Regarding current supply chain conditions, half (50 percent) of electronics manufacturers are currently experiencing rising labor costs, with 46 percent reporting increased material costs. At the same time, ease of recruitment, profit margins, and backlogs are presently declining. Over the next six months, electronics manufacturers expect labor and material costs to remain high, although relatively stable. Profit margins and backlogs are expected to rise, with recruitment challenges continuing to persist.

In response to special questions on geopolitical risks and trade policies and tariffs affecting business operations, more than two-fifths (42 percent) of respondents are very or extremely concerned about geopolitical risks and 44 percent are concerned with trade policies and tariffs, with no significant differences by geographical regions.

Additional survey data show:

• The Demand Index increased 3.3 percent in August.
  • This rise was fueled by better, albeit still contracting, backlog, capacity utilization that shifted to expansion, and heightened order sentiment.
• Cost pressures eased slightly in August, with both the Labor Costs Index and the Material Costs Index dropping by one point.
  • Despite this decline, both indexes remain in expansionary territory, indicating that a majority of businesses continue to face cost challenges. Notably, the Labor Costs Index hit a new low for the year.
• Industry outlook Improves in August.
  • The overall industry outlook remained robust in August, although demand sentiment has cooled from earlier highs this year.

These results are based upon the findings of IPC’s Current State of Electronics Manufacturing Survey, fielded between July 18 and July 30, 2024.

Read the full report.

The post Electronics Industry Sentiment Rebounds in August After Three-Month Decline appeared first on SMT Today.

Real-time concentrations of chemistries including AQUANOX A4618 can be effectively monitored by the KYZEN Process Control System.

AQUANOX A4618 is an aqueous cleaning chemistry designed to address the challenges of cleaning the latest lead-free flux residues, including no-clean and Pb-free residues, while achieving mirrored solder finishes. A4618 has a low cost of ownership, an adjusted stabilizer, and cleans successfully at low concentrations and temperatures.

The KYZEN Process Control System controls, monitors and automatically reacts to the dynamic changes in wash concentrations allowing users to maximize high-quality output from inline cleaning systems. KYZEN has continuously improved and advanced the capabilities of the KYZEN PCS from its introduction more than 20 years ago, and it remains the only complete concentration monitoring and control system available in the world.

KYZEN proudly develops and provides chemistries to meet a variety of unique cleaning challenges while providing the tools and systems to accurately measure and control those chemistries for an effective cleaning process.

For more information, visit www.kyzen.com.

The post KYZEN to Focus on AQUANOX A4618 and Process Control at SMTA Ohio Valley Expo and Tech Forum appeared first on SMT Today.

Rodrigo Cacho founded ROCKA Solutions five years ago, transforming it into one of the fastest-growing consumable manufacturers and distributors in the electronics industry. Under his visionary leadership, ROCKA Solutions has achieved remarkable growth, becoming a key player in the market and setting new standards for innovation and customer service.

“I am incredibly honored to be recognized by SMTA and to be included among such an esteemed group of young professionals,” said Rodrigo Cacho, CEO of ROCKA Solutions. “This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of the entire ROCKA team. Together, we have built something truly special, and I am excited for the future as we continue to innovate and expand.”

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rodrigo Cacho is an enthusiastic supporter and sponsor of the SMTA. His commitment to fostering growth and development within the industry is evident through his active participation in SMTA events and initiatives. Rodrigo’s passion for the electronics manufacturing industry has earned him this well-deserved recognition.

The SMTA 40 Under 40 program celebrates the achievements of young leaders who have made significant contributions to the electronics manufacturing industry. These individuals are recognized for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing the field. The program is part of the SMTA’s 40th Anniversary celebration, highlighting the impact of emerging leaders in shaping the future of the industry.

For more information about ROCKA Solutions, visit www.rockasolutions.com.

The post ROCKA Solutions CEO Rodrigo Cacho Selected for SMTA 40 Under 40 appeared first on SMT Today.

KYZEN provides cleaning solutions for every phase of PCB production with easy-to-use and effective cleaning solutions like KYZEN E5631J and AQUANOX A4618.

KYZEN E5631J is a ready-to-use alternative to IPA for removing all types of raw solder paste from stencils in online and offline stencil cleaning processes to ensure every print counts. The proven compatibility of E5631J covers an array of common stencils, cleaning equipment and printer manufacturers.

