IPC Unveils New Training Courses and Subscription Model for the Electronics Workforce

IPC continues to collaborate with the electronics manufacturing industry to meet their current and future workforce training needs. This collaboration includes expanding its course offerings to include self-paced courses on soldering, inspection, and manufacturing engineering. With the introduction of eight new training courses in 2023, IPC reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that professionals in electronics manufacturing remain at the forefront of the industry.

Introducing the Subscription Model

To enable organizations to invest in efficient employee training across their organizations, IPC now offers an annual subscription model. This approach simplifies the acquisition process making it easier for trainers to assign and review training results, while mitigating the training costs of turnover. By choosing IPC's subscription, organizations can onboard employees more cost effectively and leverage a highly skilled and trained workforce as their competitive edge by providing an environment where all employees can improve their skillsets and knowledge.

Eight New Self-Paced Courses

  • Fundamentals of PCB Fabrication & Assembly - An in-depth dive into PCB and PCA fabrication.
  • Inspection of Electronic Assemblies: Introduction - Providing the necessary tools and methods for effective incoming inspections.
  • Manufacturing Engineering for Electronics Assembly Series - Covering essential topics like Stencil Printing, Surface Mount Technology, and Through-hole Assembly.
  • Self-Paced Troubleshooting and Defect Analysis of PCBs - A special course in collaboration with IPC Hall of Famer, Mike Carano, catering to learners worldwide with 24/7 accessibility.
  • Soldering for Electronics Assembly: Introduction - A novel hybrid course allowing learners to move at their own pace while also providing hands-on exercises.

The Future of IPC Training

David Hernandez, vice-president of education at IPC said, “We’re dedicated to continuously aligning training solutions with industry needs. Regular engagement with IPC members and industry subject-matter experts ensures that the training remains relevant and is co-developed with the industry’s best minds.

“Now employers can build career pathways with IPC training courses that can develop operators into inspectors or onboard engineers new to electronics manufacturing. IPC believes training is critical to success in the fast-paced world of electronics and so do the thousands of trainers and trainees that have engaged the IPC EDGE learning platform since its launch.”

For organizations interested in understanding the benefits of IPC's Workforce Subscription or to gain insights into the new courses, they can directly visit https://edu.ipc.org/wft-subscriptions or email sales@ipc.org.

IPC Responds to European Chemicals Agency for a Proposed Universal Ban on PFAS

Sep 25, 2023

By Suhani Chitalia, manager, IPC environmental regulatory affairs

IPC is advocating for a 13.5-year minimum transition period to the European Chemical Agency’s (ECHA) proposed restriction on all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The ECHA proposal was put forward by five Member States in the European Union (EU) and would ban manufacture, market placement, and use of all PFAS.  

The response was supported by an IPC-established Tiger Team, consisting of policy, industry, and technical experts. In preparation for IPC’s response, the Tiger Team evaluated multiple data sources, including submitted responses, a PFAS Uses Data Sheet, and the IPC PFAS Uses Survey, to understand where and how PFAS are potentially used in the electronics manufacturing supply chain. Through this exploration, the need for time to understand and identify PFAS across a complex, multi-tiered, and globally diverse supply chain, became apparent.

As written, the proposal does not allow a feasible transition period to identify, investigate, and develop alternatives to essential PFAS uses or potential uses in electronics.  IPC emphasizes that the current transition period undermines the time necessary to undergo a thorough, comprehensive alternatives assessment to ensure the availability of safer options and prevent regrettable substitution. The “cascading” impacts that a ban of this magnitude can have touches not only the electronics sector but all of society. Recognizing the irreplaceable utility provided by PFAS-containing and potential PFAS-containing electronics in facilitating the EU's digital and green transitions, the response emphasizes that a ban can undermine existing EU policy. The ban, ultimately, required more time by industry to determine and identify PFAS and then understand whether feasible alternatives exist.

The submission highlights the following in its response:  

  • A responsible industry response to a universal PFAS restriction will require more time; a derogation for the 18-month transition period plus a minimum of 12 years is needed to effectively minimize impacts to the users of electronics
  • The complex electronics supply chain creates challenges in reliably identifying the presence of PFAS
  • The proposed restriction does not fully consider the cascade of utility PFAS provides in the complex electronics supply chain
  • PFAS are used in electronics manufacturing processes and products, but the extent of these uses remains unknown and therefore a restriction of PFAS will lead to unintended impacts
  • Sufficient time to enable alternatives assessment is crucial to ensure safer options and avoid regrettable substitution for all uses
  • PFAS-containing and potential PFAS-containing electronics provide irreplaceable utility and enable the EU’s digital and green transitions
  • Insufficient transition times for electronics can have dire consequences and undermine the ongoing EU’s sustainability goals

As the global conversation surrounding PFAS intensifies, IPC remains committed to both environmental responsibility and industry innovation. IPC’s submission underscores its dedication to collaborative and science-based approaches, seeking to strike a balance between safeguarding the environment and ensuring the continued availability of essential electronic components and applications.

For more information on PFAS and IPC’s response to ECHA, contact Kelly Scanlon.

