Global Citizenship: Together for a Perfect PCB Solution
Smart Automation: Odd-form Assembly—Dedicated Insertion Equipment Matters
Nolan’s Notes: Everyone Has Their Eye on India
Japan’s Thermosetting Plastics Association Represents at IPC APEX EXPO 2015
March 19, 2015 | Pete Starkey, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
At the International Reception, held opening night of IPC APEX EXPO 2015, I-Connect Technical Editor Pete Starkey made the rounds and found some visitors from Japan, namely, Kazutaka Masaoka, from Thermosetting Plastics Association (JTPIA). In this brief interview conducted amongst the reception attendees, Masaoka-san and Starkey discuss Japanese vs. North American circuit board quality and business trends.
Pete Starkey: Masaoka-san, it's a pleasure to meet you here.
Kazutaka Masaoka: Nice to meet you.
Starkey: Could you give me what brings you to San Diego for IPC APEX EXPO, and also some idea of your first impressions?
Masaoka: Yes, thank you. Originally, I'm from Hitachi Chemical. I was 60 years old when I retired, and then I moved to the Association. Before that, I worked in R&D, on the development of dry film photoresist—for a long time. So I've been interested in this kind of exhibition for many years, and I’ve enjoyed seeing the technical trends moving and changing year by year, generation by generation. For example, at the start of developing my product, the focus was how many lines can fit between through-holes? When I started to work, in terms of that, it was just two lines between through-holes, but the technology today is changing so much. It’s very impressive.
Starkey: We have always looked to Japan for the leading edge in technology. How do you see the comparison between the technical capability now in Japan and the technical capability now in North America?
Masaoka: Basically, previous circuit boards in the West were based on the military application. They were known for their polymer substrate, and you know that type of substrate has to have high temperature resistance and be of very high quality. But at that moment, 20 or 30 years ago, the U.S. technology level was very high, and our Japanese quality of the previous circuit board not. Since then, the Japanese people have made a lot of effort to improve the capabilities of their circuit boards. But the U.S. is moving as well, and changing and developing year by year. So perhaps quality of the previous Japanese circuit board is very close to yours, but still competing. I think we need to have some impact or stimulation from technology or market or people.
Starkey: So what would you say is your main purpose coming here to this convention?
Masaoka: To look at the typical trends and observe the markets.
Starkey: Masaoka-san, thanks for your time and best of luck this week.
Masaoka: Thank you.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
Altair, Wichita State University’s NIAR Sign MoU to Accelerate Aerospace Innovation
09/16/2025 | AltairAltair, a global leader in computational intelligence, and Wichita State University’s (WSU) National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), one of the world’s leading aerospace research institutions, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance innovation across the aerospace and defense industries.
AI-Powered Wearables Transform How Consumers Interact with Everyday Technology
09/15/2025 | PR NewswireThe global demand for AI-driven, touchless wearable technologies is accelerating as consumers seek more natural, seamless and intuitive ways to interact with their devices. Traditional touch screens and voice assistants, while effective, are increasingly viewed as limiting in a world where multitasking, mobility and efficiency are key. As industries from consumer electronics to augmented reality and enterprise computing embrace the possibilities of gesture-based control, the market for neural interfaces is rapidly expanding
Hanwha Aerospace to Collaborate with BAE Systems on Advanced Anti-jamming GPS for Guided Missiles
09/15/2025 | HanwhaHanwha Aerospace has signed a contract with BAE Systems to integrate next-generation, anti-jamming Global Positioning System (GPS) technology into Hanwha Aerospace’s Deep Strike Capability precision-guided weapon system.
United Electronics Corporation Unveils Revolutionary CIMS Galaxy 30 Automated Optical Inspection System
09/11/2025 | United Electronics CorporationUnited Electronics Corporation (UEC) today announced the launch of its new groundbreaking CIMS Galaxy 30 Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) machine, setting a new industry standard for precision electronics manufacturing quality control. The Galaxy 30, developed and manufactured by CIMS, represents a significant leap forward in inspection technology, delivering exceptional speed improvements and introducing cutting-edge artificial intelligence capabilities.
Intel Announces Key Leadership Appointments to Accelerate Innovation and Strengthen Execution
09/09/2025 | Intel CorporationIntel Corporation today announced a series of senior leadership appointments that support the company’s strategy to strengthen its core product business, build a trusted foundry, and foster a culture of engineering across the business.