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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?

IPC’s Call to Action for the EU Competitiveness Compass

The European Union Competitiveness Compass is a strategic roadmap adopted by the European Commission to guide priorities for the next five years. In this interview, Alison James, IPC senior director of Europe government relations, explains how IPC has been proactive in aligning with the roadmap by conducting a study and organizing an electronics industry Call for Action that highlights the need to bolster Europe’s electronics manufacturing base and reduce regulatory and administrative burdens.

New Youth Books Address the Manufacturing Awareness Gap

Mike Nager is a recognized Industry 4.0 thought leader who works to get more STEM learning environments into high schools and colleges. He’s an award-winning author who has written three books on manufacturing for the young audience. Mike is addressing the reality that waiting to create awareness and interest in electronics manufacturing until future workers are young adults is too little, too late.

Networking and Growth: Highlights from the IPC Emerging Engineer Reception

It was my first day in Anaheim for IPC APEX EXPO, and I arrived at John Wayne airport on Saturday to cool and sunny weather, which, coming from Arizona, is my favorite. The show starts with technical and standards work over the weekend as we prep for the show floor opening in the days to come. Exhibitors and union workers get busy building the impressive booths that make up the exhibition, which started on Tuesday and saw a steady flow of attendees all day long.

IPC APEX EXPO 2025: And So It Begins

The IPC APEX EXPO 2025 show floor opens today, but technical, educational, and, of course, standards committee work has been underway during the preceding weekend. In typical spring fashion, the weather has vacillated between sunny and warm to a spot of rain late on Monday afternoon just as many conference goers were headed back to their nearby hotels.

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.

Standards Driving Factory of the Future

Thomas Marktscheffel, product manager for ASMPT’s software portfolio, has been deeply involved with IPC committee and standards work for many years. He chairs the IPC HERMES-9852 standard committee and is involved in the evolving DCX standard.

IMAPS and DPC: 21 Years of Elevating Technical Knowledge

The IMAPS 21st Device Packaging Conference (DPC) may have taken place at a conference center located down an idyllic desert road showcasing the best of what native Arizona has to offer, but the topics at this conference were anything but laid-back. This important platform for professionals in microelectronics and advanced packaging set the stage for a technology in high demand. Brian Schieman, IMAPS executive director, says the show was organized to demonstrate their commitment to addressing current technological trends and with significant energy directed toward fostering connections within the supply chain.

IPC Asia’s Talent Development Program Opens Pathways to a More Qualified Workforce

In Asia, the contradiction between the rapid development of the electronics manufacturing industry and the shortage of talent is particularly evident. The existing talent pool cannot fully meet the market's demand for highly skilled professionals. According to feedback from industry companies, there is an urgent need for professionals with knowledge of IPC standards and practical skills in electronics. However, the reality is that most academic courses are disconnected from the actual needs of the industry, leading to disappointing results when companies recruit from universities and schools.

IPC Releases Latest List of Standards and 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 Q1 2025.

Gathering Around the EMS Table

When I entered the EMS provider industry 30 years ago, I attended some early IPC EMS management meetings. While I enjoyed the planned presentations, I especially valued the roundtable discussions with other industry peers. They not only provided an excellent opportunity to foster new relationships but also allowed me to listen to others facing similar challenges, who often addressed them in innovative ways that I could benefit from.

IPC Global Standards Driving Factory of the Future

Factory of the Future represents a revolutionary shift in electronics manufacturing, aligning the industry's processes with the demands of efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. With challenges such as rapid product lifecycles, stringent quality requirements, and increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility, stakeholders across the supply chain—OEMs, EMS providers, and PCB manufacturers—face mounting pressure to modernize their operations.

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?

Roadmapping Sustainability: Paving the way for Eco-friendly Electronics

In light of ongoing climate challenges, the electronics industry is poised for a transformative shift driven by heightened consumer and corporate awareness of sustainable practices and circularity. iNEMI (International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative) enlisted the help of the electronics industry to roadmap that transformation in electronics manufacturing. This article provides an overview of the resulting sustainable electronics roadmap and how to get involved.

