-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
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.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
The Future of Computer-Integrated Manufacturing in the PCB Industry
May 9, 2016 | Pete Starkey, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Liu: Well, I think that really depends on what kind of investment the customer wants to make. I would say for high-end manufacturers, like some or our Korean and Taiwanese customers, that they are really eager to introduce this system. For these customers, we started two years ago and some of them have already integrated whole areas. There is even one flexible manufacturer in Taiwan who runs the whole factory.
But we're actually facing a big problem at this moment because all the equipment suppliers are using different formats of language. So for us, it's very difficult to connect each other into one. Especially the big players of equipment, they are not willing to open their source code to us, and this causes a barrier. So, if you're asking for a time frame, I would say from now we can do it, but it all depends on the other suppliers cooperating.
Starkey: I am sure that if they have a good vision of the future all the major equipment manufacturers will be happy to cooperate, because if they don't cooperate, in the longer term they will be left out of the game.
Liu: Yes, correct. It also depends on what kind of organizations show support. Right now in Taiwan, the TPCA are really supporting this idea. They are promoting that equipment from the Taiwan market is unified on the same platform first.
So this is a good start: to talk to the customer, especially in this area, and say "Hey, we've got an association in the background and we're going to support this kind of idea." It doesn't have to be months but we are inviting all the language platforms to cooperate. It will benefit all the players in this area and I think that this is a good approach.
Starkey: Yes, I can see how the trade associations can be a major force in encouraging all of this cooperation in the future.
Liu: The other incentive is the physical cost saving. Feedback from customers we have already introduced is that there is a real saving in labor cost, especially as labor cost is getting higher and higher. We always make a joke, “If you control by computing, the computers don't have emotional problems. They don't slow down because they broke off their relationship. They don't slow down because they are hungry. They don't need to go to the toilet.” It's also really good to bring everything to a constant, and for the engineer, that's my dream come true. I joined this industry, starting as an engineer, 25 years ago. I agree with how you described the way it was in the past, but now I think my dream will come true because everything will be controlled by computing. So everyone can reach the same quality, and I think that's the biggest thing.
Starkey: Well, Alex, that's been a very interesting conversation.
Liu: Thank you very much, Pete.
Starkey: Thank you very much.
Page 2 of 2Suggested Items
The Chemical Connection: Reducing Etch System Water Usage, Part 2
05/02/2024 | Don Ball -- Column: The Chemical ConnectionIn my last column, I reviewed some relatively simple ways to reduce water usage in existing etch systems: cutting down cooling coil water flow, adding chillers to replace plant water for cooling, lowering flow rate nozzles for rinses, etc. This month, I’ll continue with more ways to control water usage in your etcher. Most of these are not easily retrofittable to existing equipment but should be given serious consideration when new equipment is contemplated. With the right combination of add-ons, it is possible to bring the amount of water used in an etch system to almost zero.
Designer’s Notebook: What Designers Need to Know About Manufacturing, Part 2
04/24/2024 | Vern Solberg -- Column: Designer's NotebookThe printed circuit board (PCB) is the primary base element for providing the interconnect platform for mounting and electrically joining electronic components. When assessing PCB design complexity, first consider the component area and board area ratio. If the surface area for the component interface is restricted, it may justify adopting multilayer or multilayer sequential buildup (SBU) PCB fabrication to enable a more efficient sub-surface circuit interconnect.
Insulectro’s 'Storekeepers' Extend Their Welcome to Technology Village at IPC APEX EXPO
04/03/2024 | InsulectroInsulectro, the largest distributor of materials for use in the manufacture of PCBs and printed electronics, welcomes attendees to its TECHNOLOGY VILLAGE during this year’s IPC APEX EXPO at the Anaheim Convention Center, April 9-11, 2024.
ENNOVI Introduces a New Flexible Circuit Production Process for Low Voltage Connectivity in EV Battery Cell Contacting Systems
04/03/2024 | PRNewswireENNOVI, a mobility electrification solutions partner, introduces a more advanced and sustainable way of producing flexible circuits for low voltage signals in electric vehicle (EV) battery cell contacting systems.
Heavy Copper PCBs: Bridging the Gap Between Design and Fabrication, Part 1
04/01/2024 | Yash Sutariya, Saturn Electronics ServicesThey call me Sparky. This is due to my talent for getting shocked by a variety of voltages and because I cannot seem to keep my hands out of power control cabinets. While I do not have the time to throw the knife switch to the off position, that doesn’t stop me from sticking screwdrivers into the fuse boxes. In all honesty, I’m lucky to be alive. Fortunately, I also have a talent for building high-voltage heavy copper circuit boards. Since this is where I spend most of my time, I can guide you through some potential design for manufacturability (DFM) hazards you may encounter with heavy copper design.