Latest Articles

Your 2026 Business Playbook: Step 3: Forecasting: Stop Guessing and Start Knowing

Most forecasts in our industry are not forecasts. They’re just guesses dressed up as numbers. Some other truths about forecasts: A forecast based on hope is fiction; a forecast based on memory is unreliable; a forecast based on “what we did last year plus 10%” is lazy; a forecast based on no customer contact at all? That’s malpractice.

Your 2026 Business Playbook: Step 2: Target Accounts: Stop Chasing Everyone and Start Pursuing Someone

Most PCB companies believe they have a sales problem, but the real issue is their focus, as they are chasing too many customers and industries, with too many “maybes,” “could be’s,” and “if only” accounts. Their sales strategy is basically, “If they buy PCBs, we want them.” That’s only wishful thinking masquerading as ambition. If you want to grow, achieve stability, and have customers who value what you do (and are willing to pay for it), don’t waste another year on random pursuits and accidental wins.

Real Time with... productronica 2025: MKS' Atotech's Innovations in Sustainable Practices for the Chemical Industry

MKS' Atotech's Dr. Christian Ohde discusses environmental issues in the chemical industry. This interview explores sustainable materials, while emphasizing the reduction of harmful substances. With the shift toward eco-friendly practices, new technologies are needed to meet market demands and enhance efficiency in chip packaging.

The Next Five Years of Thermal Substrates, Ceramics, and Thick-film PCBs

If you want a clean view of where thermal substrates and ceramic/thick-film electronics are headed, follow the heat. Power density is moving up and to the right across industries: EV traction inverters, fast chargers, AI data centers, radar, satellite payloads, medical imaging, and high-brightness LEDs. The next five years will be defined by designs that treat thermal performance as a first-order constraint, not an afterthought. Here’s what that means in practice.

I-Connect007 Announces the December Issue of Advanced Electronics Packaging Digest

Landing in inboxes Monday, Dec. 15, the next issue of Advanced Electronics Packaging Digest (AEPD) explores some of the most pressing questions shaping U.S. advanced electronics capability, from defense readiness to power constraints and the fast-moving world of printed electronics. This month, we spotlight the technologies, strategies, and industry perspectives driving next-generation manufacturing forward.

Real Time with... productronica 2025: Navigating Changes in the EMEA Market—Insights from Ventec Experts

Ventec's Mark Goodwin and Pesh Patel explore the EMEA market's structural changes, including Panasonic's factory closure and its effects on laminators. They discuss the transition to low DK glass and the influence of the AI boom. Mark highlights the need for effective inventory management, while Pesh presents the glass-free revolution, showcasing new materials and resin technologies that improve performance and expand applications beyond traditional circuit boards.

Your 2026 Business Playbook: Step 1: Strategy Isn’t a Document, It’s a Commitment

Let’s start with a tough truth most companies don’t want to hear: Strategy is not a binder, a spreadsheet, or a deck of slides. It is a commitment to what you will do every day. Yet every December and January, companies all over this industry gather the troops at a conference table, eat a few muffins, and create what can only be described as an annual work of fiction, otherwise known as the “strategic plan.”

The 2026 Business Success Playbook

For the next 10 days, I will take you through a step-by-step plan to prepare your company for 2026. It’s an opportunity to make 2026 a year of discipline, focus, and intentional growth. The new year will not reward companies that "hope" their way to success. It will reward companies that prepare, focus, communicate, innovate, strengthen their teams, and build the kind of culture that customers never want to leave.

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

It’s been another big week in global business news with positive projections on global economic growth, primarily driven by AI. U.S. labor markets are showing some strain after copious layoff activity, and there’s possibly a slight “correction” in the stock market, with investors apparently concerned about corporate overvaluation. My must-reads are interesting, informative, and important for industry members, particularly in the U.S. These selections range from onshoring high-tech thermal control to the value of training, recognizing interconnect defects, and an important statement from the Global Electronics Association regarding the USMCA.

Summit Interconnect’s Leadership in the ‘Silicon Prairie’

Summit Interconnect is one of the two largest PCB fabricators in the United States. I visited with Deepak Makwana, general manager of Summit’s Chicago plant, Business Development Manager Tom Veitch, and Vice President of Technology Gerry Partida at their Schaumberg, Illinois (Summit Chicago) facility to learn more about the evolution of PCB manufacturing in the Midwest.

Understanding Agentic AI

For those of us who design, build, and use computers, AI is our most frequent topic of conversation. Next to that is agentic AI, a form of artificial intelligence designed to function autonomously. But how is it different from traditional and generative AI? Simply said, agentic AI can execute complex tasks autonomously with little or no human intervention.

Real Time with... productronica 2025: Energy Security and Nuclear Fusion Innovations

Pete Starkey meets with Alun Morgan to discuss significant upcoming EIPC events, including a conference at a nuclear fusion reactor site in France and a summer conference in Lithuania. He emphasizes the importance of energy security and advancements in nuclear fusion technology, particularly the role of AI in reactor design. Additionally, Alun highlights a new PCB plant in Lithuania, marking a major investment in the region.

Real Time with... productronica 2025: Polar on Understanding Material Libraries in Design

Pete Starkey and Martyn Gaudion discuss the rapid updates in material libraries and the critical need for designers to grasp material properties. They highlight the role of suppliers and the importance of communication between designers and fabricators. Martyn focuses on the educational aspect of their services, aiming to connect design and manufacturing. The conversation underscores the significance of material knowledge in enhancing the design process through collaboration.