IMAPS’ Annual Conference Opener in Phoenix ‘Blew My Mind’

It was a cool and sunny morning as I headed out to the IMAPS Device Packaging Conference 2025 in Arizona early Tuesday, which featured two compelling keynote speakers, and a day chocked full of technical sessions. IMAPS 2025 also hosted a sold-out exhibit hall with 65 exhibitors from IBM and Heraeus to Cadence and KYZEN, to name just a few. The technology and packaging discussions at this conference blew my mind last year, and it is clear this year would be no different.

Driving Growth and Transforming the EMS Industry

With IPC APEX EXPO 2025 just a few weeks away, industry veterans Jack Calderon and Chaim Lubin of Lincoln International speak about the transformative power of what they have dubbed the Electronics Super-Cycle. Jack and Chaim will be presenters at the EMS Leadership Summit on March 17, discussing the sustained growth trajectory of the EMS provider industry, driven by relentless demand for electronics in everyday life.

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: Mycronic’s Turnkey Solutions Strategy Paying Off

Kevin Clue discusses Mycronic’s growth in 2024, as well as recent advancements in automatic optical inspection (AOI) technology. He outlines the new products to be showcased at IPC APEX EXPO, and emphasizes the value of a full turnkey manufacturing solution, while teasing some new products as well.

Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Improve Stencil Printing and Maximize Yields with KYZEN

Adam Klett, director of science at KYZEN, details the technical topics showcased at KYZEN’s booth, and shares insight into the technical presentations KYZEN is scheduled to deliver at the Technical Conference. Adam says that stencil cleaning is becoming an increasingly important step, necessitating new cleaners and methods. He also teases the new functionality available in KYZEN’s Analyst 2 monitoring system, and talks about KYZEN’s active participation in the Technical Conference.

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.

Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Navigating Aerospace Training Trends With Blackfox

Sharon Montana-Beard, Blackfox Training’s vice president of international and strategic sales, updates Nolan Johnson on the latest training demands and offerings from Blackfox.

IPC Resources: Working for Your Company

As a global industry-driven organization, IPC exists to help its member-companies and the electronics industry innovate, compete, and succeed. By being the hub of knowledge, IPC provides standards, training and certification, industry intelligence, education, and public policy advocacy to help our industry achieve its goals.

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.

The Resurgence of European PCB Manufacturing: A Strategic Advantage

The global electronics landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Driven by a confluence of factors, including geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, and a growing emphasis on agility and localized production, a renewed focus on European PCB manufacturing is emerging. This resurgence is not merely a trend; it represents a strategic advantage for companies seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern electronics market with multiple sourcing options, outside of China.

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.

Revolutionizing Supply Chain: The Cofactr Solution

Cofactr was co-founded by Phillip Gulley and Matthew Haber, originally as a small PCB assembly house. Recognizing a greater need, they transformed Cofactr into a supply chain execution platform that automates and optimizes manufacturing processes. The company integrates early design data with supply chain information to identify potential issues, provide risk abatement, and streamline procurement. I met with Phillip at DesignCon and asked him to walk me through the company’s background. He explained how Cofactr helps companies ensure compliance and achieve efficient material management, allowing engineering teams to focus on design rather than logistics. 

Are Domestic Assemblers Ready for the Next Level of Electronics Miniaturization?

UHDI technology is more than another evolutionary level of miniaturization. It’s a fundamental change in how we create circuit boards, on a scale potentially as impactful as the transition from through-hole to surface mount was 40 years ago. 

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.”

J.A.M.E.S. Explores the Future of Additive Manufactured Electronics

Andreas Salomon is chief scientist at J.A.M.E.S, a joint venture of Nano Dimension and HENSOLD. In this interview he discusses the evolving landscape of additively manufactured electronics, highlighting the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as micro-dispensing and ink jetting. These technologies enhance capabilities in signal integrity and miniaturization. He also talks about the importance of sustainability, the need for standardized testing, and collaboration among industry leaders that will drive innovation and transform the future of electronics manufacturing through IPC’s standards development.