AQUANOX A4618 is a low VOC aqueous cleaning chemistry designed to address the challenges of cleaning the latest lead-free flux residues including no-clean and Pb-free residues. A4618 is effective at lower concentrations and temperatures in addition to proving safe for multi-pass applications.

For more than 30 years, KYZEN has met unique cleaning challenges in a variety of PCB production processes by developing and providing innovative and effective chemistries like KYZEN E5631J and AQUANOX A4618.

For more information, visit www.kyzen.com.

The post KYZEN to Feature KYZEN E5631J and AQUANOX A4618 at SMTA Michigan Expo and Tech Forum appeared first on SMT Today.

NC259FPA is a zero-halogen paste engineered for precise print definition with type 6 and smaller alloy powders through stencil apertures less than 150 µm in diameter. Ideal for miniLED, microLED, die attach, micro BGA, and HDI boards, this innovative new product features excellent wetting, high transfer efficiency, high reliability, and high tack force for mass transfer.

To learn more about NC259FPA and to discover all of AIM’s products and services, visit the company at the SMTA Ohio Valley Expo & Tech Forum on August 29th, or visit www.aimsolder.com.

The post AIM to Highlight NC259FPA Ultrafine No Clean Solder Paste at SMTA Ohio Valley Expo & Tech Forum appeared first on SMT Today.

Additional presentation topics cover: safety critical electronics considerations; military, aerospace, medical, automotive, e-Mobility and other applications with specialized reliability requirements; and industry-curated content covering many different topics related to high reliability issues in PCB design, PCB fabrication materials, PCB assembly, PCBA surface reliability, emerging electronic technologies, mitigation strategies and test methods.

Speakers from the following companies include Denis Barbini, Ph.D., Zestron; Steven Dirkes, U.S. Army; Ben Gumpert, Lockheed Martin; Norbert Holle, Ph.D., Robert Bosch GmbH; Takenori Kakutani, Taiyo Ink Manufacturing; Tony Lentz, FCT Assembly; Bob Neves, Microtek Laboratories & Reliability Assessment Solutions; Tim Pearson, Collins Aerospace; Erin Tillery, NC State University; and Udo Welzel, Ph.D., Robert Bosch GmbH. View complete speaker lineup.

“The event provides a unique opportunity for those in industry who design, manufacture, or test electronics for critical applications with unique safety, reliability, and lifetime requirements to obtain the latest research on high-reliability electronics,” said Teresa Rowe, IPC senior director, assembly and standards technology. “This year, attendees will learn about the newest research and emerging trends in high-reliability electronics, hear from subject matter experts, connect with exhibitors and peers, and take advantage of several networking opportunities during the course of the two-day forum.”

IPC High Reliability Forum will be co-located with IPC Builds which is being held October 5-10, 2024, at the McKimmon Center. IPC Builds focuses on IPC standards development committee meetings and encourages industry’s contribution to the standards and guidelines that companies and their customers, suppliers, and competitors rely on. Separate registration is required.

For more information on the IPC High Reliability Forum including agenda, speaker profiles, exhibition and sponsorship information, or to register for event, visit www.ipc.org/event/high-reliability-forum. For more information on IPC Builds, visit www.ipc.org/event/ipc-builds-standards-development-committee-meetings.

The post Latest Advancements in High-Reliability Electronics Focus of 2024 IPC High Reliability Forum appeared first on SMT Today.

NC259FPA is a zero-halogen paste engineered for precise print definition with type 6 and smaller alloy powders through stencil apertures less than 150 µm in diameter. Ideal for miniLED, microLED, die attach, micro BGA, and HDI boards, this innovative new product features excellent wetting, high transfer efficiency, high reliability, and high tack force for mass transfer.

To learn more about NC259FPA and to discover all of AIM’s products and services, visit the company at the SMTA Michigan Expo & Tech Forum on August 27th, or visit www.aimsolder.com.

The post AIM to Highlight NC259FPA Ultrafine No Clean Solder Paste at SMTA Michigan Expo & Tech Forum appeared first on SMT Today.

Justin Worden’s recognition is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and contributions to both ROCKA Solutions and the broader electronics manufacturing community. Since joining ROCKA Solutions, Justin has played a pivotal role in driving ROCKA’s mission forward, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions that have significantly impacted the company’s operations and growth.

