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

IPC APEX EXPO has wrapped up another successful year, and the 25th anniversary proved to be another great event with record attendance, a robust technical conference, and interesting professional development tracks. In addition, dozens of standards development committees were in session, and we look forward to what comes of those. Can we get some virtual applause for our 100% volunteer standards committee members?

Gold as a Key Component in PCBs and IC Substrates

Gold has long been a cornerstone in the electronics industry, particularly in the surface finishing of PCBs and IC substrates. It provides essential surface protection while enabling various assembling techniques, such as soldering connections and wire bonding, using aluminum, gold, or copper wires.

Paige Fiet: From Emerging Engineer to Quality at TTM

Paige Fiet is a graduate of the IPC Emerging Engineer program and now works at TTM Technologies in Logan, Utah. She was an IPC Student Board Member and has been a columnist for I-Connect007. She is a stellar example and an encouragement to other young engineers about how to be successful in your early career.

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

Inside the industry, it feels like we’re getting ready for a big party holiday, and I’m feeling the whole Mardi Gras vibe. This weekend, IPC APEX EXPO kicks off with standards development committees and the Technical Conference before the Expo starts on March 18. We’ll be sneaking out of our network of evil lairs scattered around North America and convening at the I-Connect007 booth in the middle of the Anaheim Convention Center. Be sure to stop by and say hello.

IPC Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Denny Fritz

This month, the Hall of Fame spotlight features Denny Fritz, a long-time friend and associate of mine. Denny first got involved with IPC in 1978 while working with MacDermid. His first efforts were with the various board fabrication committees, something he believes helped lead to his eventual Hall of Fame award.

Paige Fiet: From Emerging Engineer to Quality at TTM

Paige Fiet is a graduate of the IPC Emerging Engineer program and now works at TTM Technologies in Logan, Utah. She was an IPC Student Board Member and has been a columnist for I-Connect007. She is a stellar example and an encouragement to other young engineers about how to be successful in your early career.

ICT Spring Seminar: Nickel Not Welcome Here

After a miserable, dull, and damp English winter, a really pleasant nearly spring day with the sun shining and daffodils in bloom greeted delegates to the Institute of Circuit Technology Spring Seminar at Puckrup Hall near Tewkesbury, March 5, in Gloucestershire, UK.

Hannah Nelson: The Inspiring Journey of an Emerging Engineer

At last year’s IPC APEX EXPO, former IPC Emerging Engineer Hannah Nelson had the opportunity to reflect on her inspiring journey into the world of engineering, from her education at Valparaiso University to her internship and her first job at Texas Instruments. From pivotal moments and the unexpected turns that helped shape her early career and passion for electrical engineering, her story highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, taking opportunities that arise early on, finding confidence in one's voice, and the rewards of pursuing one's passions within the engineering field.

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

It’s been a busy week. My must-reads include articles and news items on global trends and challenges, groundbreaking technology, the hunt for the elusive young PCB designers, and some personnel changes. We also have a great column on the value of following up and keeping promises. We’re all guilty of “dropping the ball” from time to time, aren’t we?

Imagine the Possibilities: Tech Conference 2025

As we approach the 25th anniversary of IPC APEX EXPO, excitement buzzes around the annual Technical Program. Coming off a tremendously successful program in 2024—co-hosted with ECWC16 and with a significant global presence—organizers wanted to match that same level of engagement. In this interview, Stan Rak of SF Rak Company and Udo Welzel of Robert Bosch Mobility Electronics, co-chairs of the Technical Program Committee (TPC), highlight efforts of the volunteer committee to bring another quality technical program to life.

Empowering Women in Electronics: An Evening of Connection and Inspiration

The Women in Electronics Reception at IPC APEX EXPO on Tuesday, March 19, from 6–7:30 p.m., promises to be an evening of inspiration, camaraderie, and empowerment. With the theme “Eagerly Empowering Worn-Out Professionals with Humor, Hindsight, and Hallelujahs,” the event aims to rejuvenate and energize professionals in the electronics industry, a sector where women are underrepresented yet make invaluable contributions.

Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Technica’s Exciting Plans for 2025

Technica is celebrating 40 years as a supplier and distributor to the PCB and assembly industries. In this interview, Jason Perry discusses the company's busy preparations for this year’s show.

Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Schmoll America Showcasing Four Advanced Machines

In an expansive booth, Schmoll America is showcasing three advanced Schmoll machines and one from Impex, its partner company. Kurt emphasizes Schmoll's commitment to growth and excellence as Schmoll America approaches its first anniversary. Stop by booth 4123 to see the action.

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.”
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