Latest Articles

AEMS: Expanding Del Mar’s Vibe into Anaheim

In the final hours of the Anaheim Electronics & Manufacturing Show (AEMS), I spoke with show managers Doug Bodenstab and Connor Good. Doug, a longtime surfer, is also the founder and manager of the Del Mar Electronics & Manufacturing Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. I asked Doug and Connor to discuss how the Anaheim show got started and the impact it’s making on the industry.

Master Market Researcher: Dieter Weiss's Data Research Informs European Manufacturing

Dieter Weiss, Weiss Engineer/in4ma, has worked in the electronics industry in Germany, the United States, and the Republic of Ireland for 46 years. After a successful entrepreneurial career, he decided to give something back to the industry and started market research of the European EMS industry under the brand in4ma.

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

Occasionally, I’ll intentionally select items for this list that follow a theme. Sometimes, as they did this week, themes assert themselves. The component supply chain and sourcing seem to dominate our coverage this week. We’ve got an update from IPC Government Relations, an interview with counterfeiting watchdog ERAI, the 10 global sourcing rules, a course on AI and machine learning in the EMS sector, and warehouse management.

Build Better 2024 Summit: Creating a Vision for Future Tech

Most likely, there aren’t many manufacturing summits that take place on an aircraft carrier, so it was pretty impressive to be on the USS Hornet, with a beautiful view of the San Francisco harbor at Build Better 2024 on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Billed as “the only manufacturing summit for engineering and operations leaders developing electronics”, the event was quite interesting.

ERAI: The Counterfeit Watchdog

Rick Smith is vice president of business development at ERAI, an organization founded in 1995 as a watchdog for the electronic component distribution section, aiming to combat bad business practices and counterfeiting. Rick definitely has some stories to tell about the hows and whys of counterfeiting, and breaks down some compelling numbers when it comes to fake parts being sold into the open market.

Untapped Potential: Automating Warehouse Management Into the Present

The push toward automation in electronics manufacturing has led to significant improvements in SMT and through-hole technology (THT) production. Today’s manufacturers are outfitted with precision pick-and-place machines, sophisticated inspection systems, and advanced solder deposition solutions. These investments reflect a broader industry trend toward automating high-value production tasks to boost efficiency, improve quality, and reduce headcount in a shrinking labor market. While the spotlight has rightly focused on automating SMT production, one crucial area remains woefully under-invested: materials storage and handling.

IPC Course Overview: AI Applications of Machine Data in the EMS Industry

Tim Burke, CTO and co-founder of Arch Systems, is presenting a new course through IPC, AI Applications of Machine Data in the EMS Industry. These topics—AI, machine learning, and Connected Factory Exchange (CFX)—are top of mind in the industry, and in this interview, Tim shares insights into how his company helps customers leverage machine data analytics to enhance manufacturing efficiencies and the tremendously important role of AI, which is making more meaningful data aggregation and its usage significantly easier for everyone.

Thinking Out of the Box: Pacific Northwest EMS Manufacturer Employs Successful Strategies With IPC

Allison and Chad Budvarson started Out of the Box Manufacturing, an EMS company in Renton, Washington, just one month after they were married in 2008. To stay competitive, they’ve utilized IPC’s workforce subscription and apprenticeship programs to train and maintain their staff. "Our relationship with IPC has evolved over the past several years," Allison says. "Initially, we saw IPC for its standards. But when I started attending the EMS Leadership Summit at APEX EXPO, I realized there was so much more to IPC, which opened more doors for us, creating growth and partnership opportunities I didn't realize were possible. For one, I like having frank conversations with EMS owners from other areas of the country, and I’m not worried they will steal my 'secret sauce.'"

Fall 2024 Issue of IPC Community Now Available

There’s so much happening at IPC, so be sure to open the latest issue of IPC Community, brimming with must-read features on members of the electronics industry who are making a difference in their own unique way. Just for starters, our member profiles feature Virginia-based Weidmuller, a heart-warming story from E-Tron, and you’ll discover how the owners of Out of the Box Manufacturing are successfully tackling workforce talent challenges.