In addition to his professional achievements at ROCKA Solutions, Worden has been an active and influential figure within the SMTA community. He currently serves as the President of SMTA Austin, where he has revitalized the chapter with his dynamic leadership. Under his presidency, SMTA Austin has seen increased engagement, membership growth, and a renewed focus on industry education and networking.

Justin is active in numerous SMTA industry shows and events. His efforts in promoting the organization and its initiatives have helped to expand its reach and influence within the electronics manufacturing sector. Through his involvement, Justin has fostered valuable connections and collaborations, further enhancing the visibility and impact of SMTA.

“I am incredibly honored to be recognized as one of SMTA’s ‘40 Under 40,’” said Justin Worden. “This award is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the hard work and support of my colleagues at ROCKA Solutions and the amazing team at SMTA Austin. I look forward to what we can achieve together.”

As ROCKA Solutions continues to grow and innovate, the company is proud to have leaders like Justin. His recognition in SMTA’s “40 Under 40” program underscores the talent and dedication that drives ROCKA forward.

To learn more, visit www.rockasolutions.com.

The post ROCKA Solutions’ Justin Worden Honored in SMTA’s “40 Under 40” Program appeared first on SMT Today.

KYZEN assists PCB manufacturers in meeting the cleaning challenges within their process by providing cleaning chemistries, including solutions to effectively remove flux residues from a variety of substrates including the metal components.

AQUANOX A4639 exceptionally cleans hard to clean lead-free, rosin, and no-clean flux residues in addition to providing protection of metallic surfaces when used in single chamber batch cleaning systems. A4639 carries a low cost of ownership as it is easy to control and requires minimal monitoring and no sump-side additives.

KYZEN SLV901 is an engineered vapor degreasing solvent and de-fluxing agent for use in vapor and/or immersion cleaning phases and designed to remove an array of soils from metal substrates, including components in electronic assemblies. KYZEN SLV901 is an azeotropic mixture that is free of PFAS materials and serves as a safe, nonflammable drop-in replacement for HFE & HFC solvents.

KYZEN cleaning solutions for a variety of substrates including metal PCB components improve overall cleaning efficacy while remaining easy-to -use and cost-effective.

For more information, visit www.kyzen.com.

About KYZEN
KYZEN is a global leader in providing environmentally responsible, RoHS compliant precision cleaning chemistries for industries ranging from electronics and advanced packaging to metal finishing and aerospace applications. Since its founding in 1990, KYZEN’s innovative cleaning technologies, scientific expertise and customer support have been repeatedly recognized with the industry’s most prestigious awards. For more information, visit www.kyzen.com.

The post KYZEN to Focus on AQUANOX A4639 and KYZEN SLV901 at SMTA Long Island Expo and Tech Forum appeared first on SMT Today.

MARS System

The MARS system is a high-speed memory module AVI (Automated Visual Inspection) system, renowned for its precision and reliability even in challenging environments. Utilizing advanced image processing technology, MARS delivers accurate inspection results at remarkable speeds. Its robust design ensures consistent performance, making it an invaluable tool for memory module manufacturers looking to enhance quality control and production efficiency.

APOLLON System

For package inspection, PEMTRON offers the APOLLON system, designed to accommodate a wide range of packages including BGA, LGA, QFN, QFP, CSP, and SOP. APOLLON excels in real-time defect identification and automated reporting, which significantly enhances manufacturing efficiency and minimizes downtime. This system ensures that defects are detected and addressed promptly, thus maintaining high standards of quality throughout the packaging process.

8800WI Wafer Inspection System

PEMTRON will also showcase the 8800WI wafer inspection system, which utilizes advanced 2D and 3D imaging technologies to inspect various types of bumps, including micro bumps. The 8800WI plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing quality issues early in the semiconductor manufacturing process. Its cutting-edge imaging capabilities allow for detailed inspection, ensuring that even the smallest defects are caught and rectified.

Visitors to PEMTRON’s booth can experience live demonstrations of these cutting-edge inspection systems on monitors featuring videos of the equipment in action. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about how PEMTRON’s solutions are shaping the future of semiconductor inspection. Visit booth #P5606 at SEMICON Taiwan to explore the MARS, APOLLON, and 8800WI systems firsthand and discover how they can elevate your manufacturing operations.

For more information about PEMTRON, please visit www.pemtron.com.

The post PEMTRON to Exhibit at SEMICON Taiwan appeared first on SMT Today.