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Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Looking Back, Looking Forward With IEC

IEC came to the RTW booth and discussed both the legacy of IEC's past and the vision for its future. Industry veteran Bruno Ferri highlighted his quarter-century tenure in the industry and with IEC since its founding. He still exhibits boundless enthusiasm for the industry. Brando Stone, a young professional and a future face of IEC, talked about IEC's plans going forward and his experience at this year's IPC APEX EXPO.

Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Pluritec's Expansion and Growth in the North American Market

Nicola Doria, president of Pluritec, discusses the company's strategic focus on the North American market, their investment in a new sales organization, service expansion, and a new process integration line. The conversation also covers market response and future installations, as well as Pluritec's new partnership with IEC.

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

For my must-read picks of the week, I’m highlighting Parker Capers, a young professional seeking employment, solid counsel from Dan Beaulieu on what your post-show plan should look like, more information and insight on “chiplets” and the need for secure data transfer standards from columnist Preeya Kuray, as well as Matt Stevenson’s design for reality wisdom. It’s a reminder to download one of our newest books (there are several) you don't want to miss if you are an assembler.

Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Integrating Automation into the North American PCB Market

Dan Beaulieu introduces James Chien from SAA Symtek Automation Asia and Jason Perry from Technica, who are bringing automation to the North American PCB market. They discuss their expertise in automation, equipment sets, and growing opportunities. The focus is on integrating automation into existing shops, considering hardware, software, and flexibility. They also discuss the challenges of modernizing domestic shops and the potential of expanding automation to other markets.

D Coupon Testing and Data Insights With GreenSource Fabrication

Marcy LaRont spoke with Steve Karas of GreenSource Fabrication at the SMTA UHDI conference in March. He presented a case study that GreenSource undertook with a customer on critical via reliability with advanced materials and used the experience to highlight the importance and effectiveness of D coupon testing. He also discussed GreenSource’s approach to data aggregation and a new system they developed to use collected data effectively.

Catching Up With Chasom Electronics

I recently met with Chasom Electronics’ founding director Anil Kumar. Chasom offers a unique menu of services for companies looking to extend their technology capabilities on a short- or long-term basis. Read on to learn about this very unique service company.

Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: A Strategic Market Realignment

Marcy LaRont hosts Thomas Kunz of Schmoll Maschinen GmbH and Kurt Palmer of newly formed Schmoll America to discuss the strategic changes and developments at Schmoll with their departure from Burkle North America in this Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024 video interview.

Water Management in a Large Printed Circuit Board Manufacturer

TTM’s environmental management is grounded in its Environmental Statement and Environmental Policy, which promote measures that make for a more responsible environmental management process. Our management system helps TTM work toward minimizing its environmental footprint and increasing the sustainability of its operations. TTM monitors its environmental performance just as it monitors its operational performance, and provides the resources required to adhere to the Company’s environmental responsibilities.

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

As we publish this week’s most-read news, the I-Connect007 team is wending its way home from an eventful and productive week at IPC APEX EXPO in Anaheim, California. We’ve posted a variety of dispatches from the show this week, released 73 realtimewith.com video interviews (and counting), and also gathered the content and updates you’ll be looking for in the upcoming issue of Show & Tell… IPC APEX EXPO 2024.

Emerging Engineers Get Formal Introduction to IPC APEX EXPO 2024

While IPC APEX EXPO didn’t officially cut the ribbon until Tuesday, several events were already taking place over the previous weekend. Anticipation was running high among professionals eager to explore the latest innovations. Among the highlights of the first day was the Emerging Engineer Reception, which shined a spotlight on the program designed for students and young professionals. This gathering provided a platform for guests to network and mingle, which fostered connections between seasoned industry experts and bright, enthusiastic newcomers.

IPC APEX EXPO 2024 Day 2: A Focus on Workforce Development

Solving workforce development issues seemed to be a common theme among many conversations during the second day of IPC APEX EXPO 2024 in Anaheim, California. In his keynote address, “The Future of the Human Workforce: Maximizing Potential in an Automated World,” IPC President and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell discussed the rapidly evolving workforce climate.

Plastronics and the New IPC Guidelines for In-mold Electronics (IME) 

In the ever-evolving world of electronics, the roads for the integration of electronics assemblies into 3D structures continue to grow into a set of technologies used to produce 3D plastronics parts and revolutionize mainly the automotive industry. IPC has been developing standards for this set of technologies, led by Francisco Fourcade, IPC electronics technology standards manager.

An Ultimate Goal in Sustainability: Recyclable PCBs

Who doesn’t believe in recycling? “Re-use, repurpose, recycle” has been a drumbeat for more than two decades. Our children learn about it in primary school. Full university departments devoted to environmental science and sustainability in universities forward their discipline for the world's benefit. In theory, we all get behind the concept of recycling, even if the nuances of execution may fall short.

