to Design Success
04/24/2025 | John Watson -- Column: Elementary, Mr. WatsonOn a flight, I can always tell when we begin our descent because that subtle drop in my stomach tells me the altitude has changed. Landing an airplane involves a gradual, precise process called the glide path. It descends at the correct speed and 3-degree angle to touch down smoothly and safely on the runway without bouncing or coming to a sudden stop. Pilots use specialized tools like the Instrument Landing System (ILS) or GPS to stay on the correct path. Lights on the ground, called PAPI lights, help pilots know if they are too high or too low.