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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.
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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
June 24, 2022 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Market news was certainly big this week. While the U.S. stock market continues make some large swings, the PCB and PCBA are doing their own dance with the numbers. We’re still feeling the effects of the pandemic, but it seems to be more about playing catch up. Still, the industry is showing some instability, both in positive and negative ways.
Also this week, we’ve got the IPC-1402 standard now open for public review, and three key industry advocacy groups encouraging action in the U.S. Congress. Then there’s a market report on expected increases in the semiconductor market, and a market report on critical minerals. And for something a little different, we shared a reader response to a column from Dan Beaulieu about the need for changes in the principal-rep relationship. This isn’t something that going to be solved anytime soon, but it’s not for lack of trying. We know changes need to be made, and our reader—the president of his own PCB fab—has some things to say.
If you missed all this news during the week, I’m glad you’re here to catch up. I’d say it’s the perfect way to start your weekend.
IPC-1402, Standard for Green Cleaners Used in Electronics Manufacturing Now Open for Public Review
Published June 22
IPC’s draft version of IPC-1402, Standard for Green Cleaners Used in Electronics Manufacturing, is now open for public review. The draft standard has been progressing through the standards process since fall of 2021 and, despite some minor delays in the draft development timelines— delays are common during consensus-based standards development processes—the draft is now ready for public review through July 15, 2022.
Industry Groups Urge U.S. Congress to Fix Weaknesses in Electronics Supply Chain
Published June 17
Three top industry organizations (IPC, PCBAA and USPAE) last week urged U.S. Congress to support legislation that would address challenges confronting the U.S. electronics supply chain. From what we hear, the effort is paying off in some pretty big ways. More work needs to be done, but this is a great start. Read the details here.
Worldwide Semiconductor Market Expected to Increase 16.3% in 2022
Published June 17
WSTS forecasts strong chip demand for another consecutive year, with most major categories expected to see high teens year-over-year growth in 2022, led by Logic with 20.8% growth, Analog with 19.2% growth, and Memory with 18.7% growth. Optoelectronics remains the weakest category in the forecast and is expected to be roughly flat (+0.3%) year-over-year. Find the rest of the numbers here.
Siber Circuits Owner Responds to ‘Rep’ Column: Encourage Communication
Published June 17
Here at I-Connect007, it’s our goal to move industry conversation forward, without resorting to exaggeration or hyperbole to do so, of course. Simon Etherington, president and owner of Siber Circuits, felt so strongly about Dan Beaulieu’s weekly column titled “Reps Need a Better Deal, Part 2” that he put fingers to the keyboard and expressed his thoughts as a response. Beaulieu frequently writes about sales and marketing topics, particularly the relationship between the sales rep and the principal. Dan has argued that there needs to be improved communication, better language in the contracts, and a sales rep who’s eager to earn. See what Simon had to say.
Clean Energy and Critical Minerals: The Dichotomy and Divergence
Published June 17
Mining consultant Noelle Lovern reports on the challenges for critical minerals. From her report, “Nearly every technology and much of manufactured goods require mined elements. It is often said, ‘If you don’t grow it, you must mine it.’ Now more than ever, mined materials are in higher demand. The urgency to resolve the supply chain issues has been exasperated by disruptions related to COVID-19 and now the Russian invasion of Ukraine and associated sanctions. Current supply chain threats have urged USGS to add 15 commodities to the 2022 Critical Minerals List.” Like so many other parts of the supply chain, mining for minerals remains one of the most basic needs. Readers checked in on Lovern’s market reports here.
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04/19/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIEC came to the RTW booth and discussed both the legacy of IEC's past and the vision for its future. Industry veteran, Bruno Ferri highlighted his quarter-century tenure in the industry, and with IEC since its founding, still exhibiting boundless enthusiasm for the industry. Young professional and a future face of IEC, Brando Stone talked about IEC's plans going forward and his experience at this year's IPC APEX EXPO show.
Seeking Employment: Meet Parker Capers
04/18/2024 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007Parker Capers, a cybersecurity professional with a decade of experience in the SMT industry, earned a bachelor’s degree from DeVry and is CompTIA Security Plus certified. He is open to various industries but has a strong affinity for manufacturing due to extensive familiarity. Parker appreciates smaller companies where personal connections matter. Are you hiring?
SEMI Applauds CHIPS Program Office Progress to Diversify U.S. Semiconductor Industry Workforce
04/18/2024 | SEMIThe SEMI Foundation, the arm of SEMI dedicated to supporting economic opportunity for workers and the sustained growth of the microelectronics industry by creating pathways and opportunities for job seekers, applauded strides made by the CHIPS Program Office to diversify the U.S. semiconductor industry workforce and its release of the First Annual Report Regarding the Opportunities and Inclusion Activities Undertaken by the Department of Commerce.
VDMA: Machine Vision Navigating Through Uncertain Times
04/18/2024 | VDMAFor over a decade, the European machine vision industry has reported steady growth, with turnover increasing by an average of 9 percent annually between 2012 and 2022. Despite a temporary setback in 2020 (minus 4 percent) due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the industry rebounded strongly in 2021 (plus 17 percent) and 2022 (plus 11 percent).
IPC Bestows Posthumous Hall of Fame Award to Industry Icon Michael Ford
04/18/2024 | IPCIPC honored the late Michael Ford, Aegis Software, for his extraordinary contributions to the global electronics manufacturing industry with the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award at IPC APEX EXPO 2024. IPC’s most prestigious honor, the Hall of Fame Award is given to individuals who have provided exceptional service and advancement to IPC and the electronics industry. Ford, an industry leader and valued IPC volunteer, died suddenly in January 2024.