Smart Automation: When It’s Time to Replace SMT Equipment
Learning With Leo: What Is the Cost of Quality Brought About by Training?
Nolan’s Notes: A Tribute to Iola—and Automation
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
April 25, 2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
It’s late April and the Northern Hemisphere is emerging from winter into the vibrance of the spring season. Personally, I try not to talk about the weather here, but I am struck by how the news this week includes a lot of items that are “new” and “emerging,” as if the news is mirroring the fresh leaves budding out on the trees in my neighborhood.
In that line of thinking, I’m highlighting a discussion on the positive potential coming from the recent changes in global trade policy—from IPC’s Government Relations team, and from TTM CEO Tom Edman. In the realm of designers and purchasers realm, there’s news from Screaming Circuits and ASC/Sunstone Circuits to share. Finally, additive manufacturing and the release of CFX 2.0 highlight just some of the news coming to the shop floor as well.
Have a wonderful end to your week and a great start to your weekend, everyone.
Can the Electronics Industry Balance Tariffs With Investment?
Published April 18
In my discussion with Rich Cappetto, we discuss the Trump administration's tariff strategies and the need for tax incentives. Rich stresses the importance of member participation in advocacy efforts toward more comprehensive federal investment strategies that include printed circuit boards and the full technology stack required to manufacture our critical electronics. Learn more about IPC’s advocacy stance in this recent interview.
Navigating Change, Mitigating Risk: We’ve Been Here Before
Published April 22
Marcy LaRont visited with Tom Edman, president and CEO of TTM Technologies, and chair of the IPC Board of Directors. In his conversation with Marcy, Tom candidly shares his insights into the implications of changes on the defense sector and the broader electronics manufacturing industry, especially concerning PCB manufacturing.
Smart Automation: The Growing Role of Additive Manufacturing
Published April 23
Additive Manufacturing (AM) is helping to reduce costs and improve efficiency, just when we need it most. Columnist Josh Casper explores AM’s impact on electronics manufacturing, from the improvements that have made it a viable solution, to some of the real-world applications existing today.
IPC Releases Version 2.0 of IPC-2591, Connected Factory Exchange, with Expanded Device Coverage and Smarter Data
Published April 23
The evolution of smart factory capabilities continues, with CFX one of the key pathways for communicating data throughout the system. CFX Version 2.0 provides substantial updates or expansions to support a broader range of shop floor operations. Including new capabilities added for integrating hand soldering and wave soldering operations. Learn more by reading the article here and in the upcoming issue of SMT007 Magazine.
ASC Sunstone Circuits and Screaming Circuits Partner to Launch Online Assembly Parts Ordering
Published April 21
Long-time manufacturing partners ASC Sunstone Circuits and Screaming Circuits have greatly enhanced their online assembly parts ordering capabilities. The two companies have launched a new online ordering feature for assembly parts. According to the companies, these new features streamline the online ordering process for U.S.-based fabrication and assembly.
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