Reading time ( words)
It’s almost summer, and I’m glad the cold weather is gone. It’s time for the middle-aged men of the world to don their Hawaiian shirts once again!
But it doesn’t look like there’s much of a summer vacation afoot for this industry. In the past week, we saw lots of traction with our coverage of everything from M&A activity and the supply chain shortage to challenges facing PCB designers, Spanish language training courses, and designing for semi-additive processes.
We’re getting somewhat back to normal, with managers of DesignCon and SMTA International promising that these will be live, in-person events this year. Let’s hold a good thought. I’m ready to travel again. I’ll never complain about back-to-back trade shows again!
Medical, Defense Face Shortage of Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors
Published May 19
The capacitor shortage continues to be a major problem for manufacturers of everything from medical devices to Ford F-150 pickup trucks. In this article, freelance writer Stephen Armstrong explains why the lack of high-voltage multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) is hitting the industrial, medical, and military segments especially hard.
The Bare (Board) Truth: My Top Six Design Challenges
Published May 19
Columnist Mark Thompson spent most of his career in the CAM chair, but now he’s on the other side of the desk, working as a PCB designer. With that in mind, we asked Mark to discuss his six top design challenges, and he was happy to oblige. The number one problem? Being forced to read his customers’ minds. Check it out.
Joe D’Ambrisi Discusses MacDermid Alpha Acquisition of HK Wentworth
Published May 17
MacDermid Alpha made news recently with its acquisition of HK Wentworth, parent company of Electrolube and AF International. In this interview with Nolan Johnson, Element Solutions Executive VP Joe D’Ambrisi explains why this is such a complementary move, and where the company is headed in the next few years.
PCB Talk: Pin-Out Challenge—Re-think the Solution
Published May 18
Semi-additive PCB processes offer manufacturers the ability to fabricate far finer features (say that three times fast) than traditional subtractive processes. But what are the implications for the PCB designer? In this column, Tara Dunn asked design instructor Cheri Litson of Litson1 Consulting to share her thoughts on designing for semi-additive fabrication, and the need for new technology in our industry.
SMTA Provides Spanish Language Support for Online Assembly Process Training
Published May 20
Si! SMTA now offers Spanish and English captions for most of its 101-level training courses on assembly processes. One intro course in stencil printing has been completely translated, with narration by Sergio Chavez of the SMTA Mexico-Querétaro Chapter. Assembly providers continue to expand their footprint in Mexico, so we can expect to see more training offered in Espanol.