SMTA Provides Financial and Mentorship Support for Students of Manufacturing

The shortage of skilled workers in the electronics manufacturing is one of today’s most pressing issues. (Check out the January 2025 issue of PCB007 Magazine for more on this topic.) So, it was not surprising that the topic of workforce was present at DesignCon this year as well. During the show, I spoke with Saniya Pilgaonkar, manager of SMTA membership services, who provided information on not one, but two SMTA scholarships/grants.

A Fresh Perspective: Checking in With IPC Student Board Member Waad Tarman

Waad Tarman is the current IPC Student Board Member and incoming president of the IPC Student Chapter at Auburn University. She has an impressive background as a second-year Ph.D. student and dedicated research assistant at Auburn University’s Electronics Manufacturing and Reliability Laboratory within the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department.

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.”

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.

The Secret Value of Committee Work

Teresa Rowe leads the standards and practices at IPC, and in this conversation delves into the nuts and bolts of getting involved in standards development. It’s a commitment of time that’s well worth the effort, she says, because you learn not only how a standard comes to light, but why and how dissenting opinions are purposely left out. You’ll come away from this discussion feeling comfortable about how you can get involved and why it will make a difference for your company. For those passionate about advancing their careers and contributing to industry standards, Teresa’s insights make a compelling case for getting involved.

iNEMI Shares Resources With Industry

Since 1996, iNEMI has provided a forum in which its members can leverage their expertise, manpower, and research resources to identify industry needs and efficiently enable new technology development and deployment for high-volume manufacturing.

Delivering on a Promise: Mid-America Taping and Reeling Outpacing the Competition

A motto on the conference wall at Mid-America Taping and Reeling, “Promise only what you can deliver and then deliver more than you promised,” has led Barbara Pauls from the has led from starting her business in her parent's basement to a thriving company with locations in Illinois and Florida and 75 employees.

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.

Siti's Recipe for Success: Siti Wahab's Thriving EMS Business in Malaysia

Siti Padillah Binti Abdul Wahab has a simple recipe for success: Believe in yourself, pursue knowledge and experience, embrace challenges, and build a support network as you aim for leadership roles. As one of just a handful of women in leadership roles in the EMS industry in Malaysia, she also advocates for inclusivity and takes time to celebrate her achievements.

SMTA Chapters: A Bold, New Direction

Since joining SMTA as director of chapter relations about seven months ago, Alicia Yao has had some immediate and definite impact. Her background includes management in the luxury product retail space which, if one reflects on it, provides philosophical parallels to customer relationship building in electronics assembly.

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.

SMTA UHDI Symposium 2025, Part 2: State of the Art

A group of about 50 attended the second annual SMTA Ultra High Density Interconnect Symposium on Jan. 23, 2025. After a morning of technical presentations on challenges and solutions regarding UHDI technology, we gathered for a delicious Mexican buffet lunch and some networking before reconvening for an afternoon of more technical topics.

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.

SMTA UHDI Symposium 2025, Part 1: Challenges and Solutions

SMTA hosted its second annual Ultra High Density Interconnect Symposium, a conference on cutting-edge PCB technology, on Jan. 23, 2025, at the Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona. A highly pro-business state with a special affection for the tech sector, Arizona is home to the biggest Intel semiconductor fab in the United States and the new TSMC chip fab. With an intimate group of approximately 50 attendees, the SMTA event offered a great forum for learning, interactive discussion, and networking.

Mind Meld: Brian Chislea and AJ Arriaga Share Their Fascinating Experience in IPC's Mentorship Program

IPC’s Emerging Engineer program provides professionals an opportunity early in their careers to learn from dedicated industry volunteers participating in standards development. Two participants in the program—Brian Chislea, Dow Chemical, mentor to AJ Arriaga, Summit Interconnect—share their experiences in the program in a series of articles. We will follow them through their three years in the mentorship. This is the first in the series.