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

This week’s roundup is a duke’s mixture of news items and interviews with industry experts from design, fabrication and assembly. There’s a lot going on in electronics now. We’ll be bringing you full coverage of SMTA International the week of Oct. 20-24, so stay tuned.

Battling Counterfeit Electronics in Manufacturing

Paul Jarski, product development manufacturing leader at Case New Holland (CNH), discusses his extensive experience with counterfeit electronics throughout his career. He highlights the challenges faced during market allocations, where counterfeit parts infiltrated supply chains and causing significant issues. Paul recounts the rigorous processes implemented to detect and prevent counterfeits, including advanced material analysis and testing. Counterfeit parts occasionally slipped through despite these measures, leading to costly and time-consuming audits and verifications to ensure product integrity and safety. 

AEMS: Third Time’s the Charm

You’ve probably heard of the Del Mar Electronics & Manufacturing Show (DMEMS). Since 1995, PCB design and manufacturing technologists have flocked to this seminal event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds near San Diego. Originally a regional show, Del Mar has grown yearly and attracts an outsized group of attendees and exhibitors. So, event founder Doug Bodenstab took his vision northward and launched the Anaheim Electronics & Manufacturing Show (AEMS).   

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

Fall presents us with a lot of tradeshow activity, such as the Anaheim Electronics & Manufacturing Show, which kicked off the month in California. Our intrepid managing editor Andy Shaughnessy has been on the scene and I look forward to hearing more about the show from him. Next week, we’ll be at PCB West in the Bay Area, followed by SMTAI in Chicago the following week. For me, it feels like a proper launch into standard Q4 craziness highlighted by the end-of-year sales hustle and frenetic finalization of 2025 budgets. October also brings a stark reminder that the holiday season will soon be upon us. So, let the crazy begin.

Book Excerpt: The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Low-Temperature Soldering, Vol. 2, Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of this book addresses the challenges in ensuring high electrical reliability of low-temperature solder pastes in modern electronic assembly. Also covered is the need for new-generation materials due to advancements in technology. The authors also explore the impact of flux components on electrical reliability and the formulation considerations to achieve higher reliability.

Mycronic’s Jet Set Technology

In this interview, Wolfgang Heinecke, head of global product management at Mycronic, discusses advancements and applications of jet printing technology, which offers solutions to the challenges faced by traditional stencil printing. He highlights the key benefits of jet printing, and explains the qualification process for solder paste compatibility as well as the software-driven nature of jet printing, which allows for quick program creation and real-time adjustments.

Real Time with… SMTA Guadalajara 2024: Viscom's Approach to Automation

Nolan Johnson speaks with Juan Briceno, Vice President of Sales for Viscom, about the current state of the Mexican electronics market. Briceno reports that while the automotive and contract manufacturing sectors in Mexico remain strong, the industry as a whole is preparing for more purchases in late 2024 and early 2025. Briceno emphasizes the growing need for automated solutions and AI technologies to address the challenge of finding qualified personnel in the Americas.

CHIPS Act Falls Short Without Focus on Workforce Training

Billions of dollars of funding from the CHIPS and Science Act are going to the construction of new semiconductor fabrication plants (“fabs”). However, that investment will fail to meet its full potential unless we also focus on building something equally important: talent pipelines for the entire electronics manufacturing ecosystem. 

PCB Surface Topography and Copper Balancing Under Large Form Factor BGAs

As CPU and GPU packages grow larger and contain higher pin/ball counts, the importance of managing the printed circuit board (PCB) surface coplanarity for package assembly increases. The PCB surface coplanarity under a package is a product of both the global bow/twist of the PCB and the local surface topography under the package. In general, the surface topography is dependent the choice of material and layer stackup and the interaction between the innerlayer copper patterns and prepreg resin flow.

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

If you know Dave Hoover of TTM, then I am honored to inform you that he has retired from the industry as of this week. But we can keep tabs on him through his weekly online blues radio program “Groovy Hoovy’s Different Shades of Blue Radio and Video Show.” Congratulations on your transition to “civilian” life, Dave.

