I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
November 26, 2021 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute

If you’re in the United States like I am, and if you celebrated with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, like my family did, then you just might have fallen asleep sitting up in a chair (or in my case, stretched out on the couch) and missed some of the highlights in the news this week. Never fear, I woke up early to bring the top five news items you should know for this week.
We have industry bookings and sales news from IPC, some news from the flex sector, an explanation of induction lamination from Happy Holden, and two different takes on “sustainability.”
North American PCB Industry Sales Up 6% in October
Published November 24
“PCB orders fell slightly in October but remain well above 2020 levels and are 2.3 percent higher than 2019 levels,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. Check out the rest of the numbers here.
All Flex Discusses Merger and New Medical Applications
Published November 19
Jamin Taylor sat down with I-Connect007 at a recent technical conference to discuss the All Flex/Printed Circuits merger, as well as some new creative flex applications.
Happy's Tech Talk #2: Induction Lamination
Published November 23
If you thought the lamination process could never change, then think again. In Happy Holden’s second installment of the Tech Talk series, Happy details the induction lamination process. Read on to learn all about this new technology.
Foxconn Shared the Best Practices of Green Chemistry
Published November 22
With the business formula “Sustainability=EPS+ESG,” Foxconn begins to implement the U.N.’s SDGs (sustainable development goals), with an end goal of "responsible production.” Read more about how Foxconn is prioritizing sustainability.
Happy 99th Birthday to Harvey Miller!
Published November 23
Still active in the industry at 99 years old, the I-Connect007 staff is looking forward to the possibility that we’ll see Harvey in San Diego come January. Click through to find our 2016 interiew with Harvey, titled “What a Long, Strange Trip it’s Been—and It’s a Long Way from Being Over.”
Suggested Items
Innovative Technology Advancements in Test: HATS² Technology and Its Impact on Reliability Testing
05/13/2025 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007Ensuring the reliability of printed circuit boards (PCBs) has become increasingly difficult and critical, yet the development of advanced testing methodologies is essential to meeting industry demands and addressing persistent challenges. One significant innovation is the High Acceleration Thermal Shock (HATS²) test system, which transforms how reliability testing is conducted. After 40 years in the testing business at Microtek, Bob Neves is beginning a new journey with his company, Reliability Assessment Solutions Inc. (RAS).
EWPTE 2025: Wire Processing Innovation Driving Technical Dialogue
05/13/2025 | Brittany Martin, I-Connect007From cutting-edge automation to advanced testing and harness assembly solutions, the 2025 Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE) delivered a packed exhibit floor, robust technical programming, and valuable peer-to-peer connections.
Beyond the Board: Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Innovators in Electronics
05/13/2025 | Jesse Vaughan -- Column: Beyond the BoardThe electronics industry is at the heart of technological progress, driving innovative advancements that shape our world. Yet, despite the sector's rapid evolution, it faces a looming challenge: attracting and retaining young talent. With an aging workforce and an increasing demand for skilled professionals, the industry must find ways to inspire the next generation of innovators.
Facing the Future: The Role of 5G and Beyond in Shaping PCB Demand
05/13/2025 | Prashant Patel -- Column: Facing the FutureInnovations that push the boundaries of connectivity shape the future of technology, processing power, and miniaturization. 5G and emerging 6G technologies are critical in transforming industries from telecommunications and healthcare to autonomous systems. This affects the printed circuit board (PCB) industry, where demand for high-performance, miniaturized, and advanced PCBs is surging. This column explores the key applications of 5G and beyond, the challenges in designing high-frequency PCBs, the effects of miniaturization, industry collaborations, and opportunities for North American companies in this space.
Barnes Aerospace Appoints George Whittier as CEO
05/12/2025 | BUSINESS WIREBarnes Aerospace, a global provider of component repair services and manufacturer of highly-engineered parts primarily for aeroengines and an operating division of Barnes Group Inc., announced the appointment of George Whittier to the newly created role of CEO, effective May 12, 2025.