Latest Articles

Is This a Golden Age for Medical Devices?

Just as the telecommunications golden age launched 30 years ago—which led to wireless phones, electronic data terminals, and technology that allows us to watch our favorite shows on our own time and not the TV stations' schedule—it seems that medical device technology is gearing up to do something similar. The Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of the Body (IoB), and printed electronics technologies are emerging, and they're converging with medical devices in a big way.

Electrolube on Managing Thermal Interfaces and Conformal Coatings

Electrolube's Jade Bridges, global technical support manager, speaks with I-Connect007 Technical Editor Pete Starkey about how to manage thermal interfaces for maximum heat transfer efficiency. She also provides an update on conformal coatings.

Solving the UK Manufacturing Productivity Puzzle

Since the financial crisis of 2008, manufacturing has seen an undeniable slump. Latest industry statistics paint a pretty compelling picture—where once the UK manufacturing sector was hot on the heels of its international counterparts, it now lags behind with average annual growth of less than 1% a year since the advent of the financial crisis. This article looks at five issues that could help to inform our decisions and boost performance within the sector.

Understanding the Benefits of CFX

In an interview with SMT007 Magazine, David Fenton, group customer support manager for Blakell Europlacer, discusses the technical challenges and the impact of the IPC Connected Factory Exchange (CFX) initiative on the PCB assembly industry, and what manufacturers can expect from this electronics assembly connectivity standard.

Stephen Chavez: Breaking the Design Data Bottleneck

When we started planning this issue on design data, I knew we’d have to speak with PCB designer and EPTAC design instructor Steph Chavez. In this interview, he explains some of the biggest issues related to good design data handoff, and he offers some ways forward.

I-Connect007 Research

In a recent I-Connect007 survey on flex circuits, we asked the following question: What are the major drivers causing you to utilize flex circuits? Here are just a few of the replies, edited slightly for clarity.

Tempo Automation's Open House Raises the Curtain in San Francisco

Based in San Francisco, Tempo Automation specializes in rapid PCB assembly and on low volume production for a wide range of board complexities. It recently held an open house at its brand-new facility in the South of Market (SoMa) district—which is normally restricted under customer non-disclosure agreements as well as International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) regulations—to customers, vendors, local designers, and government officials.

RTW SMTAI: Inventec Discusses the 'Green Way'

At SMTA International 2018, Dan Walker, North American sales manager at Inventec Performance Chemicals USA, provides Editor Nolan Johnson an overview and update on Inventec’s environment-friendly cleaning, soldering and coatings products. He also discusses how they are addressing the latest manufacturing issues, including solder voiding.

U.S. Career Opportunities with Electrolube

In a recent interview, Julia Vorley, group marketing manager for Electrolube, discusses a career opportunity Electrolube is seeking in the U.S. Read on to hear what they’re looking for in a technical account manager.

Training: One of The Best Investments You Can Make

Dan Patten, general manager at BEST Inc., speaks with I-Connect007's Barry Matties about the drivers behind the recent uptick in training from U.S. companies—from contract-driven training for certification levels to newfound demands from quality departments—and why reinvesting in the workforce is beneficial to all parties involved.

How Effective is Your Induction Process?

This article looks at eight ways manufacturers can ensure their induction process passes the 'so what' test. And more importantly, addresses all of the questions and concerns a new starter might have during their first couple of days.

A Look at Our Readers’ Manufacturing Challenges

In a recent SMT007 survey, we asked the following question: "What are your greatest challenges when it comes to soldering?" Here are just a few of the replies, slightly edited for clarity.

Solder Paste Jetting: An Integral Approach

Solder paste jetting is a technique that differs greatly from traditional solder paste deposition methods. In this article, solder paste jetting is compared with the other solder paste deposition methods—solder paste dispensing and solder paste printing and solder paste jetting—and highlights why it is becoming a viable option and how it increases the flexibility of a single production system.

150+ Years of Experience: Reflections with Three Industry Icons

You would be hard-pressed to find a more knowledgeable and experienced group than that of Gary Ferrari, Gene Weiner, and Happy Holden. In a brief interview with Barry Matties, these three industry icons consider the past, present, and future state of electronics manufacturing while also offering advice to the newest generation of manufacturers.

Koh Young's Joel Scutchfield on Smart Factory Connectivity

Joel Scutchfield of Koh Young speaks with I-Connect007's Barry Matties about the struggles system providers currently face in implementing the machine-to-machine connectivity needed for a smart factory with no common platform or protocol in place yet.

Christine Pearsall on Tempo Automation and PCB West

Christine Pearsall, senior director of marketing for Tempo Automation, discusses with Consulting Technical Editor Tim Haag what services Tempo Automation provides, what attracts engineers and designers most to the company, and what events they plan to attend in the upcoming year.