Real Time with... SMTA Guadalajara 2024: From Taiwan to Mexico: TRI's Expansion

Speaking with Nolan Johnson is Fernando Salomon, sales manager for Test Research, Inc., discussing TRI's increasing presence in Mexico, particularly in Guadalajara. Salomon explains that TRI recognizes the importance of the Mexican market and has invested in local offices and staff.

Real Time with... SMTA Guadalajara 2024: Rehm Celebrates 10 Years and New Beginnings in Mexico

Nolan Johnson interviews Luis Garcia, General Manager for Rehm's Mexico division. Celebrating Rehm's 10 years in Mexico, Garcia discusses the company's journey from their US operations to establishing their Mexican office.

Real Time with... SMTA Guadalajara 2024: AXXON Mycronic Advances Tech in Mexico

Nolan Johnson speaks with Miguel Gonzalez, sales manager for Mexico. Gonzalez discusses the recent opening of Axxon Mycronic's subsidiary in Mexico, highlighting their new laboratory equipped for testing and developing machinery.

Real Time with... SMTA Guadalajara 2024: Automation and Precision in Electronics Testing with SPEA

In this conversation with Nolan Johnson, Ferdinando Esposito, Branch Manager for SPEA Mexico, delves into the advancements and market trends in electronic testing equipment. Esposito discusses the new products SPEA has brought to the show, including their high-throughput ICT testers and miniaturized flying probes.

Some Fundamentals of Tin-Bismuth Metallurgy and Electromigration 

Near-eutectic tin-bismuth alloy is a strong contender as the solder of choice for low-temperature electronic assembly applications. This article will describe the recent significant developments by the iNEMI project team on the understanding of the electromigration behavior of Sn-Bi solder which has a unique physical metallurgy and electromigration behavior quite different for that of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) solder and other solders in common use today.

Real Time with… SMTA Guadalajara 2024: Understanding the Industry Pause with Koh Young

Nolan Johnson and Heriberto Cuevas, Koh Young's lead sales manager for Mexico and South America, discuss the current state of the industrial market in Mexico and South America. Cuevas emphasizes the importance of Industry 4.0, aiming to improve connectivity, automation, and efficiency in industrial processes.

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

It’s been a busy week in the world of PCB design and manufacturing. In this week’s roundup, there’s a little bit of everything. We have a look at PCB technology of tomorrow, an interview with an engineer who designs both PCBs and ICs, and government relations news from Washington, D.C. We also have an article on dispensing technology, and a final installment of our podcast on “designing for reality.”

Augering in on Dispensing

In this interview with Sunny Agarwal, a senior applications and process engineer at Camalot Dispensers R&D, we talk about the choice between traditional methods and jet dispensing. Sunny says it depends on material properties, especially viscosity. Dispensing is very specific to application requirements, and excels in scenarios involving tall components, where precise droplet placement is crucial.

Understanding Cleaning Challenges for Automated Solder Paste Dispensing

In today’s rapidly evolving electronics manufacturing landscape, staying abreast of innovative technologies is crucial. As solder paste and substrate materials continually evolve and become more complex, optimizing production methods with the latest technology ensures performance and quality while reducing operational costs.

Real Time with... SMTA Guadalajara 2024: Breaking Barriers With ROCKA

Nolan Johnson speaks with Justin Worden From ROCKA. The conversation revolves around Rocka's unique approach at a trade show, where they've built a wall around their booth to emphasize exclusivity, defying conventional sales tactics. Worden explains that the company has heavily invested in manufacturing their own high-quality, low-cost products, bucking the trend by focusing on exclusivity and live demonstrations, underscoring Rocka's commitment to innovation, local market engagement, and efficient delivery to meet the fast-paced demands of their customers

Real Time with...SMTA Guadalajara 2024: KYZEN's New Products and Market Trends

Luis Gazcon introduces KYZEN's focus on stencil cleaning products for printing systems. Their water-based product offers safety and efficiency benefits over traditional flammable solvents. Luis also discusses the KYZEN Analyst 2 sensor, which monitors chemical concentrations and ensures stable PCB cleaning processes. Additionally, Gazcon introduces the Aquanox A4618, a water-based cleaning agent effective at low concentrations.

