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Current IssueThe Growing Industry
In this issue of PCB007 Magazine, we talk with leading economic experts, advocacy specialists in Washington, D.C., and PCB company leadership to get a well-rounded picture of what’s happening in the industry today. Don’t miss it.
The Sustainability Issue
Sustainability is one of the most widely used terms in business today, especially for electronics and manufacturing but what does it mean to you? We explore the environmental, business, and economic impacts.
The Fabricator’s Guide to IPC APEX EXPO
This issue previews many of the important events taking place at this year's show and highlights some changes and opportunities. So, buckle up. We are counting down to IPC APEX EXPO 2024.
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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
February 24, 2023 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
My weekly recommendations are tailor-made to help you understand and prioritize what we see as the biggest news of the week. How do we go about making those selections? I’d like to say it’s a well-guarded secret with a patent pending, but that’s not exactly true. Instead, we use our intuition and knowledge of the industry, backed up by the data we track. I like to think, though, that we follow a feeling. We often can sense a theme in what our readers are responding to, and we follow it. As I mentioned, sometimes those numbers are simply data-driven, but other times we pick up on the subtle clues. We think we have a good handle of what’s on your minds.
This week, I used my super sleuthing skills to select news and articles that are both driven by numbers and themes. Let’s see if my selection matches up with yours. We know our readers are opening our daily and weekly newsletters, scanning the important news of the day. The numbers tell me that. But it’s the content within those clicks that help me lock in on a clear line of thought. This week, the topic of the week: investments.
It's hard to get around our extensive coverage of IPC APEX EXPO, of course (with good reason). Suffice it to say, our comprehensive, exclusive coverage of the show through our annual Show & Tell Magazine was eagerly anticipated. If you haven’t downloaded your copy, I’m conveniently providing the link here.
APCT Completes the Acquisition and Merger with Advanced Circuits
Published February 17
Advanced Circuits, Inc., has been a high profile supplier of bare boards with a strong e-commerce model. Previously, Advanced Circuits was owned by a private equity firm; this shift in ownership to a PCB manufacturer with a reputation as a source for both U.S.-based and overseas manufacturing, will be interesting to track over time.
Elna PCB Deepens Root in Penang With RM1 Billion Expansion Plan
Published February 20
Malaysian-based Elna PCB Sdn Bhd makes the claim to be “one of the key PCB players in Penang.” Speaking at the groundbreaking, the Chief Minister of Penang, the Right Honorable Mr. Chow Kon Yeow, “attested Penang as a sustainable location for investment.” Greater Asia is expected to invest in order to take advantage of the adjusting global supply chain channels. Elna certainly seems to be using that strategy. Read more here.
Libra Industries Guaymas, Mexico Plant Expands Sheet Metal Vertical Integration Capacity
Published February 21
Malaysia isn’t the only region investing in capacity. Libra Industries is expanding in Guaymas, Mexico as well. Libra’s expansion is interesting because, while Libra is an EMS company, the new facility targets high mix sheet metal fabrication and powder coating–critical for supporting a full box-build solution. See what Libra is up to.
Northrop Grumman to Manufacture U.S. Marine Corps Next Generation Handheld Targeting System
Published February 21
I really enjoyed this news item, but then I’m a gear nerd just like most of us. And this one has high cool factor if you like laser and optics applications. From the article, “NGHTS performs rapid target acquisition, laser terminal guidance operation and laser spot imaging functions using its advanced range finder and designator. With NGHTS, ground forces have the option to call in a target, transmit the precise location or use laser designation where previously the only option was to call in target coordinates on a field radio. This single, ergonomic handheld product packed with advanced targeting capabilities will enable the Marines to quickly acquire and perform guidance against targets and generate target location data during combat operations.” See what I mean? Read it here.
U.S. Department of Commerce Announces CHIPS for America Leaders and Staff
Published February 17
This announcement is about the individuals who will be the “leaders and staff joining the CHIPS for America team who will play key roles implementing the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act’s historic investments in the semiconductor industry.” Team members come from such sectors as semiconductor, financial, public service, among others. Read here to see who will be on the team.
Suggested Items
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: My Role as a Technology Solutions Director
05/02/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOPeter Tranitz, senior director of technology solutions at IPC, shares insights into his role as the design initiative lead. He details his advocacy work, industry support, and the responsibilities of the design initiative committee. The conversation also covers the revamping of standards, the IPC Design Competition, and the implementation of design rules in software tools.
HQ NextPCB of HQ Electronics Debut on the International Stage for Electronics Manufacture at IPC APEX 2024
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IPC's Vision for Empowering PCB Design Engineers
04/30/2024 | Robert Erickson, IPCAs architects of innovation, printed circuit board designers are tasked with translating increasingly complex concepts into tangible designs that power our modern world. IPC provides the necessary community, standards framework, and education to prepare these pioneers as they explore the boundaries of what’s possible, equipping engineers with the knowledge, skills, and resources required to thrive in an increasingly dynamic field.
North American EMS Industry Down 4% in March
04/29/2024 | IPCIPC announced the March 2024 findings from its North American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.31.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: A Global Presence in PCB Manufacturing
04/29/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPORob DiGiovanni, VP of sales for the Americas at STARTEAM Global, discusses the company's global presence in PCB manufacturing. As he explains, the firm operates facilities across Europe, Asia, and North America, specializing in serving contract manufacturers in the automotive and medical industries. They emphasize quality and meeting OEM standards, focusing on offshore supply and non-Chinese factories in the North American market. The company has grown through acquisitions and rebranding to offer multiple products.