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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.
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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.
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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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Count On Tools Solves Challenging Terminal Placement with Custom Yamaha I-Pulse Nozzle Design
April 14, 2026 | Count On Tools Inc.Estimated reading time: Less than a minute
Count On Tools, Inc. (COT), a leading provider of precision components and SMT spare parts, has introduced a new custom solution designed to support accurate placement of challenging connector components. Part No. 2025-5644 is a custom Yamaha I-Pulse M20 base engineered with an angled 4.66 mm x 10.0 mm vacuum nozzle, developed specifically for reliable placement of Degson terminals (DG103-5.0-XXP-1Y-00R(H)).
The custom nozzle configuration addresses common placement challenges associated with terminal-style components, where geometry and orientation can impact pick-and-place accuracy. By incorporating a precisely angled vacuum design, the solution improves component handling and alignment, helping ensure consistent placement performance on Yamaha I-Pulse platforms.
Count On Tools works closely with customers to develop application-specific nozzle and tooling solutions tailored to unique component requirements. This latest development reflects the company’s ongoing focus on solving real-world SMT challenges, particularly for non-standard or difficult-to-handle parts.
With more than 35 years of experience, Count On Tools supplies both standard and custom nozzle solutions for a wide range of SMT equipment. The company regularly supports applications involving LEDs, connectors, microelectronics, and other specialized components requiring customized handling approaches.
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Technica Announces Tech Day Event Dates and Agenda
04/13/2026 | Technica USATechnica USA announced today the return of its highly anticipated Tech Day events, marking the revival of a long‑standing customer engagement series. Personal invitations have been issued to customers detailing event dates, participating partners, and the technical agenda.
SearchWorks Group Reports Strong Q1 With Key Placements, Active Executive Searches
03/26/2026 | SearchWorks GroupThe SearchWorks Group, a leading executive search firm specializing in the electronics manufacturing market, announced a strong start to the year, highlighted by multiple senior-level placements and a robust pipeline of active searches across North America and Europe.
Smart Automation: Preparing for an SMT Line Upgrade—Materials and Setup Verification
02/18/2026 | Josh Casper -- Column: Smart AutomationWhen exploring increased throughput of an SMT line, many manufacturers, of course, start with the line itself. This makes sense: Upgrading to a higher speed pick-and-place, adding feeder capacity, and optimizing handling should result in faster throughput. However, the smartest place for most mid-sized manufacturers to start is with materials and setup verification.
Smart Automation: Odd-form Assembly—Dedicated Insertion Equipment Matters
09/09/2025 | Josh Casper -- Column: Smart AutomationLarge, irregular, or mechanically unique parts, often referred to as odd-form components, have never truly disappeared from electronics manufacturing. While many in the industry have been pursuing miniaturization, faster placement speeds, and higher-density PCBs, certain market sectors are moving in the opposite direction.
Beyond Design: Effective Floor Planning Strategies
08/20/2025 | Barry Olney -- Column: Beyond DesignComponent placement on a printed circuit board is more involved than simply fitting parts into available space. It plays a pivotal role in determining the board’s overall manufacturability, performance, reliability, and cost. Poor placement can compromise even the most meticulously designed PCB. Effective component placement alleviates mechanical stress, promotes efficient thermal management, and helps prevent excessive heat buildup.