IPC Releases Newest List of Standards Updates, Revisions

Each quarter, IPC releases a list of standards that are new or have been updated. To view a complete list of newly published standards and standards revisions, translations, proposed standards for ballot, final drafts for industry review, working drafts, and project approvals, visit ipc.org/status. These are the latest releases for Q3 2024.

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

At the top of my list is “Silicon to Systems,” an interview with technology experts from IPC: Matt Kelly, Devan Iyer, and Kris Moyer. Also, this week, we hear from I-Connect007 Managing Editor Nolan Johnson, who’s been in Mexico for SMTA Guadalajara. Speaking of Mexico, I want to highlight an interview that appeared in IPC Community between Lorena Villanueva and Barjouth Aguilar of Flex, who talk about the importance of sustainability. I wrap up my recommendations with articles about solder printing and wet process control.

Grow, Pause, Grow: A Report From SMTA Guadalajara

Two years ago, the EMS industry in Mexico—spurred by the EV and medical markets, and accelerated by changing trade relations with China—was growing by leaps and bounds. In fact, recently, SMT007 Magazine reported on the near-shoring effects. This week’s SMTA Guadalajara Expo and Tech Forum reflects that growth through the show’s rapid expansion and high-energy enthusiasm.

Making Waves With Solder Paste Jetting

As electronics shrink and PCB density grows, traditional solder deposition methods such as stencil printing face significant challenges. One solution making substantial waves is solder paste jetting. Solder paste jetting is no secret. In fact, the development and commercialization of this technology has been around since the early 2000s. So, why now? We’ve arrived at a time in which the maturity of this technology has intersected with new demands of electronics manufacturing.

Book Excerpt: The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Factory Analytics, Chapter 4

In this chapter, readers will learn the importance of efficiency in post-SMT processes such as rework and testing. Key KPIs are discussed, along with the need to reduce rework time, improve first-pass yield, maintain testers, and monitor defect rates. By optimizing these processes, manufacturers can enhance product quality, reduce costs associated with defects, and ensure customer satisfaction.

Scrutinizing Solder Printing

As members of the technical staff at Indium, Adam Murling, technical manager, and Ron Lasky, senior technologist and professor at Dartmouth University, know their way around metallurgy and solder formulation. I corralled them for a conversation on solder application techniques from the solder’s perspective and their insights did not disappoint.

A Leader in Sustainability: Talking With Barjouth Aguilar of Flex

I first met Barjouth Aguilar in March 2024 at Women's IPC Day in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, an event organized within the framework of International Women's Day, when she participated in a panel meant to inspire attendants to learn more about the role of women in the electronics industry. Barjouth, a fellow Mexican, has become a woman I admire and respect.

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

This week’s Top 5 starts with steps you can take to cultivate a culture of thriving. We also have bullish news from the global semiconductor sector, advice on how to tease out hidden cost drivers during the PCB design cycle, how the Altium-Ansys collaboration will affect design, and Happy Holden’s version of Occam’s Razor—three simple tools to keep your wet processes in line.

Kaynes Technology Selects Delvitech’s 3D AI-Based AOI Solutions to Keep Pioneering India’s Electronics Manufacturing 

Delvitech has announced that Kaynes Technology India Limited, a distinguished leader in electronic system design and manufacturing in India, has selected its cutting-edge 3D AI-based automated optical inspection (AOI) solutions. This strategic partnership marks a pivotal advancement in Kaynes Technology’s mission to remain at the forefront of the dynamic electronics industry. 

