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I-Connect007 Editor's Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
December 23, 2022 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
![](https://iconnect007.com/application/files/9816/9086/9878/Top5_picks.jpg)
In this week leading up to Christmas, we have a little bit of everything. Pete Starkey has a review of the most recent EIPC Technical Snapshot, while Tom Kastner discusses the dwindling number of PCB companies in North America. Are we really down to 170 companies? But as Tom says, the news isn’t all bad.
IPC reports that North American PCB sales up 26.1% in November YOY, and the book-to-bill is dead-on at 1.00. Cybord CEO Zeev Efrat explains how his company can provide 100% component inspection. And I have an interview with a student I ran into at PCB Carolina who is working toward his “dream job” on being a technician. As Alex Barile says, he’d hate to work at a desk all day; he likes to install equipment.
I hope you all have a fantastic holiday season. See you on the flip side!
PCB Carolina: Alex Barile Studying for His Dream Job
Published December 22
During PCB Carolina, I met with Alex Barile, a student at Wake Tech who’s studying for his “dream job.” He already builds custom computers, and he knows he doesn’t want to sit at a desk all day; he’d rather be installing and uninstalling equipment. Are you working at your “dream job”? Yes, young people are coming into this industry. It’s a great time to be working in electronics.
EIPC Technical Snapshot: ‘There Is No Green Without Digital’
Published December 22
Our intrepid technology editor Pete Starkey wrote a great review of the 20th EIPC Technical Snapshot. Speaker Pia Tanskanen of Nokia discussed the continuing move toward ESG (environmental, social, governance) in the electronics industry. This concept has been spreading for a few years, and Pia explains how Nokia hopes to embrace “doing well by doing good.”
North American PCB Industry Sales Up 26.1% in November
Published December 21
North American PCB sales rose 26.1% in November, while bookings were down 4.1% compared to last year. As IPC’s Shawn DuBravac explains, “order volume remains muted.” There are still some supply chain kinks that need to be worked out, but it looks like we’re on a positive track.
Cybord: 100% Component Inspection Is Here
Published December 21
Nolan Johnson recently spoke with Cybord CEO Zeev Efrat, whose company claims to provide 100% component inspection services. As Zeev points out, there are millions of components on PCBs; how can anyone achieve 100% inspection? Cybord seems to have found a way. Check it out.
Punching Out: When Less Might Actually Be More
Published December 20
Pop quiz, hot shot! How many PCB companies are left in North America? I would have said 250, but as columnist Tom Kastner points out, GP Ventures pegs that number at 170, down from 199 less than two years ago. Yikes. But the news is not all bad. Read on.
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Enhance Your Electronics Expertise Through IPC Courses in August
07/25/2024 | Corey Lynn, IPCAs the global leader in standards, training, and certification for the electronics industry, IPC is pleased to announce an array of upcoming online instructor-led courses this August. These courses are designed to equip professionals with the latest skills and knowledge required to excel in the ever-evolving field of electronics manufacturing and design. Whether you want to deepen your expertise in PCB design and manufacturing, understand the intricacies of intermetallic compounds, or learn about counterfeit part mitigation, IPC has a course tailored for you.
The Knowledge Base: The Value of Industry Certifications
07/24/2024 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseIndustry certifications have become increasingly significant in the modern job market, offering a range of benefits to both individuals and employers. These certifications serve as formal recognitions of expertise and proficiency in specific areas, validating a person's skills and knowledge. In the context of the electronics assembly industry, certifications are particularly valuable, given the technical nature of the work and the rapid advancements in technology.
Tom Edman Leads IPC Board of Directors
07/17/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineIPC elected several new board members at IPC APEX EXPO in April, including new Board Chair Tom Edman, CEO of TTM, who assumes the role from Bob Neves, CTO and chair of Microtek Laboratories. Tom and TTM have long been active in many facets of IPC. I caught up with Tom and asked him about his new board appointment, IPC, and the industry he serves. He emphasizes IPC’s work in standards and advocacy as especially important for our industry.
Getting Clear About Certification With Charlie Capers
07/17/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamWalk through the entrance at Zentech Dallas and you’ll see a wall of certification plaques prominently displayed. Beyond being impressive and a point of pride, these certifications tell a story to potential customers: This company is ready to do business. Charlie Capers, former vice president and general manager, shares his insights on quantifying the ROI of certifications. You may not see it on paper, but it’s definitely there. He also talks about his expectations for new hires and shares a case study about the importance of collaborating with your PCB designers.
Winners of 2024 IPC Masters Competition China Announced
07/17/2024 | IPCFrom July 8-10, the 2024 IPC Masters Competition China was successfully held in Pudong, Shanghai. This year’s competition, was the largest in the history of the Greater China region, bringing nearly 400 electronics industry elites from 18 provinces and municipalities.