IPC Great Lakes EMS Leadership Roundtable: Leveling Up Your Business

Learn More and Register
Date
- (3:30 - 7:00pm CDT)

Join fellow EMS leaders in the region to share industry pain points and solutions. Our focus for this meeting is how companies profitably reach the next level of revenue. Following a presentation on the current EMS market and revenue tiers in the industry, participants will discuss how to reach the next level and grow their business. Discussion will pull from direct experience, questions, and ideas. From there, the conversation goes where you, the leaders, take it. Every roundtable ends in unique takeaways. 

Complimentary registration includes:

  • Peer-led roundtable discussions
  • Updates on relevant EMS industry studies/reports
  • Recap of business resources available
  • Reception and dinner
  • Peer networking, partnership building

Hosted with the support and cooperation of Amtech Electrocircuits.

Have questions? Email Mark Wolfe at MarkWolfe@ipc.org.

The Office Coffee Shop

402 S Lafayette Ave
Royal Oak, MI 48067
United States

The Office Coffee Shop

The Office Coffee Shop
402 S Lafayette Ave
Royal Oak, MI 48067
United States

Learn More and Register

IPC Hand Soldering Competition 2023 Regional Qualification – Estonia

Date
- (1:30 - 8:00am CDT)

Join Estonian Regional Qualification for the IPC Hand Soldering Competition (HSC) to be held at Instrutec – Estonian Fairs Centre in Tallinn on 12-14 October 2023.

Skilled soldering experts (F/M) will be competing for 60 minutes on a complex circuit board assembly to win the 2023 National title, earn a cash prize and a coveted spot at the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship (HSC World Final to take place on 16-17 November 2023 at productronica in Munich, Germany).

Competition for Professionals

The professional competitors will be judged by IPC Master Instructors (MIT) on soldering a complex printed circuit board with a maximum time of 60 minutes in accordance with IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria. Additional criteria will include the quality of the results achieved and of the assembly process, the overall electrical functionality of the assembly as well as the speed at which the assembly was produced.

Prizes for Professionals

Cash prizes will be awarded to the professionals: the winner and two runners-up.

  • 1st place – 300€
  • 2nd place – 200€
  • 3rd place – 100€

IPC Hand Soldering World Championship: The winner at Instrutec will be invited by IPC (all expenses covered by IPC) to take part in the HSC World Final in November at productronica in Munich, Germany.

Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award: This year again, nominate a team to win the Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award. For any company enlisting 2 or 3 competitors, the highest combined scores of competitors from the same company will determine which company will receive the HSC Best Company Team Award.

Registration is free of charge.

You do not need to be an IPC member to take part.

You do not need to be IPC-certified to take part.

How to register?

Fill in the registration form and book your competition slot.

You will receive a confirmation email specifying your date and time to compete.

 

For more information, please contact Philippe Léonard, IPC Europe director (PhilippeLeonard@ipc.org), or Arno Kolk, Estonian Electronics Industries Association (arno.kolk@estonianelectronics.eu).

 

Instrutec Tallinn

Pirita tee 28
12011 Tallinn Estonia
Estonia

Event Venue Website
http://www.fair.ee/

Instrutec Tallinn

Instrutec Tallinn
Pirita tee 28
Tallinn, Estonia 12011
Estonia

Winners of IPC Hand Soldering and Rework Competition at NEPCON Vietnam 2023 Announced

In conjunction with NEPCON Vietnam 2023, IPC hosted its popular IPC Hand Soldering and Rework Competition in Hanoi, Vietnam on September 6-8, 2023. This tenth competition got “heated” as 35 contestants from 13 electronics companies in Vietnam vied for top prizes.

Skilled contestants were challenged to rework a functional electronics assembly within a 50-minute time limit. Assemblies were judged on soldering in accordance with IPC-A-610H, IPC J-STD-001H, IPC-7711/21C - Class 3 criteria, the speed at which the assembly was produced, and the overall electrical functionality of the assembly.

On the winner’s podium at NEPCON Vietnam 2023 were:

First Place: Pham Thi Hue, UMC Electronics Vietnam Limited. She received a certificate, a cash prize of $USD300, and a soldering station from Premier sponsor QUICK. As the winner, Pham Thi Hue qualified for the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship in Munich, Germany, in November 2023.

Second place: Nguyen Van Thuy, UMC Electronics Vietnam Limited. He received a certificate, and a cash prize of $USD200.

Third Place: Nguyen Duc Manh from Canon Vietnam Co., Ltd. He received a certificate, and a cash prize of $USD100.

IPC would like to thank Hand Soldering and Rework Competition sponsors and partners for their generous support this year.

  • Premier Sponsor: QUICK INTELLIGENT EQUIPMENT
  • Gold Sponsors: NIHON SUPERIOR, SOLDERINDO, INVENTEC PERFORMANCE CHEMICALS
  • Supporting Sponsor: LORIOT INDUSTRIAL
  • Co-Organizer: RX TRADEX VIETNAM

For more information on upcoming hand soldering and rework competitions, contact Henry Ton, Senior Business Development Manager - Southeast Asia, at HenryTon@ipc.org.