Real Time with... productronica 2025: Exploring MGI Group's Innovations in Digital Printing

Pete Starkey introduces Alexis Guilbert from Altix and Frédéric Soulier from MGI Group at the Altix booth. MGI, established in 1992, focuses on graphic arts and digital printing technology. Their collaboration with Altix boosts capabilities in printed circuit board imaging and inkjet technology. MGI Group's recent acquisition of Altix enhances their market position, promising sustainability and improved production rates. This partnership fosters advanced solutions for customers.

Real Time with... productronica 2025: Advancements in Inkjet Technology with Electra Polymers

Ashley Steers of Electra Polymers discusses the advancements in inkjet technology and its increasing market acceptance. Investments in production capabilities and the commitment to traditional solder mask inks are also touched on. The conversation addresses sustainability challenges and compliance issues, while emphasizing the importance of new technologies and personnel in maintaining market share.

Mehul Davé: A World Full of Opportunities and Possibilities

In this interview, entrepreneur, technologist, and global visionary I-Connect007 columnist Mehul Davé reflects on a lifetime of innovation. From founding companies and mentoring teams to shaping global supply chains, Mehul discusses leadership, culture, and optimism for a thriving PCB future—reminding us that “chips don’t float,” and opportunity is everywhere.

Real Time with... productronica 2025: Inside Schmoll—Success, Innovation, and Future Plans

In this interview, Stephan Kunz, CEO of Schmoll Maschinen, discusses his company's recent successes and awards, emphasizing the value of face-to-face interactions and sharing positive customer feedback. This year, Schmoll received an innovation award, taking second place for the Pico CO2 laser Combi machine in the PCB/EMS cluster. Additionally, they were honored for their 50-year uninterrupted presence at the show. Schmoll has plans for a new European factory to accommodate growing demand.

Jesse Vaughan: A Basketball and PCB Industry ‘Fanatic’

A third-generation PCB technologist and lifelong basketball enthusiast, Jesse Vaughan shares how family legacy, grit, and a love of innovation shaped his path from the court to the cleanroom. In this interview, the Beyond the Board columnist reflects on risk-taking, resilience, and the boundless future he envisions for the U.S. PCB industry

Don Ball: It’s Never Felt Like ‘Work’

For the November issue of PCB007 Magazine, I was sent a list of questions that would highlight my personality and career. If you’ve read my previous columns, you know I am not reluctant to talk about myself, so here it goes. In my freshman year, inspired by the 1960 Olympics in Rome, I decided to try out for the track team. Of course, I wanted to attain glory as a sprinter, but this turned out to be a less-than-optimal pursuit, and I gradually moved up in distance to become a miler.

Real Time with... productronica 2025: The Versatility of Electroplating Technology With GreenSource

Gustavo Ramos from GreenSource Engineering shares insights on an innovative electroplating module. This system features high current density and adaptable chemistry, making it suitable for a range of applications. The focus is on developing a flexible process that can handle various product mixes and technologies, enhancing efficiency and versatility in electroplating.

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

Yesterday was the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. The traditional meal is, of course, roast turkey with “all the trimmings.” Although not everyone observes that menu, most do, and it was reported that 42 million turkeys were consumed on that day. With an average weight of 16 pounds per turkey, we cooked up 672 million pounds! With approximately 342 million people in the U.S, that pencils out to just under two pounds of drumstick and white meat per person. That, my friends, is a whole lot of leftovers.

I-Connect007 Closes for Thanksgiving Day

I-Connect007 recognizes Thanksgiving Day and its office will be closed Nov. 27–28, 2025. The Thanksgiving holidays, as celebrated across North America, trace their roots to early harvest celebrations, expressions of gratitude, and moments of national significance. In Canada, Thanksgiving is often linked to explorer Martin Frobisher’s 1578 Arctic expedition, where he held a ceremony giving thanks for a safe passage—decades before the Pilgrims arrived in North America.

productronica 2025: Showcasing the Future of Electronics Manufacturing for 50 Years

Last week’s productronica 2025 at Messe München in Munich marked a significant milestone for the European electronics manufacturing industry. The biennial show celebrated its 50th anniversary, highlighting five decades of technological transformation as the largest global trade fair for electronics manufacturing. Co-located with Semicon Europa, productronica attracted an attendance of over 47,000 visitors, featuring more than 1,600 exhibitors from over 50 countries.

Schmoll's Kurt Palmer: Building on a Strong Foundation in PCB Fabrication

From growing up surrounded by laminates to leading one of the industry’s premier equipment suppliers, Driving Innovation columnist Kurt Palmer’s career has come full circle. In this feature, he shares lessons learned from building a family business, his passion for customer commitment, and why adaptability, optimism, and strong relationships remain the keys to thriving in an ever-evolving PCB landscape.

Happy Holden: Rockstar Engineer With a Passion to Inspire the Next Generation

Happy Holden’s vast knowledge, passion for the industry, and commitment to sharing knowledge with the next generation are unmatched and inspiring. Happy’s dedication to teaching and making information available to the engineering community can be found in many places, including universities, trade events, books, and webinars. When he’s not busy preparing for his next keynote or lesson, you will likely find Happy working on a book project or writing his next Tech Talk column for I-Connect007.
Subscribe | Magazines | RealTime with | JobConnect007 | Education | Webinars
Copyright © I-Connect007 | IPC Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved. Log in