Managing Cyber-Threats Within Electronics Manufacturing

The rise of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) has brought with it digital interconnectivity that offers unprecedented opportunities for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). But with that openness there also comes risk—the threat of the loss of data, the theft of capital or intellectual property, and the disruption of access to systems or operational technology—all of which can impede businesses and impact on trade.

Survey: Low-Temperature Soldering on PCBAs

The majority of the respondents in our survey stated that they expect low-temperature soldering to result in higher quality PCBAs.

RTW SMTAI: KIC's MB Allen on Smart Factory, CFX

Marybeth (MB) Allen, product manager at KIC, speaks with I-Connect007 Managing Editor Nolan Johnson about the smart factory, KIC's new RPI i4.0 software release, and as well as her company's leadership in IPC's Connected Factory Exchange (CFX) initiative.

Investigation on the Assembly Process for m03015 and a Brief Look at m0201 Components

Components continue to shrink in the SMT world, and the next evolution of passive components includes m03015 (009005) and m0201 (008004). The m03015 and the m0201 components will see primary adoption in products that require further miniaturization, which would be SiPs. These modules would then be assembled into products through attachment, another assembly, or via other interconnect methods. This article explores the development of an assembly process (SMT only) for the m03015 component.

How to Avoid Common Wave Soldering Issues

Wave soldering involves using waves of molten solder that act as glue to attach electrical components to the PCB. While this process is expedient and efficient in producing high-quality products, it sometimes experiences glitches that can be prevented or corrected. This article explores some of the main issues and how to remedy them.

Green Circuits' Joe O'Neil and Joe Garcia on the Best Kept Secret

Joe O'Neil, CEO, and Joe Garcia, VP of sales and marketing, at Green Circuits discuss with I-Connect007 Managing Editor Nolan Johnson about recruiting new employees, new training and certification requirements, tariffs, and more.

Challenges and Opportunities with CFX

Larry Chen, global marketing supervisor at Taiwan-based Test Research Inc. (TRI), speaks about how the company is supporting IPC’s Connected Factory Exchange (CFX) initiative, the user interest on the standard, the challenges, and his outlook for CFX.

IPC Workforce Pledge Draws White House Praise, Points the Way to Jobs of the Future

President Trump kicked off the workforce challenge to U.S. businesses in July. As a longtime leader in education and training within the electronics industry, IPC took it as an opportunity to review our existing programs and identify ways to grow and innovate. The result? IPC joined the Pledge to America’s Workers by promising to create new career opportunities for at least 1 million Americans in the electronics industry.

4 Questions OEMs Typically Ask When Outsourcing

The decision to transfer your electronics manufacturing to an EMS company is a complex process, with the potential to impact your business, your staff, your customers and your suppliers in a multitude of ways. This article highlights four questions OEMs typically ask prospective contract manufacturing partners when they first start engaging with them—and our take on the answers.

I-Connect007 Survey Sees Bright Prospects for Low-Temperature Soldering

There has been an increasing amount of discussion on low-temperature soldering, and solder pastes. And why not? There are several advantages of using low temperature solders—from a technical standpoint and economic perspectives. A recent survey by I-Connect007 saw majority, or 67%, of the respondents saying they will consider using low-temperature solders in their assembly process.

Alpha Assembly Solutions on Training, Education, and Low-Temperature Soldering

In this interview, Jason Fullerton of Alpha Assembly Solutions discusses the benefits and challenges of low-temperature soldering. He also highlights the biggest concerns he’s currently seeing in the industry, including young engineers lacking hands-on manufacturing experience and training, voiding and head-in-pillow issues, and low-temperature soldering demands.

Strategies to Manage Your China Business Through Turbulence

While the United States may be the world’s most open market, China remains the most competitive, and is still viewed by most U.S. and EU companies as the "last great opportunity for growth.” Many companies want to gain entry to the Chinese market share for their products or services. Thus, the competition for sales of products or services is correspondingly intense. Here's how to succeed in the world's second largest economy.

Process, Design and Material Factors for Voiding Control for Thermally Demanding Applications

Solder voiding is a common phenomenon across all semiconductor packaging and electronic board assemblies. There are many factors that influence void frequency and size. This article focuses on several process, design and materials selection considerations which control or potentially reduce voiding to meet industry and end-market acceptance criteria.

IPC Signs White House Pledge to the American Worker

IPC has signed the President’s Pledge to the American Worker and made a commitment to create at least 1 million new training and workforce development opportunities in the electronics industry over the next five years.

CFX: Building the Foundation for Industry 4.0

IPC has been showcasing the Connected Factory Exchange (CFX) initiative in action at the many industry events this year, providing a technical demonstration operating in real time with standardized machine data delivered from participating exhibitors through the cloud and onto visitors' cellphones. In this interview, Dave Bergman, VP for international relations at IPC, discusses the latest developments with IPC’s CFX standard, including key highlights, impact in the electronics assembly industry, and what’s next.