Harnessing Knowledge: A New IPC Course Now Available

Didem Üstün is a mechanical engineer and subject matter expert about military cable design who’s now teaching a wire harness and semiconductor course through IPC. Here, she and Kel Allen, IPCs online instructor-led training manager, discuss the mechanics of the course and why you should consider taking it—especially if you have limited knowledge of wire harness.

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.

Tariffs and Trade Wars: What to Expect in 2025

James Kim is an international trade lawyer at ArentFox Schiff who keeps his thumb on the pulse of customs enforcement and import compliance. With a new administration taking over just days from now, James weighs in on the potential risks of international tariffs, some possible workarounds, and why this topic should be No. 1 on your list of concerns.

Trade Tensions and Tariffs: Who Bears the Cost in These Shifting Trade Patterns?

During his 2024 presidential campaign, President Donald Trump suggested imposing a universal tariff of at least 10% on all imports, as well as a 60% tariff on goods originating from China. More recently, he proposed implementing blanket tariffs of 25% on all products imported from Canada and Mexico and adding a further 10% tariff to all existing duties on Chinese imports.

Meet Diana Radovan, IPC’s Global Sustainability Policy and Advocacy Lead

Dr. Diana Radovan joined IPC in August 2024 as the advocacy lead for sustainability policy, a role that requires awareness of global policy activities. From the IPC Munich office, Diana has been busy working as a policy analyst with Dr. Kelly Scanlon, IPC lead sustainability strategist. In this interview, she shares her background, her role at IPC, and what she wants to accomplish for the benefit of our industry.

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

We’re even more committed to being your best source for industry news and tips and tricks of the trade. To that end, I’m sharing my favorite news items of the week. They range from reports on quarterly earnings to Dan Feinberg’s coverage of CES and some harsh reality from marketing expert Dan Beaulieu. If you missed it on Monday, be sure to read it again here. It’s well worth your time.

Upcoming SMTA UHDI Symposium: Shortening the Learning Curve

SMTA’s second annual UHDI Symposium on Jan. 23 in Phoenix will highlight groundbreaking discussions on UHDI assembly test board, innovative electronic inks, process controls, and signal integrity solutions. Organizer Tara Dunn talks about the importance of the event and how she prepared presentations and discussions that would appeal to fabricators, assemblers, and designers. This event will shorten your learning curve and spark new ideas that push the boundaries of hardware electronics manufacturing. There’s still time to register.

Hot Off the Press: Explore the New Issue of IPC Community

The latest digital copy of IPC Community is now ready to view. Each quarter, IPC Community provides exclusive interviews and practical tips on what’s happening with IPC and its members. Find stories on IPC student leadership, successful women in business, the trouble with tariffs, the inside workings on an IPC mentorship duo, standards updates, and so much more.

Ensuring Compliance With the U.S. CHIPS Act: Identifying the Source of Electronic Components

The U.S. CHIPS Act aims to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing and enhance supply chain security. As part of this initiative, manufacturers must ensure compliance with specific regulations regarding the sourcing of electronic components. This white paper provides an overview of the compliance requirements, relevant laws and standards, and introduces innovative technological solutions to verify the provenance of electronic components.

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

In the past couple of weeks, we’ve had some big industry news. In the automotive world, Honda and Nissan merged to form the largest car manufacturer in Japan. Before President Biden left office, he made sure to distribute more CHIPS Act money to bring some measure of electronics manufacturing back to the U.S. And former President Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100 and was honored on Thursday, reminding us all what true integrity looks like. 

EMS Providers Should ‘Plan Prudently’ in 2025

Dennis Reed is a senior research analyst who specializes in electronics manufacturing at Edgewater Research, a leading research and market intelligence firm covering a mix of compute—CPU, GPU, memory, both flash and DRAM, and hard drive—and insights on components which includes broad line semiconductor, IP&E distribution, and channels.
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