-
-
News
News Highlights
- Books
Featured Books
- design007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueLearning to Speak ‘Fab’
Our expert contributors clear up many of the miscommunication problems between PCB designers and their fab and assembly stakeholders. As you will see, a little extra planning early in the design cycle can go a long way toward maintaining open lines of communication with the fab and assembly folks.
Training New Designers
Where will we find the next generation of PCB designers and design engineers? Once we locate them, how will we train and educate them? What will PCB designers of the future need to master to deal with tomorrow’s technology?
The Designer of the Future
Our expert contributors peer into their crystal balls and offer their thoughts on the designers and design engineers of tomorrow, and what their jobs will look like.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - design007 Magazine
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
February 28, 2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

I cannot remember a time when I haven’t quipped, “We live in interesting times,” but many would agree that has never been truer. As the U.S. grapples with the short-term fallout of DOGE and what it could mean for existing programs, unemployment, and the U.S. domestic economy, in the private sector of electronics manufacturing, we could be facing higher costs from tariffs and potential supply chain disruptions as we hopefully capitalize on new opportunities.
As for global electronics manufacturing, I don’t see much changing. As we often hear, everything is electronics or electronics dependent. The world and its governments will ensure that essential things are built and get done. For those of us who own, run, and work in the businesses that make up this vital sector of the U.S. and global economies, it has long been our reality to constantly reevaluate our business models and strategies, and adjust and grow as required. It has made us smart, strong, and resilient.
Here are the top five must-read items from this past week's electronic manufacturing news and information.
2024 Sustainability Highlights: IPC’s Commitment to a Greener Future
Published February 25
Just three short weeks away from IPC APEX EXPO 2025, the topic of sustainability and circularity (a new term you’ll be hearing a lot more) is on many minds. In the February issue of PCB007 Magazine, Kelly Scanlon, IPC lead sustainability strategist, reviews her team’s accomplishments in 2024 and what’s ahead this year. Here’s a little intel for you: Stay tuned as we launch a podcast around sustainability topics in the coming months with Kelly and guests.
The Resurgence of European PCB Manufacturing: A Strategic Advantage
Published February 20
“The global electronics landscape is undergoing a significant transformation,” says Jordan Labbe of ICAPE as he presents a case for the resurgence of European PCB manufacturing. While acknowledging the shift in European PCB manufacturing showcasing its continuous decline over several decades (16% of global PCB supply in 2000 down to 2.3% in 2022), he cites the case for resurgence due to an overreliance on distant manufacturing hubs, rising transportation costs, looming and significant tariffs and duties, and even currency fluctuations to support his argument supporting new horizons for the European PCB manufacturing sector. Read on.
It's Only Common Sense: Maximizing the Five Stages of Your Trade Show Exhibit
Published February 26
For those of us who have made the significant investment of exhibiting at IPC APEX EXPO in March, Dan Beaulieu’s column covering the ins and outs of getting the most from your exhibit is a must-read. What do you think when you walk by a booth that has salespeople sitting down and scrolling on their phones? Do yourself the favor of this quick read. A reminder never hurts and is often warranted.
Beyond the Board: The Future of Innovation—Why the Electronics Industry Needs You
Published February 25
We are happy to have a new columnist, Jesse Vaughan of Summit Interconnect, in our editorial lineup. In his first column of “Beyond the Board,” Jesse talks about the electronics industry’s vast impact on everything in the modern world and its equally vast array of career paths, as he highlights the benefits of a career in electronics manufacturing and the vital importance of such jobs. His inaugural column is an indicator of good things to come.
Discover the New Podcast Series on Thermal Management—Now Available
Published February 27
Host Nolan Johnson turns up the heat with NCAB field application engineer Ryan Miller in the latest installment of our “On the Line with…” series podcast. Episode 1 focuses on PCB thermal management, a truly hot topic today (pun intended). If you’re not concerned about thermal management in your PCB design and fabrication, are you even actually working in this industry? Definitely give this a listen.
Suggested Items
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025:Tariffs and Supply Chains in US Electronics Manufacturing
04/01/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOChris Mitchell, VP of Global Government Relations for IPC, discusses IPC's concerns about tariffs on copper and their impact on U.S. electronics manufacturing. He emphasizes the complexity of supply chains and the need for policymakers to understand their effects.
UMC Unveils New Fab Expansion in Singapore in Grand Opening Ceremony
04/01/2025 | BUSINESS WIREUnited Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today officially unveiled its new fab facility in Singapore in a grand opening ceremony.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Revitalizing the U.S. Microelectronics Industry with PCBAA
04/01/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOPCBAA president David Schild discusses his experience in the PCB and aerospace sectors, focusing on the mission of the PCBAA and its collaboration with IPC. He highlights the decline in PCB manufacturing in the U.S. and the importance of public policy in restoring capacity.
Do You Have X-ray Vision? SMT007 Magazine April Issue Is No Joke
04/01/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamAs component packaging continues to evolve, the capability of inspecting through components is crucial. Has X-ray’s time finally come in electronics manufacturing? Join us in this issue of SMT007 Magazine, where we answer this question—and others—to bring more efficiency to your bottom line.
New Accenture Siemens Business Group to Reinvent Engineering and Manufacturing for Clients
03/31/2025 | BUSINESS WIRESiemens and Accenture are significantly advancing their long-standing alliance partnership to help clients reinvent and transform engineering and manufacturing.