Share on:

Share on LinkedIn Share on X Share on Facebook Share with email

Testimonial

"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "

Sweeney Ng - CEE PCB

Suggested Items

Who Carries the Risk? A PCB Supply Chain Paradox

06/18/2026 | Jan Pedersen, Engineer and PCB Expert
For as long as I can remember, PCB customers have been encouraged to provide forecasts. Whether discussing standard multilayer boards, advanced HDI designs, or complex aerospace programs, the message has been remarkably consistent: Better visibility creates greater stability. The logic is difficult to dispute. When customers provide forecasts and scheduled orders, PCB manufacturers can plan capacity more effectively. Laminate suppliers can better predict future demand. Material allocation becomes easier, production schedules become more efficient, and the entire supply chain benefits from reduced uncertainty.

Elementary, Mr. Watson: PCB Education in the Midst of the Storms

06/17/2026 | John Watson -- Column: Elementary, Mr. Watson
I should probably begin with an apology, because this may be a tough pill to swallow and not the small vitamin kind. This is one of those honking, huge pills that could choke a mule. My goal is not to criticize students, dismiss academia, or blame industry. In many ways, I am part of all three conversations. I teach students trying to find their way. I work in academia and believe deeply in the value of education. I also come from an industry that needs skilled PCB designers more than ever, yet sometimes seems surprised when they do not simply appear out of the mist, holding a completed layout, a clean DRC report, and 10 years of experience.

Global Sourcing Spotlight: The Hidden Power of the Rep Network

06/17/2026 | Bob Duke -- Column: Global Sourcing Spotlight
In an era where algorithms track shipments and dashboards display supply-chain analytics in real-time, it’s tempting to believe that human networks are no longer essential. However, nothing replaces the local representative who knows the factory floor, the backstory, and the unspoken rules. The independent rep is one of the most underutilized assets in a company’s global strategy—a bridge between regions, cultures, and realities that software alone can’t interpret. When things go wrong in global supply chains, it’s because of a lack of context. Reps deliver that context; they have eyes where you don’t have boots, ears tuned to nuance, and instincts that can save you months of damage control. Here’s why the rep network remains your competitive edge.

Smart Automation: When Traditional Depaneling Methods Reach Their Limits

06/16/2026 | Josh Casper -- Column: Smart Automation
PCB depaneling has traditionally been viewed as a relatively straightforward process in electronics manufacturing. Once the assembly process is complete, boards are separated from the panel and moved downstream for final assembly, test, or packaging. For years, manufacturers have relied on methods such as routing, V-score separation, and punch systems to handle this step efficiently and cost-effectively.

Scanfil Suzhou Expansion Project Breaks Ground

06/16/2026 | Scanfil
Scanfil marked an important milestone in its growth in China with the groundbreaking of its expansion project at the Suzhou plant on June 8.
Copyright © I-Connect007 | IPC Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved. Log in