Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Marcy’s Musings: Can You Hear the Voices?

Tariffs, CapEx spending, the war in Ukraine, and domestic and global economies: I wanted to know what’s on your minds as we launch headlong into Q2 2025. So, this month, I’m highlighting industry voices and how they feel about their businesses, the effects of a new U.S. administration, and where technology is heading. We hear from leaders within PCB manufacturing—TTM, CEE, Alpha Circuit, Accurate Circuit Engineering, and NCAB—as well as leadership among their suppliers, including Pluritec, Ventec, and Schmoll America. These contributors discuss a broad range of topics from strategy and growth to being nimble and resilient to creating strength in the supply chain. Their answers provide an enlightening glimpse into where our industry finds itself right now and for the remainder of 2025.

In the April 2025 PCB007 Magazine's columns, Happy’s Tech Talk #38 continues last month’s surface finish discussion with his column on alternate metallization for UHDI. (For more on alternate metallization, I encourage you to revisit our October issue.) Since when is the etch process entertaining? It’s been since Don Ball began writing The Chemical Connection. This month, he uses humor, as only Don can, to share some common misperceptions about etchant and etching.

New columnist and topic expert Simon Khesin of Schmoll America discusses PCB registration. Mike Carano enlightens us on plating voids that start in the pre-plating process and offers an insightful discussion on alkaline permanganate. CEE PCB’s Tom Yang, who I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time at APEX EXPO, tackles redefining connection and responsibility in a digital transformation. Finally, PCBAA’s Shane Whiteside declares that now is the time for America to reclaim manufacturing leadership with a strong statement on where the industry and the U.S. government need to focus.

Also in this issue, Dan Feinberg continues his Hall of Fame spotlight series focusing on Jack Fisher, who passed away a few years ago but left IPC and our industry with a legacy to build upon. I recount my IPC APEX EXPO show experience and share some great photos of our week in Anaheim. With nearly 80 video interviews, audio interviews, written articles, and photos, make sure to check out our show coverage at www.realtimewith.com.

It's been a crazy, busy couple of months in Washington and the rest of the world. But, says one business leader, “Business is business, and politicians are politicians. In the end, commerce always wins out.” I’m not sure truer words could be spoken. As you read the sentiments from today’s industry leaders, compare these with your own, and let me know what you think. Are they getting it right? Dive in and find out.

This column originally appeared in the April 2025 issue of PCB007 Magazine.