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Miniaturization Continues: Day 3 productronica Coverage
November 15, 2019 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: 1 minute

The conversations on day 3 of productronica continued, including topics such as flexibility, 5G capabilities, and increased data and intelligence. The theme from test and inspection equipment providers included increased capabilities in sensing, material handling, and visual inspection technologies. And through it all, one common perspective emerged time and time again: PCB manufacturing is now approaching the levels of line, trace, and component density that were once limited to the surface of a silicon wafer.
What was once a level of precision relegated to the smooth, mirror-like surface of a wafer slice and then sealed in a package, now is expected upon the relatively rough, uneven, and flexible surface of today’s newest materials. Organizations—equipment manufacturers, university research consortia, industry standards organizations, and more—are all collaborating to bring these capabilities to PCB fabrication.
On Thursday, I-Connect007 caught up with the likes of Isola, Koh Young, CyberOptics, ESI, PVA, Mirtec, Hitachi High-Tech, Indubond, Vayo Technology, Meyer Burger, Agfa, Polar, Rogers, and Orbotech. We also report on the IPC Hand Soldering World Championships, which concluded—with much excitement—Thursday afternoon. We will have coverage of the event and the awards ceremony soon.
One more day of productronica coverage still to come.
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Global PCB Connections: Let the Spec Fit the Board, Not Just the Brand
07/17/2025 | Jerome Larez -- Column: Global PCB ConnectionsIf you’ve ever seen an excellent PCB quote delayed, or worse, go cold because of a single line on the fab print, you’re not alone. Often, that line reads something like, “Use 370HR only,” or “IT-180A required.” These and other brand-name materials are proven performers, but unless your design needs that specific resin system (say, for RF performance, thermal reliability, or stringent CAF resistance), you may inadvertently be holding your job hostage.
IPC Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Lionel Fullwood
07/15/2025 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007Many IPC members who have contributed significantly to IPC and our industry have been awarded the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame (HOF) Award. Though many early HOF members have passed away and are unknown to today’s IPC membership, their contributions still resonate. This special series on IPC Hall of Fame members provides a reminder of who was honored and why. As a bonus, for those who are still around, we get to find out what these talented individuals are up to today.
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Seeing a Future in Mexico
07/09/2025 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007The Global Electronics Association (formerly known as IPC) has been instrumental in fostering a partnership with Guanajuato, a state north of Mexico City with 12 industrial clusters and close to 150 companies involved in electronics. This past spring, Alejandro Hernández, the undersecretary for investment promotion in Guanajuato, attended IPC APEX EXPO 2025 at the invitation of IPC Mexico Director Lorena Villanueva, where he met with several companies to discuss the opportunities available in Mexico. He is inviting electronics-related companies seeking long-term investment in a centrally located area with access to highways, railways, and ports.