Pros and Cons of Dual Sourcing

Now, more than ever, there's a need for responsive and flexible supply chains. For OEMs, one solution to mitigate the risk of supply chain disruption is to maintain relationships with more than one supplier through dual sourcing—the practice of purchasing a chosen raw material, product, or service from two (or sometimes multiple) sources. Here are it's pros and cons.

Catching up With Scott McCurdy and Freedom CAD

During PCB West, Scott McCurdy of Freedom CAD Services sat down with Technical Editor Tim Haag for an interview. We discussed Freedom CAD’s latest news, some trends in PCB design software tools, and the continuing need to draw more young people into a career in PCB design.

Rick Hartley is Bullish on PCB Design, 3D Printing

At the recent PCB West in Silicon Valley, Consulting Technical Editor Tim Haag met with long-time design industry veteran Rick Hartley to discuss the changing landscape of circuit board design, the layout designers of the future, and how designers can benefit from 3D printing of circuit boards.

Meet Goepel electronic's New Managing Director, Alice Göpel

In August 2018, Alice Göpel took over the managing director position of Goepel electronic, replacing her father Holger Göpel who had managed the company since 1991. In this interview with SMT007, Alice discusses her career, what inspires her, and her outlook for the industry.

Low-temperature Solder Paste Process Advantages

This article examines the performance of two low melting point SnBi alloys used in solder paste when assembling BGA components with SAC alloy spheres, and the advantages of a low-temperature process over the regular SAC assembly process. It will also evaluate solder paste capability regarding the process and the performance of a joint formed with a low melting point alloy solder paste and SAC305 spheres, including process advantages and material capabilities.

RTW SMTAI: Steve Greathouse Discusses Award, Highlights Need for New Engineers

Steve Greathouse, senior staff engineer at Plexus Corp., and recipient of SMTA’s Excellence in Leadership Award this year, speaks about the magic of the SMTA as a collaborative and supportive professional organization. He also discusses the need for “new blood” to join the manufacturing workforce as more senior engineers leave the industry.

How to Measure Manufacturing Employee Engagement

Disgruntled employees have the ability to sap the lifeblood from your organization. And in some cases, one or two negative views can spread quickly throughout a business like an uncontrollable virus. While it is important to deal with issues the moment they arise, it is also vital to have a system in place to measure views and opinions on a regular basis and with a long-term view.

RTW SMTAI: PalPilot on Adding Value to Design and Assembly

Tim Sullivan, vice president of sales at PalPilot International Corp., speaks with I-Connect007 Managing Editor Nolan Johnson about their services, and how they add value to their customers from design to assembly/manufacturing. He also talks about their online platform called FootPrintKu, which help designers when it comes to footprints of their design.

One-Question Survey, Part 2: What Advice Would You Offer a New Designer?

During AltiumLive 2018, the I-Connect007 editorial team asked some of the attendees to answer one question: What advice would you offer to a brand-new PCB designer? Here are just a few of the replies we received.

Taking an Independent Path: Strategies for Low Risk Sourcing of Components in a Constrained Market

Today, the challenges of a highly stressed supply chain are forcing many OEMs and EMS providers to rethink the way they source components. With parts such as multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) and other low-cost components in chronic shortage with extended lead times for delivery, manufacturers must be able to get these parts on-time at the lowest possible cost without assuming additional risk.

RTW SMTAI: Libra's Rod Howell Discusses Tariffs Issue

Rod Howell, CEO of EMS firm Libra Industries, speaks with I-Connect007 Managing Editor Nolan Johnson about the ongoing tariffs issue, how it impacts the global electronics manufacturing supply chain, and their strategic response to address the issue.

Karl-Heinz Fritz on Cicor’s DenciTec Technology

In a recent interview, Karl-Heinz Fritz, VP of technology at Cicor, discusses the business, DenciTec technology, the impact of tariffs on trade, and applications for 3D printing and additive manufacturing, including potential new opportunities for PCB designers.

RTW SMTAI: KYZEN's Forsythe Discusses Gap in Cleaning Knowledge

Tom Forsythe, executive vice president of KYZEN Corp., busts myths around "how-clean-is-clean." He discusses the increasing cleaning challenges as devices get more dense and form factors become even smaller, and how these trends are driving the need for cleaning and causing a gap in cleaning knowledge. He also speaks about their new products in data collection and monitoring software for cleaning equipment.

RTW SMTAI: Harold Sneath Highlights Alpha’s Reclaims Business

Reclamation can be a profit center, not a cost of doing business. At the recent SMTA International 2018 conference and exhibition, Harold Sneath, Eastern Regional Reclaim Manager at Alpha Assembly Solutions, lays out the reclamation services available through Alpha.

