Marcy's Musings

April 16, 2024

Marcy's Musings: The Growing Industry

After decades of steady decline in the U.S. and Europe, the PCB industry is finally growing, especially in China Plus One countries. The U.S. for example, which seemed to have abdicated its title as the world leader in innovating high-technology cutting-edge manufacturing processes, is now in a race to regain what it lost and then some. The PCB fabrication industry is growing in the West, thanks to DoD funding, the CHIPS and Science Act, and hopefully, the passing of HR 3249, the Printed Circuit Board and Substrates Act.

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March 21, 2024

Marcy’s Musings: The Many Facets of Sustainability

"We don't need to have a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need a million people doing it imperfectly." —Anne Marie Bonneau (Zero Waste Chef) I borrowed this quote from the world of cooking and online influencers because it speaks to the reality of how to make a real and continuous impact when large-scale change is ultimately needed. We’re all doing things to further economic and environmental sustainability within our organizations, and we’re likely operating on a spectrum that ranges from doing nothing to doing it all perfectly.

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February 18, 2024

Marcy’s Musings: Countdown—The Fabricator’s Guide to IPC APEX EXPO

Like any great tech industry event, IPC APEX EXPO pushes us out of our busy 24/7 manufacturing bubbles. It forces us to pay attention to things that are important but not always present in our day-to-day lives. But there is so much to see and do. This issue of PCB007 Magazine previews many of the important events taking place at the show this year and highlights some changes and opportunities. Let us help you map out your show plan. This issue is focused on the PCB fabricator’s show experience and how you can get the most from your valuable time and investment in attending the show. So, buckle up. We are counting down to IPC APEX EXPO 2024.

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