Inkjet Solder Mask ‘Has Arrived’

I was delighted to be invited to attend an interactive webinar entitled “Solder Mask Coating Made Easy with Additive Manufacturing,” hosted by SUSS MicroTec Netherlands in Eindhoven. The webinar was introduced and moderated by André Bodegom, managing director at Adeon Technologies, and the speakers were Mariana Van Dam, senior product manager PCB imaging solutions at AGFA in Belgium; Ashley Steers, sales manager at Electra Polymers in the UK; and Dr. Luca Gautero, product manager at SUSS MicroTec Netherlands.

Feeling the Magic of a Show Opener at IPC APEX EXPO 2024

As we walked the show floor at IPC APEX EXPO on Tuesday, April 9, we were struck by the subtle differences in the feel of the show floor between Anaheim and the previous home in San Diego. Somehow, the large booths seem less dominant, and the smaller booths seem more prominent here in the shadow of Disneyland where everything feels just a little bit magical.

Paul Cooke of Ventec Talks About Glassless Revolution, High Reliability

Marcy LaRont from I-Connect007 caught up with Paul Cooke from Ventec at the SMTA UHDI Symposium on March 26 in Arizona. Paul discusses the challenges in developing future product lines for extremely high density, high reliability manufacturing, and focuses on the transition from glass to glassless substrate technology. He explains the advantages of using pure resin systems, enabling fabricators to create thinner materials for micro vias.

A Closer Look at Professional Development at IPC APEX EXPO 2024: 3D Printing and AI

While the finishing touches were being made to the show floor at IPC APEX EXPO, just as much activity was happening in the conference rooms of the Anaheim Convention Center on the days before the show officially opened. The hallways and classrooms were filled for standards committee development meetings and Professional Development Courses, and IPC hosted evening receptions for Emerging Engineers, ECWC, and those who are attending for the first time in a special “newcomers” event.

IPC APEX EXPO 2024 Readies for Tomorrow’s Show Opener

IPC APEX EXPO is finally happening in Anaheim this week. As we entered the Anaheim Convention Center this past Friday, the weather was colder than expected, but the sun still shone. Making our way to the entrance doors, the small groups of happy but tired-looking Disneyland goers filled our path, as did hundreds of young, sparkle-clad cheerleaders from across the nation whose competition was taking place in a neighboring hall.

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

Spring has definitely sprung; it was 81 degrees last week in Atlanta, and this week it’s been in the 40s. That’s typical spring weather in Atlanta. My newly cut lawn is looking great, thanks to my “yard guy” Clive. I need to finish packing for IPC APEX EXPO, so without further ado, here’s my must-reads for this week. I hope to see you at APEX next week.

The Impact of U.S. Defense Production Act on PCB Industry

This interview with David Schild, executive director of PCBAA, covers the recent passage of the Defense Production Act and its impact on the printed circuit board industry. It highlights the importance of funding, domestic production, and government support for the industry's growth. He mentions proposed legislation like the Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act and the need for a strategic approach to national security and supply chain resilience.

IPC APEX EXPO 2024: There’s an App for That

With so many things to do at a large trade show and conference like IPC APEX EXPO, you cannot possibly take every class, attend every talk, or see every vendor on your list. But you can plan your days and maximize your time with the IPC APEX EXPO mobile app. The app allows you to easily view the show’s daily agenda, keynote speakers, the conference and professional development schedules, and, of course, flag and make notes on exhibitors.

Checking In With ICAPE Group

ICAPE Group’s field application engineer Erik Pederson drills down on sustainability, supply chain resiliency, and what value engineering really looks like in this exclusive interview. Founded in 1999, European-based ICAPE Group provides 21 million printed circuit boards and over six million technical parts to manufacturers every month. With 30 PCB manufacturing partners globally and 50 partners providing a wide array of technical parts, ICAPE Group has operations in China, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, South Africa, Europe, Mexico, and the United States. The company also focuses on the value proposition for its customers.

Collaboration and Innovation: Insights from SMTA's First UHDI Symposium

Anaya Vardya provides valuable insights on industry collaboration and innovation at the first SMTA UHDI Symposium, delving into the necessity of collaboration in driving innovation and progress within our industry. He shares his experience in helping put this event together, and pride in being a part of bringing the UHDI test board to life.

IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Kurt Palmer on the Formation of Schmoll America

There’s exciting news for Schmoll Maschinen as Kurt Palmer leaves his role as president of Burkle North America to lead the new Schmoll America. In this interview, Kurt discusses his collaboration with Burkle North America, what it means for his new Schmoll teams, and the many machines and processes he’ll have on display at his busy booth at IPC APEX EXPO.

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

We are well into trade show season and what a season it has been so far! SMTA Dallas, IMAPS, and the SMTA UHDI Symposium have filled out the past two weeks as we barrel toward IPC APEX EXPO in just a week’s time. There have been many exciting announcements of equipment and technology that will be showcased at IPC APEX EXPO, including announcements from Ventec, Blackfox, Insulectro, Indium, and more. Click through the news to see what’s in store for the big show.
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