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

There’s a lot going on in our industry right now. As you’ll see in today’s must-reads, there’s even innovation taking place in drill bit development. We also have articles on cutting costs during the design process, as well as a handy guide to each country’s tech sweet spots, and what it takes to thrive in this segment. Don’t miss our ode to the CAM department, which is where the rubber meets the road for every PCB. 

Why a Culture of Thriving Matters

On every call with senior leaders, I hear the same thing: Their organizations are facing the cumulative fatigue of constant disruptions. Crises from the pandemic to the war in Ukraine to supply-chain issues—coupled with pressures from return to work and constant transformation efforts—have led to widespread burnout. In The Devil Never Sleeps, author Juliette Kayyem argues that the world we now live in will always have some level of disruption, making conditions tough for organizations and individuals.

In Honor of the U.S. Labor Day

Sept. 2, is Labor Day in the United States, always observed the first Monday in September. In its official declaration, we learn that “Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late 19th century when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.”

Wriggling Out of ‘the Squeeze’

At some point in the growth cycle of most businesses, they inevitably face “the squeeze”—when increasing complexity starts to overwhelm the business processes and management systems. The business then gets squeezed by rising overhead costs, falling efficiency, capacity constraints, and cash flow challenges. These often combine with poor delivery and quality performance to constrain the growth of the business.

Give Yourself an Edge at the IPC High Reliability Forum 2024

For those who support military and defense products, few topics are more important than reliability, particularly as we venture into complex packaging requirements that accommodate next-gen chips and electronic systems. Recently, I visited with Teresa Rowe, IPC senior director, assembly and standards technology, to discuss the IPC High Reliability Forum (HRF), Oct. 9-10, at the McKimmon Center, in Raleigh, North Carolina. With topics that cover high-voltage electronics, standardized test methods, and assembly and solder joint X-ray challenges, it is clear that this event needs to be included on your annual conference calendar.

Why You Need to Take This New ‘Semiconductor Essentials’ Course 

Recently, Andy Shaughnessy and Nolan Johnson met with Soo Lan Cheah, the developer of a new IPC course geared toward PCB manufacturing professionals who have little to no knowledge about semiconductor manufacturing. With her background in PCB and IC design, Soo Lan brings a circumspect vision of these disciplines and how they are inter-related. You don’t need to know a lot of math to take this course, and you’ll come out with a much better understanding of the whole silicon-to-systems approach.

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

It is the last weekend before the much-celebrated Labor Day holiday, also known as the official end of summer. Though I am not yet ready for pumpkin spice lattes and heinously early Christmas decorations, I do relish the end of the heat. But the heat in our industry is not set to die down anytime soon, nor should it. Just about one month shy of the end of Q3 2024, things are looking positive for many industry members, so let’s make sure to keep the metaphorical pedal to the metal for a strong quarter-end and a great upcoming trade show season.

Moving from Surviving to Thriving

A few months ago, I shared some thoughts regarding the implications of the survival mode that most of us have lived in, at least for the past several years, within the electronics supply chain. In this article, I would like to share some additional thoughts about how companies can move away from merely surviving and work toward thriving across their supply chain. At a high level, here is what I believe the foundation of thriving looks like.

How IPC Assists in Helping Fund Your Apprenticeship Program

Workforce development issues plague many companies in the electronics manufacturing industry. IPC has structured its teams to provide resources that directly address these issues, including formulating an apprenticeship model that has received national recognition. However, implementing these workforce programs can require additional funding for instruction and training. As director of workforce grants and proposals, I identify and secure funding from federal, state, and local opportunities that drive IPC’s workforce development initiatives, particularly around our apprenticeship program

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

People are on the move, new books are being released, and a new PCB manufacturer is making waves. This week, I'm highlighting the latest ASC/Sunstone book on DFM essentials, our 40th book in the I-Connect007 library and a must-read whether you're a new or seasoned member of industry. I'm also including leadership news from NextFlex, a discussion on integrated passives from Joe Fjelstad, and a new processor chip from Intel meant specifically for automotive applications.

