Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Hot Air vs. Infrared PCB Rework
Nolan’s Notes: Why Mexico’s Time Has Come
Standard of Excellence: ‘Quality’ Is Your Company's Greatest Competitive Advantage
I’m writing from Atlanta. It’s August and it’s pouring down rain. It’s almost dark in the middle of the afternoon, which has been the norm for quite a while. It feels like it has rained in Atlanta almost every day since I got home from APEX EXPO in March. If there’s one positive to this near-daily rain, my yard looks really good!
Also looking good is my list of must-read articles. In this week’s roundup, we have a variety of articles covering design, manufacturing, sustainability, and, of course, tariff negotiations. We have a milestone anniversary to celebrate as well, with Dan Beaulieu about to publish his 1,000th column. When does Dan even sleep? Here’s to hoping that we have 1,000 more weeks of It’s Only Common Sense.
Have a good weekend! (Speaking of the weekend, it's a perfect time to catch up on our latest podcast series, "Optimize the InterconnectSM," a concept approach to producing higher-quality, higher-complexity PCB products with Team MKS. I've listened to them and found each 20-minute podcast to be engaging and quite informative. Check it out!)
50% Copper Tariffs, 100% Chip Uncertainty, and a Truce
Published August 19
Here’s an article I wrote after listening in on a tariff presentation hosted by the Global Electronics Association. Chris Mitchell, the Association’s VP of global government relations, and trade attorney Ludmilla Kasulke of Squire Patton Boggs cleared up a lot of the confusion around tariffs. The next big date is Nov. 10, when President Trump’s 90-day “tariff truce” with China expires; let’s hope that both countries have reached a long-term trade agreement by then.
How Good Design Enables Sustainable PCBs
Published August 21
If you’re a PCB designer, how often do you think about sustainability during the design cycle? Most designers I know would say “never.” It’s just not on your radar screen. Well, Gerry Partida, VP of technology for Summit Interconnect, wants designers to start thinking about sustainability, and in this article, he lays out a plethora of reasons why. Check it out.
SEL: Revolutionizing PCB Production Through MES, Partnerships, and Vision
Published August 21
We’ve been following the development of the new Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories greenfield site in Idaho since the project was announced. In this interview with Barry Matties, SEL’s John Hendrickson and Jessi Hall discuss their use of the Factory Core manufacturing execution system, and how this system has revolutionized their processes.
PEDC Call for Abstracts Deadline Extended to Aug. 31
Published August 20
The second Pan-European Electronics Design Conference is set for Jan. 21-22, 2026, in the Czech Republic, and it’s not too late to submit your abstract if you’d like to take part in the conference. The abstract deadline has been pushed back to Aug. 31, so if you missed the first PEDC in Vienna last winter, get your abstract in now.
Lessons From a Thousand Columns: Dan Beaulieu on Writing, Selling, and Staying the Course
Published August 21
Dan Beaulieu is like the Energizer Bunny: He just keeps going, and going, and going. This week we’re previewing the 1,000th weekly installment of It’s Only Common Sense, but Dan also pens a steady stream of book reviews and interviews with the industry’s movers and shakers. Dan never minces words, which might make you mad, but you’ll always know where he’s coming from. Dan recently sat down for an interview with Editor Michelle Te and discussed what he’s learned in the course of writing 1,000 columns. I highly recommend this read.
