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Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: An Introduction to IPC's Validation Services

Randy Cherry, director of IPC's Validation Services (VS) Program, sits down with Editor Marcy LaRont to discuss the program's global success and expansion, touching on the IPC-1791 Trusted Supplier and Cybersecurity List, the QPL/QML programs, and a newly introduced standard being developed in the automotive space. Randy also shares his upcoming travel plans to Australia and expresses his hope that the VS program will see much global growth in the coming months.

Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Exploring e-Mobility

Tracy Riggan, senior director of business development and solutions at IPC, discusses her role and IPC's commitment to tackling emerging issues in the e-mobility industry. At the IPC APEX EXPO, IPC organizes special sessions on e-mobility and power applications and has formed partnerships to meet industry needs. Their technical program has been well-received, and they are actively participating in charging station initiatives.

Saying ‘Yes’ to Additive Technology at Winonics

California-based PCB manufacturer Winonics has been on a journey to develop additive manufacturing technology that can go the distance. CEO Dennis Brown, Director of Technology Gary Abel, and VP of Operations Sidali Koulougli discuss the company’s history, acquisition strategy, and investment in new equipment, as well as highlight their R&D efforts in additive manufacturing. The team's commitment to quality, customer service, and flexibility as a smaller, nimbler company is part of what makes it a go-to PCB manufacturer for the projects that others turn away.

Delving Into Special Sessions at IPC APEX EXPO 2024

Once again, we were back at IPC APEX EXPO for another show and conference, and back to gathering in the Anaheim Convention Center. With Disneyland just across the street, there were tourists everywhere. This APEX EXPO was bigger than ever, with more activities, Professional Development Courses, standards committee meetings, and the 16th Electronic Circuits World Convention. I really enjoyed walking around and seeing everything the show had to offer.

Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: GP Ventures: Services, Deals, and Industry Expertise

In an interview with Tom Kaster, president and founder of GP Ventures, we learn about the company's services, recent deals, and the process of selling a small board shop. Key topics include company size considerations, appraisal services, and the differences between asset and stock purchases. The discussion wraps up with insights on confidential discussions and free estimates of value.

IPC Excellence in Education Award: Janene Stinson

Janene Stinson of Boeing is this year’s proud winner of IPC’s Excellence in Education Award. This award recognizes Janene’s work in the defense and aerospace industry for over 30 years, and enduring contribution to workforce development in more than 20 years of teaching and training with IPC.

Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: IPC's Workforce Training and Onboarding Solutions

IPC's Kelly Allen and Carlos Plaza chat about the organization's workforce training courses. They discuss the importance of efficient onboarding, the challenges and opportunities in integrating new hires, and IPC's solutions for a smoother onboarding process. They also touch on expert involvement in IPC education and introduce new courses on component identification and standards.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

Recently, I was reading a report from Deloitte on the Mexican economy (and don’t judge me what I read while I wait my turn at the gym). This particular report is cited in an interview scheduled for the June 2024 issue of SMT007 Magazine. I made note of a few things.

Listen to I-Connect007’s Latest Podcast Episode: Empowering Electrical Engineers

I-Connect007 is thrilled to announce the release of the latest episode in Series 3 of its popular podcast, On the Line With... , available now on Apple and Spotify.

Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: IPC's Push for Sustainability in Electronics

Editor Marcy LaRont speaks with Dr. Kelly Scanlon, lead sustainability strategist for IPC, during IPC APEX EXPO 2024. They explore the organization's heightened emphasis on sustainability, the creation of a Sustainability for Electronics Leadership Council by IPC, their sustainability strategy, and their part in standards and education. Kelly also underscores the significance of industry participation and invites experts to contribute to sustainability initiatives.

Peter Sarmanian Corporate Recognition Award: Summit Interconnect

Congratulations to Summit Interconnect for receiving the 2024 Peter Sarmanian Corporate Recognition Award. This award was named for a former IPC Board Chairman and recognizes an IPC-member company in the printed board industry (PCB) that has supported IPC through participation in technical and management programs while providing leadership for the industry.

Scalable ZLD and a Solution for PCB Start-ups

Alex Stepinski talks about his business priorities for this year and what the market, particularly aerospace and defense, needs for orders to be filled. Learn about his goal to develop a central recycling system with a good ROI so that every shop will be able to afford it.

