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

Reading time ( words)

This week, the IPC APEX EXPO event has cast a long shadow across the news feeds. No, that’s not the right metaphor. No, not a shadow; shadows are dark. It would be more accurate to say IPC APEX EXPO cast a beam of illumination upon the news feeds for the electronics manufacturing industry. To that end, the APEX EXPO news makes a prominent appearance in this week’s editor’s picks.

If there is a theme to this week’s selections, it’s resources. Content, a new careers website, a new magazine launch, and an introduction to flexible circuit assembly processes. On a more somber note, we also wish to make everyone aware of the passing of Jack Fisher, an icon of this industry.

In mid-February, look for our “Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2023 Show & Tell” special edition magazine to find out about all the events and news from the annual trade show. 

Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2023
Published January 25

Okay, okay. Maybe this is a bit of a cheat, but it’s my turn to curate this list and I think that the entire body of show floor video interviews is must-see content for the industry. We showcase industry leaders, strategists, business units, and award-winning technical papers. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your professional role, there is useful information amongst the 60 or so interviews here for you.

IPC Education Foundation Announces New Website Launch 
Published January 24

The electronics manufacturing industry offers a wide range of career opportunities for all levels of education and experience. To make career searches easier, the IPC Education Foundation (IPCEF) launched a new, industry-focused career website www.careersinelectronics.com.

The interactive website features a variety of career profiles associated with the electronics manufacturing industry, including job descriptions, typical skills needed, estimated salary ranges, and videos of individuals working in electronics manufacturing careers to provide detailed information on specific jobs. These resources should be useful to job seekers and hiring teams as well. 

IPC Debuts First Issue of IPC Community at IPC APEX EXPO 2023 
Published January 24

IPC, in partnership with IPC Publishing Group, launched an industry-specific quarterly publication, including a digital publication with a special print edition for show participants, “IPC Community.” The publication, led by I-Connect007 managing editor Michelle Te, celebrates member success while sharing the important work being done within the association to better serve its members and the global electronics manufacturing community.

Launched at the recent IPC APEX EXPO, Community contains news and information to help readers be more competitive and profitable. The debut issue provides information on manufacturing and management best practices and solutions, emerging technologies, IPC standards, government relations issues, industry intelligence, advanced packaging, sustainability regional office updates, and more. Look for this magazine quarterly.

Designers Notebook: Flexible Circuits for In-line SMT Assembly Processing 
Published January 20

I-Connect007 columnist Vern Solberg explains how flexible circuits move through the assembly line. With flex circuits on the rise in certain applications, you may be finding yourself starting to work with this material. Solberg’s column can help you sort your understanding of flex circuit assembly. 

In Memoriam: Jack Fisher Remembered 
Published January 24

The electronics manufacturing industry lost an icon when Jack Fisher passed away January 20, 2023. Jack began his career in the printed circuit board and electronics manufacturing industry with IBM in 1965. In 1994, Fisher retired from IBM and accepted the position of chief technology officer of the newly formed Interconnect Technology Research Institute (ITRI), which advocated industry research and development. During his five years with ITRI, the consortium published 10 technology reports on significant issues, many of which are still referenced today. A few of us collaborated with Jack over the years, and he’ll be missed.

03/24/2023 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007

It’s almost as if upheaval is the new normal. We often describe slow-moving but unstoppable change as moving in “geologic time.” But occasionally–like an earthquake–geology shifts suddenly. Here in my office, tracking the news of the industry, things are moving faster than geologic time, but more slowly than the jolt of an earthquake. The wave seems almost surfable, where before it seemed overwhelming. In this week’s list, we bring news from five different, high-vibration areas in our industry. If you read nothing else this week, these five items will keep you informed.

03/21/2023 | Christopher Bonsell, Chemcut

This year, I had the great opportunity to come to IPC APEX EXPO in San Diego as a contributing member in Chemcut’s booth. Being an exhibitor is always interesting because you never know what you will learn or who you will meet. Truly, it seems that every IPC APEX EXPO is an eye-opening experience. This was the second show I attended, and last year I was amazed to see how in-depth and interconnected the electronics industry is. Seeing how many different companies contribute to manufacturing today’s core technology never fails to impress me.

02/24/2023 | Patty Goldman, I-Connect007

Coreen Blaylock, recipient of the IPC Excellence in Education Award, is project management and ping operations at Lockheed Martin. She shares her unconventional introduction to the industry and how her work in STEM education and building industry partnerships has been instrumental in reinvigorating the manufacturing workforce. Lockheed Martin’s commitment to continuous education has provided veterans and displaced workers the training and financial support they need to be successful in our exciting industry.