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Innovation rippled across the entire electronics supply chain in 2025, from semiconductor packaging and substrate materials to denser boards and more robust designs. This issue explores these defining moments and what we can expect in the year to come.
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When customer requirements shift, responses range from new equipment to automation. Explore the newest solutions reshaping production and how today’s market dynamics are driving these trends.
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K & F Electronics Invests in Workforce Training with IPC-A-610
May 15, 2025 | K & F ElectronicsEstimated reading time: Less than a minute
In a strategic move to prioritize employee development and uphold quality standards, K & F Electronics, a third-generation, family-owned printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer based in Fraser, Michigan, used a recent period of reduced production to certify its employees in IPC-A-610, the industry standard for the acceptability of electronic assemblies. This initiative not only enhanced the skill set of its workforce but also reinforced the company's dedication to quality and continuous improvement.
"Rather than implementing layoffs during our slower months, we chose to invest in our team's skills," said Sean Kincaid, President of K & F Electronics. “This decision meant our employees became more experienced, which means better quality work for our customers and fewer mistakes on the job.”
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"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Fresh PCB Concepts: The Importance of Bare Board Testing for Reliability
01/15/2026 | Team NCAB -- Column: Fresh PCB ConceptsManufacturing a clean PCB that functions during initial testing is not the same as manufacturing a truly high-quality board. The distinction between a PCB that is “good enough” and one that is built for long-term reliability often comes down to what the board has been subjected to long before it reaches the assembly line. While IPC standards outline a baseline for required testing, many meaningful evaluations a PCB can undergo are optional, and therefore inconsistent across suppliers.
Learning with Leo: The Cost of Training on Skills and Knowledge Development
01/07/2026 | Leo Lambert -- Column: Learning With LeoThe ability to manufacture electronic products requires specific skills and knowledge, which have traditionally been developed through on-the-job experience and training. These experiences and training programs are expensive to implement, yet they are necessary to meet customer demands and remain competitive in the marketplace. Today, manufacturers, including government contractors, rely on industrial specifications in the design, fabrication, and assembly of electronic products.
I-Connect007 Editor's Choice: Five Most-Read Articles for 2025
01/02/2026 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007Happy New Year! As we begin 2026, I would like to pause and reflect on our most-read articles from 2025. They give us insight into what you’re focused on, and what you’re trying to understand, prepare for, and improve. Each piece earned its place through relevance, depth, and sustained reader engagement.
Solstice Breaks Ground on $200M Spokane Expansion
12/26/2025 | PRNewswireSolstice Advanced Materials, a leading pure-play specialty materials company, announced it has broken ground on a $200 million investment to expand and modernize its electronic materials facility in Spokane Valley,
Axion Raises $37M Series B to Power the Future of American Manufacturing
12/16/2025 | PRNewswireAxion, the pioneering AI platform for manufacturing product quality, announced a $37 million Series B funding round led by Salesforce Ventures with participation from Bessemer Venture Partners, Schneider Electric Ventures, and other existing investors.