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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
February 17, 2023 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
![](https://iconnect007.com/application/files/9816/9086/9878/Top5_picks.jpg)
I’m home now, after being away for a good chunk of the past month covering IPC APEX EXPO and DesignCon. I like to travel, but with work travel, you have to be “on” constantly, so it was great to get back home and hit the “pause” button. It’s funny what you miss when you’re on the road; I think I missed my Memory Foam pillow more than I missed some of my friends.
So, I’m back in the saddle! This week, we published a variety of articles, columns, and news items. But let’s have a special round of applause for Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Blake Moore (R-UT), two members of the House of Representatives who sent the DoD a letter detailing the need for more production of PCBs and IC substrates in the United States. Republicans and Democrats have been mixing like oil and water lately, so it’s promising to see these two reach across the aisle and try to get something accomplished for the greater good.
Will anything come of it? We’ll let you know.
Printed Circuit Boards Have Champions on Capitol Hill
Published February 14
Are our Congress critters finally starting to get the picture regarding U.S. PCB manufacturing? Maybe. IPC VP of Global Relations Chris Mitchell shared a letter that Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Blake Moore (R-UT) sent to the DoD. They urge the department to “leverage all available resources” to increase production of PCBs and IC substrates in the U.S. Certainly a step in the right direction; now let’s see if anything concrete happens.
ICAPE Group Acquires FIMOR Electronics in France
Published February 16
ICAPE continues to expand its global footprint with the acquisition of FIMOR Electronics, a component manufacturer and distributor based in Le Mans, France. ICAPE now has facilities in France, South Africa, and Sweden, as well as a service office in Foshan, China.
Elementary, Mr. Watson: Turning Your Career up to Eleven
Published February 16
In this column, John Watson describes the two different types of PCB designers that he encounters: those who work a tight eight hours each day, and those who work until the project is finished. This could apply to any other discipline as well, really. Where do you fall on this scale? John offers tips and techniques for designers, all based on lessons he learned from the mockumentary “This is Spinal Tap.” You never know where inspiration will come from.
Koh Young: Getting Equipment In-Line and Customers Online
Published February 15
When it’s time to acquire new capital equipment, where do you start? In this interview with Nolan Johnson, Koh Young’s Mitchell Kim, Brent Fischthal and David Nemeth detail their best practices for purchasing equipment, from the initial decision through installation and calibration. As they explain, part of their job involved educating the customer during this process.
It’s Only Common Sense: Solving Your Talent Problem
Published February 13
Dan Beaulieu likes to stir the pot. But when he starts out with “Some of you will not like this column,” you know he’s bringing the fire. As he points out, there’s probably a reason that talented people don’t want to work at your company. If you’re having trouble filling positions, Dan suggests asking yourself, “Why would I want to work here?” If you’re not showing new hires a career path, they’re not going to stick around long. And with four openings for every job hunter in this industry, they don’t have to stick around. Why would anyone want to work at your company?
Suggested Items
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.