The Ever-expanding Horizons of PCB Manufacturing: Global Trends and Local Impacts

The global printed circuit board industry is in an unprecedented transformation, driven by a confluence of technological advancements, shifting market dynamics, and geopolitical factors. As the demand for advanced electronics continues to soar, investment in the PCB sector is witnessing a remarkable uptick, with notable developments reshaping the landscape. Concurrently, the emergence of new local PCB shops, defense contracts bolstering supply chain resilience, growth projections across different regions in 2024, and the inflation outlook collectively delineate the evolving panorama of PCB manufacturing.

Inkjet Innovations and Environmental Leadership with Taiyo

Marcy LaRont catches up with John Fix from Taiyo America to discuss Taiyo's innovative products and strategic partnerships, including their development of new products to meet evolving industry standards such as SVHC free material and advancements in inkjet technology. They touch on the impact of automation and Taiyo’s AT100 robotic offering, as well as their expansion of direct employees in Europe to provide greater support to that region.

The Data Brings Us Together

IPC APEX EXPO 2024 wrapped up after a week of immersion in printed circuits and electronics manufacturing, so why did I keep thinking about wood joinery as I flew home rather than fabrication and assembly?

Advocacy: There’s No Time to Waste

In the late 1990s, I worked for a PCB company ardently working to build manufacturing presences in Malaysia, Taiwan, and eventually China’s mainland. For some of us who had the resources, we followed our OEM customers offshore as they began demanding increasingly greater price concessions from their stateside suppliers. The government was not coming to the rescue of the PCB manufacturer, so we rode the changing economic tide as it turned unwaveringly toward globalism and cheaper labor.

Catching Up With TapRen Tech Solutions’ Tristan Ren

I am always looking for companies that develop new and innovative ways of doing things, so I was delighted when I got a call from Tristan Ren, who wanted to tell me about his new company TapRen Tech Solutions. As I talked to “Ren,” I realized this was not your normal value-added broker. (I know everyone hates that term but that’s what many of these companies are.)

Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Custom PCB Solutions With Adura

Columnist Dan Beaulieu and Sumit Tomar, CEO of Adura, discuss the company's comprehensive manufacturing of custom PCBs. The company excels in thermal PCB technology for enhanced conductivity. As Sumit explains, they also plan to venture into power management, leveraging their U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Automation in North American PCB Shops

Benmayor Group has entered the North American market's automation landscape with their Technosystem division. In this interview, Eduardo Benmayor highlights this underinvestment and current efforts to catch up and address challenges related to strategic planning. Eduardo shares Technosystem's automation journey, from simple equipment to robotic arms, stressing the importance of machine communication and data analysis. He also offers advice on implementing automation in older facilities.

I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week

This week, trade shows are at the top of our feed, with our coverage of the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show and IPC APEX EXPO. These two longtime events are almost polar opposites in size and scope, but Del Mar seems to be expanding from its roots as a “neighborhood gathering” with its move into the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Del Mar show always has a good “buzz factor,” which is something you can’t buy.

Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Insulectro on Attracting Young Talent to the Electronics Manufacturing Industry

Insulectro's Doug Gotelli and Mitchell Benson explore the challenges of drawing young talent into the electronics manufacturing industry. They underscore the significance of manufacturing and the urgency of tackling the workforce shortage. They also discuss internship programs, the industry's resilience amid the pandemic, and the rewarding experiences of working in this sector.

A Review of the 2024 Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show

The Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show (DMEMS) in Del Mar, California, recently took place at an unlikely venue: the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Doug Bodenstab, founder and show organizer, says the show covers everything in electronics manufacturing: design tools, components, base materials, training, testing, board fabrication, AI, data analytics, and more. While you can find about anything online these days, Bodenstab adds that there is no substitute for meeting people in person.

Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Summit Interconnect: Ready for Challenges of Today and Tomorrow

Guest Editor Gabriel Zepeda and John Vaughan, VP of strategic markets for Summit Interconnect, highlight the challenges in the PCB sector, such as the dwindling number of fabricators and the trend towards miniaturization. As John points out, Summit was a founding member of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America, which has grown to 50 member and aims to educate legislators, while funding opportunities support chip operations.

Do You Think Enough About Ergonomics?

Vitorio Lorenzini, a workstation design expert with Assembled Product Specialists, discusses the importance of ergonomics in the workplace. He emphasizes the value of early involvement in workstation planning to optimize space and resources, ultimately enhancing workflow efficiency. 

Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Electra's Passion for Inkjet Solder Mask Technology

Don Monn, national sales manager for Electra Polymers, discusses his transition to Electra and the benefits of inkjet solder mask technology. He emphasizes the significance of product passion and understanding customer issues. Don also outlines Electra's mission and expansion plans, and addresses the current state of the PCB market and the importance of education.
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