My Drop Shock Testing Experiments to Determine Reliability in PCBs

Tablets, digital cameras, and smartphones are portable electronics that have become increasingly popular. Compact design and improved functionality are common product and package design trends. However, because they are portable, these devices may fall and cause internal damage. In addition, customers may use products in different environments, exposing them to risks that could cause harm. For example, a smart device such as a phone or tablet could be dropped while being used, or a warehouse shipment could be handled carelessly and fall. Products must have sufficient mechanical shock reliability to reduce the likelihood of damage.

New WHMA Board Member Joan Kappell Reflects on Her Prosperous Journey in Wire Harness

Joan Kappell was always drawn to the hum of machinery, even as a child. She remembers waiting eagerly on the shop floor for her mother, who worked diligently on Artos and Komax Gear cutting machines at the Monona Wire Corp in Monona, Iowa, to finish her shift. Joan has remained fascinated by the industry, where she works in sales at one of today’s top wire harness companies.

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

We’ve finished the first full week of August, and now more than midway through summer. This week brought us quite a lot of military and aerospace news, with headlines from Airbus, Rocket Lab, AST Space Mobile, Menlo Microsystems, CACI, and L3 Harris. In other news, Pete Starkey takes us on a tour of RoBAT in England, highlighting the ever-important topic of high-technology SI testing.

Book Excerpt: The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Factory Analytics, Chapter 3

Chapter 3 of this book delves into the critical aspects of the SMT process, focusing on the reflow oven and automated optical inspection (AOI) machine. Highlighted are the key roles of the line operator, manufacturing engineer, and quality manager in maintaining efficient operations and high-quality PCBAs.

Book Excerpt: The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Low-Temperature Soldering, Vol. 2, Chapter 3

In this chapter, readers learn about the use of HRL3 alloy in solder joints to balance strength and ductility. Test results show improved performance with HRL3 alloy compared to traditional low-temperature solders.

In-mold Electronics: The Convergence of Innovative Materials and Manufacturing Techniques

Paavo Niskala, a noted expert in in-mold electronics (IME) at TactoTek, recognized the need for an industry-wide standard when one of his automotive OEM clients asked him how to test a prototype TactoTek had developed. That question led to the creation of the first-ever IPC standard of this type, IPC-8401, Guidelines for In-Mold Electronics, to be released later this year.

Reliability Comparisons of FPBGA Assemblies Under Hot/Cold Biased Thermal Cycle

Current trends in microelectronic packaging technologies continue in the direction of smaller, lighter, and higher density packages. The telecommunications industry and particularly mobile/portable devices have a strong need for lighter and smaller products. The current emerging advanced packaging (AP) technologies, including system-in-package (SiP) and 2.5D/3D stacked packaging, added another level of complexity and challenges for implementation.

Real Time with… THECA 2024: Workforce Development Critical to Southeast Asia PCB Industry

In this interview, IPC Asia President Sydney Xiao emphasizes the importance of workforce training and keeping ahead of the staffing needs in Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia. Ms. Xiao shares details on how IPC is addressing these needs.

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

After getting stuck in an airport during the Crowdstrike outage, our colleague Nolan Johnson has a review of the first-ever THECA trade show in Bangkok, Thailand. We have a column by Matt Stevenson on drilling optimization, and an interview with Schmoll America President Kurt Palmer about what it takes to thrive in this industry. We have an article by SMTA’s Tara Dunn that focuses on the organization’s educational offerings, and news about All Flex joining the PCBAA.

Market Spotlight on India

India has long fascinated me. Aside from the fact that I love the cuisine, I have been fortunate to have some close Indian friends who were very generous in sharing their culture, celebrations, and homes. Growing up in the Bay Area (Silicon Valley), my exposure to talented Indian engineers started in the 1990s.

Real Time with... THECA 2024: IPC Focusing on the Needs of a Growing Region

Dave Bergman, vice president of standards and technology at IPC, updates Nolan Johnson on the active development work underway by IPC in the SE Asia region. Dave shares that IPC is very involved in helping to encourage and enable new investment in this region through IPC's core work in standards, education, and advocacy.
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