SMTAI 2018 Closes on a High Note

SMTA International 2018, which took place in Rosemont, Illinois is now in the history books. This multi-day event, held October 14-18, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, was packed with keynotes, conferences, lively discussions, committee meetings and a two-day exhibition.

Real Time with...SMTAI 2018 Coverage Now Available

The I-Connect007 team traveled to Rosemont, Illinois this week to cover the SMTA International 2018 conference and exhibition. Video interviews of key executives and leaders of our industry are now available for viewing. Also check out the photo gallery for snapshots of the exhibition floor and the conference as well as the after-hours festivities.

Do's and Don'ts of Thermal Management Materials

Selecting a thermal management material that is broadly applicable to a particular electronic assembly and its predicted operating conditions is a good starting point; however, as with many of these things, the devil is very much in the details! Find out the key considerations in choosing your materials.

AI-Powered Inspection

Viscom AG COO Peter Krippner discusses artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact in the electronics manufacturing industry. He speaks about how AI will change the industry, the challenges in adopting AI, and the state of implementation of AI in electronics manufacturing right now.

IoT: Driving Change in Manufacturing

In the manufacturing world, the Internet of Things (IoT) can be seen as an element of Industry 4.0. The idea behind it is that factories would evolve to become smarter, to become a lot more flexible—to be able to make the products that customers want, basically at any time that they need.

How CIM and IoT Can Make Your Factory Smart

As business needs challenge the electronics assembly industry to support increased flexibility, lower overhead, and stricter quality standards, the industry is rapidly adopting improvements in automation and analytics to meet the challenge. This article explores the changes in culture between the past, where data was simply sent point to point, and today’s multi-layered IoT technology-based solutions, as well as the effects and opportunities that are here now for the taking.

GP Ventures’ Tom Kastner on PCB Mergers and Acquisitions

Tom Kastner, president of GP Ventures, he has his finger on the pulse of the industry's mergers and acquisitions (M&A) more than anyone. In this interview, Kastner provides insights on the right time to buy, how to evaluate your company's worth, and when it is too late.

Tips to Improve Soldering Tip Life and Reduce Cost

Whether in production, or repair and rework, the cost of soldering iron tips can be easily overlooked, but with today’s requirement for higher temperatures in lead-free solder applications, the consumption of tips has dramatically increased. This fact, combined with changes in tip design to meet the higher thermal load requirements, has also resulted in escalating tip costs, making tip care a high priority.

The Smart Robot Revolution is Here

The distance between imagination and reality has reduced considerably. Thanks to advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), data processing, and machine vision, the science fiction writers' vision of smarter robots is becoming a reality. These more intelligent machines are also making a big impact in manufacturing.

AltiumLive 2018 a Mecca for PCB Designers

AltiumLive 2018 San Diego is now in the history books. This is the second annual AltiumLive (North America), and it was even better than the first. With nearly 300 hundred participants, from all parts of the country and industry, the event was a huge success.

Indium on Voiding and Auto Electronics Test Standard

In this interview with I-Connect007, Indium Corporation Technical Manager Jonas Sjoberg discusses voiding and other key challenges in soldering, as well as an automotive electronics testing standard based out of South Korea that is seeing increased utilization all over Asia. He also talks about the increasing trend in manufacturers moving to Type 5 and Type 6 solder powders, and how this is causing its own set of challenges in printing.

The Megadrivers

Henry Ford's innovation in manufacturing—the moving assembly line—helped reduce the time it took to build a car from more than 12 hours to just two hours and 30 minutes. It was a revolutionary advancement in production. Through continuous improvements over decades, the assembly line has become the highly efficient primary mode of manufacturing in a wide range of industries and it has changed the way we live and work forever.

Electronic Components Market Update

Unfortunately, there is still no end in sight to the electronic component shortage, and some lead-times are being quoted with 2019 and even 2020 delivery dates! So if you are working with an EMS provider, it remains vital that you communicate and share forecast information with them. You may also want to start looking at the option of fitting, or designing in, smaller components to your PCB assemblies.

RTW NEPCON South China: SEHO Discusses New Production Facility in South Korea

Andreas Reinhardt, R&D director at SEHO Systems GmbH, speaks about their new production facility in South Korea, which aims to address the growing lead times in their supply chain. He also talks about how emerging technologies such as more and more sensors and connections, big data, and cloud computing are impacting the electronics assembly industry.

XR Update: Emerging Realities

The rate of advance in the use of XR—the term now being used to cover AR (augmented reality), VR (virtual reality), and MR (mixed reality)—in many areas, along with advances in the hardware and network capability supporting the use of XR, is accelerating. And because things are moving so quickly, here's a quick review and an update on recent developments in this field.
Subscribe | Magazines | RealTime with | JobConnect007 | Education | Webinars
Copyright © I-Connect007 | IPC Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved. Log in