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

As the U.S. grapples with the short-term fallout of DOGE and what it could mean for existing programs, unemployment, and the U.S. domestic economy, in the private sector of electronics manufacturing, we could be facing higher costs from tariffs and potential supply chain disruptions as we hopefully capitalize on new opportunities. Here are the top five must-read items from this past week's electronic manufacturing news and information.

IPC APEX EXPO 2025 Preview: An Overview of the Keynote Presentations

Don't miss Kevin Surace's keynote speech at IPC APEX EXPO. Discover where artificial intelligence stands today, where it's headed, and how you can participate. Witness robots and algorithms achieving real-world success and learn about the processes that can transform your company starting now—nothing to fear, it's just math.

Growth and Innovation at FCT

During DesignCon, I met with Tony Plemel, senior applications engineer at Flexible Circuit Technologies (FCT), to discusses the company’s growth and expansion opportunities, including its expansion of its inTFlex EMS facility. In this interview, Tony explains how FCT’s commitment to customer service and focus on communication and responsiveness allow the company to leverage its capabilities for continued expansion.

Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Insights from Andy Turner of Burkle North America

With the upcoming IPC APEX EXPO 2025, Andy Turner, from Burkle North America, introduces the InfoCube, a cutting-edge display designed to showcase Burkle's diverse product offerings, including a glimpse into the inner workings of their machines.

2024 Sustainability Highlights: IPC’s Commitment to a Greener Future

In 2024, IPC’s Sustainability for Electronics program made significant impacts through multiple channels of engagement by providing the industry with insights and tools needed to build electronics better. IPC representatives shared expertise at industry events, demonstrating how standards, education, and advocacy support sustainability goals. Industry leaders reciprocated by presenting their successful sustainability initiatives at IPC events, offering valuable real-world perspectives on implementing sustainable practices.

Breaking Down the IPC APEX EXPO Experience

Attending IPC APEX EXPO is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your knowledge and network within the electronics manufacturing industry. To maximize your trade show experience, it's essential to approach the event with a clear plan and purpose. Here are some tips for how you can maximize your experience this year, navigate APEX EXPO effectively, select informative technical and professional development sessions, and engage with exhibitors to make meaningful connections and get the information you need.

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

When I first started covering trade shows for I-Connect007 about six years ago, my calendar would see me attending shows 13 of the 23 weeks over the winter. Much has changed since the pandemic, and I bring this up because my picks for the week reflect on that. Which makes sense, because we’re already launched into a new and important trade show season. From Brittany Martin’s invaluable tips for making the most of your marketing efforts, to SMTA’s new scholarship, there’s a lot of information to be had. I hope you read it the first time around, but if not, it’s worth checking out. Share it with your colleagues. Let’s get this news out there.

EIPC 2025 Winter Conference, Day 2: A Roadmap to Material Selection

The EIPC 2025 Winter Conference, Feb. 4-5, in Luxembourg City, featured keynotes and two days of conference proceedings. The keynote session and first-day conference proceedings are reported separately. Here is my review of the second day’s conference proceedings. Delegates dutifully assembled bright and early, well-rested and eager to participate in the second day’s proceedings of the EIPC Winter Conference in Luxembourg.

EIPC 2025 Winter Conference, Day 1: From Manufacturing to Sustainability

The EIPC 2025 Winter Conference, Feb. 4-5, in Luxembourg City, featured keynotes and two days conference proceedings. This is my report of the first day’s conference proceedings. The keynote session and second-day conference proceedings are reported separately.

EIPC 2025 Winter Conference: Business Outlook and New EMS Opportunities

“Navigating and Optimizing Complex Processes: How to Overcome Today’s and Tomorrow’s Challenges in PCB Processing” was the theme of the 2025 EIPC Winter Conference, held Feb. 4–5, in historic Luxembourg City, the capital of Luxembourg, a small country in the heart of western Europe with borders to Belgium, France, and Germany. EIPC president Alun Morgan welcomed delegates from more than 70 companies in Europe and beyond, and thanked the sponsors of the event. Morgan can always be relied upon for a topical opening presentation. This time, he addressed “Internet of Things: Vulnerabilities and How to Address Them.”

I-Connect007 Welcomes New Milaero Columnist Jesse Vaughan

I-Connect007 is excited to announce the addition of a new monthly column, “Beyond the Board,” authored by Jesse Vaughan, a seasoned expert in the PCB/milaero sector. Jesse, a third-generation printed circuit board technologist currently working at Summit Interconnect, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our publications.

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

Show season is upon us. Recently, Marcy LaRont and I attended DesignCon’s 30th anniversary show, and the expo floor was packed for almost the entire time. Show managers went all out, hosting a welcome party that included a rocking DJ. Much of the event revolved around AI and how to implement it. Is your company utilizing AI now? I’m featuring an abundance of articles from the past week, covering everything from DesignCon presentations to the benefits of volunteering for an IPC committee. If you’ve ever thought about joining a relevant committee, IPC is always looking for “new blood.”

