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Beyond the Rulebook
What happens when the rule book is no longer useful, or worse, was never written in the first place? In today’s fast-moving electronics landscape, we’re increasingly asked to design and build what has no precedent, no proven path, and no tidy checklist to follow. This is where “Design for Invention” begins.
March Madness
From the growing role of AI in design tools to the challenge of managing cumulative tolerances, these articles in this issue examine the technical details, design choices, and manufacturing considerations that determine whether a board works as intended.
Looking Forward to APEX EXPO 2026
I-Connect007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, covering everything from the show floor to the technical conference. For PCB designers, we move past the dreaded auto-router and spotlight AI design tools that actually matter.
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MKS’ Atotech Drives Integrated Innovation in Electronics Manufacturing
March 2, 2026 | AtotechEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
MKS Inc., a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, announced that its strategic brands Atotech (process chemicals, equipment, software, and services) and ESI (laser systems) will showcase their latest range of leading manufacturing solutions for printed circuit board (PCB) and package substrate manufacturing at the upcoming APEX EXPO, held at the Anaheim Convention Center from March 17-19, 2026.
At booth 3626, attendees will experience how MKS’ Atotech and ESI solutions combine advanced process chemistry, precision equipment, software, and laser technologies to enable higher throughput, tighter process control, and enhanced reliability across next‑generation electronics manufacturing.
This year’s product presentation will highlight integrated solutions for multilayer, flex/rigid-flex, HDI PCB, and package substrate production to support fine-feature quality and high‑reliability applications in smartphones, computing, other consumer devices, automotive electronics, AI, and HPC server infrastructure, and advanced communication systems. These solutions reflect MKS’s continued commitment to enabling technologies that help customers accelerate roadmaps and achieve consistent, repeatable performance from prototype through high‑volume manufacturing. Visitors are also invited to discuss emerging technology and roadmaps, sustainability‑driven chemical innovations, and solutions supporting the transition to smaller geometries, higher layer counts, and advanced packaging.
MKS’ Atotech continues to strengthen its leadership in next‑generation electronics manufacturing through its proprietary Optimize the InterconnectSM approach. By combining innovations in chemical process engineering, precision plating equipment, software and laser drilling systems, MKS addresses growing industry demands for fine‑feature formation, increased interconnect density, improved signal integrity, and scalable high‑volume production.
During the Advanced Electronic Packaging Conference 2026, MKS’ Atotech experts will present the following topics:
March 17 | S7 Advanced PCBs, Substrates, and Interposers
Christopher Seidemann, Global Product Manager Surface Treatment Technology
Introducing a next‑generation non‑etch adhesion promoter designed for smooth copper and advanced dielectric materials. This new solution delivers exceptional interface stability and dramatically reduces wedge formation, even under the most demanding BMV, thermal, humidity, and chemical stress conditions.
March 17 | S9 Quality and Reliability 1: Ionic Contamination and Temp. Humidity Bias
Neil Patton, Marketing Manager Surface Finishing
Reliability in printed circuit boards depends heavily on minimizing ionic contamination, particularly in harsh automotive environments where heat and humidity accelerate corrosion‑related failures. This paper evaluates leading industry test methods and specifications for assessing ionic contamination, with a detailed comparison of how extraction liquids, test procedures, and solder mask properties influence the accuracy and consistency of results.
March 18 | S14 Microvia, Stacked Via & Embedded Circuitry Reliability
Roger Massey, Global Product Manager for Desmear and Metallization
Laser‑formed blind microvias have enabled major advances in PCB miniaturization, yet they also introduce long‑term reliability challenges – especially in stacked configurations. This paper examines the two predominant plated microvia structures and outlines the critical factors governing their formation to ensure consistent, high‑reliability manufacturing.
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Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/08/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007This week, I’ve selected some outstanding interviews that you’ll want to take note of. First, is a roundtable discussion featuring three dynamic industry cybersecurity experts. Please watch this important discussion that affects us all. Following that, I spotlight the IPC-2581 Consortium, which explains why IPC-2581 is the standard to replace Gerber data for manufacturing. Next, I am including my interview with PCBAA and AAM, who collaborated to release a short documentary on U.S. PCB manufacturing.
ASE, WUS Announce Strategic Collaboration to Build Advanced AI Packaging Hub in Kaohsiung
05/08/2026 | ASE GroupAdvanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. (ASE) and WUS Printed Circuit Co., Ltd. (WUS) announced today a strategic collaboration for the construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the Nanzih Technology Industrial Park, Kaohsiung.
Foxconn, ElectroMobility Poland in Strategic Partnership to Develop Electric Vehicle Ecosystem
05/08/2026 | FoxconnHon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) plans to accelerate the development of clean mobility in the European region in strategic partnership with state-backed ElectroMobility Poland S.A. (EMP), the key driver of an ambitious initiative to raise the technological and operational capabilities of the electric vehicle ecosystem in Poland and the broader region.
Flex Plans Cloud and Power Unit Spin-Off
05/08/2026 | FlexFlex announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved moving forward with a plan to spin off its Power and Cloud portfolio from Flex, creating two independent, publicly traded companies, each optimally positioned to serve their customers and create value for their shareholders.
Global Electronics Association to Testify at the Office of the US Trade Representative Panel on Section 301 Structural Excess Capacity
05/08/2026 | Global Electronics AssociationChris Mitchell, Vice President for Global Government Relations at the Global Electronics Association, will testify before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Panel on Section 301 Structural Excess Capacity on Friday, May 8.