Unveiling the Future: Insights on Next-Gen Megtron Materials 

In this interview from DesignCon, Jim Kenny, OEM business development manager at Panasonic, touches on next-generation Megtron materials and delves into the industry's growing demand for high-speed, low-loss laminate systems, particularly in light of the anticipated 224 gigabits per second technology. With a focus on material development and production timelines, Jim highlights the challenges and opportunities in meeting customer needs while also maintaining quality and supply chain stability. As Panasonic prepares for the evolving landscape, they remain committed to innovating in this competitive market.

Bridging the Gap: Workforce Collaboration in East Texas

IPC has partnered with Stephen F. Austin State University's (SFASU) Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation (CARRI) and the IPC Education Foundation on a transformative project aimed at aligning academic training with real-world demands in electronics manufacturing.

IPC Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Doug Pauls

Over the years, IPC members who have contributed significantly to IPC and our industry have been awarded the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame (HOF) Award. Though many early HOF members have passed away and are unknown to today’s IPC membership, their contributions still resonate. This special series on IPC Hall of Fame members provides a reminder of who was honored and why. As a bonus, for those who are still around, we get to find out what these talented individuals are up to today. 

Happy Holden: How I Became an Engineer

What drives someone to become an engineer, particularly a PCB engineer? For industry icon Happy Holden, it was growing up in a family that couldn’t afford a TV but that lived close to a library and a movie theater. It allowed a curious boy the time and space to entertain his interests in science fiction and take things apart to see how the world really worked. As we guide and mentor today’s and future generations, his counsel is definitely worth considering.

Empowering Interns: Shaping Tomorrow's Tech

Today, we widely accept that creating and leveraging opportunities to fill our future tech workforce is paramount to future success—both as individual companies and as an industry. This is even more true, and certainly more challenging, for in-person manufacturing jobs. In our conversation, Gerry Partida of Summit Interconnect focuses on the essential role of interns in the technological landscape and emphasizes how nurturing their skills and potential contributes significantly to the future of technology and business operations in our companies today.

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

For my top picks this week, I wanted to highlight some other important content we’ve featured. First is the incomparable Stephen Chavez, who provides insight into what the future PCB designer will look like. Bob Duke of American Standard outlines the seven key challenges he sees in offshore manufacturing. We move seamlessly from there to tariffs, one of today’s most talked about topics. Jeffrey Beauchamp of NCAB looks back at a recent timeline regarding tariffs, and it’s quite interesting. I’m also pointing you toward a feature on a thriving EMS company in Malaysia, one of the two most popular locations for China Plus One manufacturing expansions. Finally, we acknowledge the expansion news of a long-time PCB and EMS global supplier.

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

The year is off to a roaring start across the globe, but especially in the U.S. We’ll all be carefully watching the changes in policy, legislation, and enforcement coming out of Washington D.C., in the coming weeks and months. One thing is clear, though. No matter what your opinions or political affiliations are, things will change. That said, it is impossible to look at last week’s news and draw any conclusions about how everything will equilibrate in the end. Frankly, it’s just too soon for that sort of analysis. In the meantime, here are last week’s five top stories. If you’ve read nothing else about the industry this week, read these.

The Future of Electronics Manufacturing in APAC

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is solidifying its leadership in electronics manufacturing, fueled by significant new investments from global industry leaders. This growth is driven by surging demand for high-performance components in key sectors like AI, autonomous vehicles, and sustainable energy, making strategic innovation in semiconductors and advanced electronics essential. APAC's strong supply chains further enhance its appeal to investors.

U.S. Work Visas Demystified

The H-1B visa has been a long-time friend of the U.S. technology and manufacturing sectors. It allows companies to bring high-level talent from other countries or transition university students with student visas over to the workforce. This is a boon for U.S. public diplomacy while providing a deeper talent pipeline for fulfilling U.S. workforce needs.

Building a Manufacturing Career at DIS

Ryan Moore, 27, and Emily Telesca, 31, are two millennials who share their unique perspectives on building a career in the manufacturing industry. With backgrounds ranging from computer science to military service, they highlight the fulfilling nature of their roles and the sense of camaraderie within the company. Their stories illuminate the opportunities available in manufacturing, especially for a younger generation seeking meaningful work.

Bridging Career Pathways in Electronics

Dr. Lisa Burns is the career and technical education (CTE) coordinator at Fremont Unified School District in California, where several middle and high schools are participating in Project Lead the Way, a specialized curriculum involving partnerships among schools, industry, and higher education. Having a career in tech before moving into education, Lisa has maintained that passion as she now works with industry partners to integrate educational curriculum with hands-on projects, mentorships, and internships.

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

This week’s round-up includes a variety of valuable articles, columns, and news items, focusing on the future of the industry, global markets, and more. Don’t forget to peruse our latest book, The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to... More Secrets of High-Speed PCBs, by Martyn Gaudion of Polar Instruments.  I hope to see you at DesignCon! 

The Promising Future for CEE PCB in Thailand

Tom Yang, CEO of CEE PCB, understands the importance of collaboration between U.S. and Chinese fabricators. He believes that to understand the current political and economic conditions between the two countries, we must maintain a level of international business cooperation. In this interview, we discuss market conditions under a new U.S. administration, how companies like CEE are responding to potential changes, and CEE’s strategic move into Thailand.
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