IPC and Continental Automotive’s HERMES Day Successfully Held at Continental Jingyue Branch in China

Sep 11, 2023
| By Sandy Gentry

By Glenn Gong, Marketing Director, IPC Asia

With the rapid development of electronic information technology and the ongoing trends toward electrification, intelligence, and connectivity in the automotive industry, the proportion of automotive electronics in whole vehicles is increasing rapidly. This has led to higher demands for the traceability of production data, product quality, reliability, and the need for intelligent manufacturing in the automotive electronics sector, which, in turn, is driving the advancement of the electronics manufacturing industry.

To help the industry better address the challenges of Industry 4.0 and transition towards digital intelligent manufacturing, IPC, in collaboration with Continental Automotive China SMT Club and Continental Automotive Electronics (Changchun) Co., Ltd. Jingyue Branch, successfully held HERMES Day at the Jingyue Factory on August 16. The event saw the participation of 35 representatives from various Continental Group factories in Changchun, Changsha, Wuhu, Shanghai, Vitesco Technologies, System solution providers like SUNJSONG Technology, Lanzuo Electronic, Harvest Electronic, Chongqing Unication Electronic, and well-known equipment suppliers such as ASMPT, REHM, Viscom, ASYS, YJLINK, FUJI, Omron, Pemtron, and Unicomp.

"IPC-HERMES-9852 The Global Standard for Machine-to-Machine Communication in SMT Assembly"

IPC-HERMES-9852 is a modern, open standard based on TCP/IP and XML. It is designed to replace the outdated IPC-SMEMA-9851 standard (SMEMA) for transmitting information related to printed circuit boards. This standard provides the latest communication protocol for machine-to-machine communication in Surface Mount Technology (SMT). HERMES combines advanced technology and established standards into an entirely new solution, addressing scenarios like multi-variety, small-batch production lines, enabling quick changeovers without manual intervention, automatic track adjustments, and program automatic download switching.

During the event, IPC invited experts from SUNJSONG Technology Co., Ltd., a vice chair unit of the IPC-CFX Standard China Subcommittee, to provide professional training and case analysis on the HERMES standard. This training helped align the understanding of clients and equipment partners with the standard. It also addressed issues encountered during implementation and conducted simulated tests on how to interconnect and respond between devices in a real environment.

一群人在开会 描述已自动生成

The HERMES project implementation team from Continental Automotive Electronics (Changchun) Co., Ltd. Jingyue Branch shared their phased achievements and challenges in implementing the HERMES standard application. They expressed that "this event focuses on the implementation of HERMES applications, and the combination of professional training and practice has been substantively helpful. We are delighted that this event was held at Continental Automotive, and it is very meaningful for the widespread application of HERMES in the industry. We look forward to more exchanges and discussions with industry experts in the future."

During the seminar, IPC shared the Factory of the Future standards family, with a focus on IPC-2591 Connected Factory Exchange (CFX) Standard, which is used in achieving device-to-device, device-to-system interconnection and interoperability for "plug-and-play" in the context of digital transformation in smart manufacturing. IPC also shared insights into the interoperability between CFX and HERMES and practical case applications.

Sydney Xiao, President of IPC Asia, stated, "The inaugural HERMES Day event in Asia reflects IPC Asia's commitment to providing in-depth communication services to member organizations regarding the implementation of standards. Through our 'Walk into Members' series of events, we aim to create more value by fostering closer collaboration with our members. The successful application of IPC's Factory of the Future standards by leading companies in the industry will guide the collective progress of the electronics manufacturing."

Lu Guangxiang, SMT CLUB Speaker and SMT Expert of Continental Group, as well as a committee member of IPC China Automotive Electronic Committee (CAEC), expressed, “HERMES Day was a great event! It leveraged intelligence and experience from the Hermes supply chain and focused on onsite implementation problems and solutions. As a result, HERMES Day activities will help us to move forward faster and more efficiently."

 

 

Road to Reliability: Thermal Management Materials - EV Applications (e-Mobility Electronics Hardware Reliability Webinar Series)

Register for Webinar
Date
-

We are delighted to welcome Milos Lazic of Indium, Elizabeth Knazs of HB Fuller, and Kevin White of Henkel to lead a discussion on thermal management materials for EV applications.

He will address essential topics related to impacts on reliability of materials, such as what applications on the car are going to require interface solutions and how material requirements vary for batteries, IGBTs, power and autonomous drive modules. As new system designs and operating conditions introduce unique challenges, there is an increased possibility of system failures.

Our "Road to Reliability" series aims to bring industry leaders together to discuss the hurdles in achieving reliability for new e-mobility technology. We will examine reliability drivers, technology applications, and target lifecycles.

Join us for this informative session to better understand technology gaps, broaden your professional connections, and uncover strategies for meeting reliability objectives.

Moderator: Stanton Rak, SF Rak Company

We want to thank our Road to Reliability series sponsor: Indium Corporation

Online Event

3000 Lakeside Dr.
Suite 105N
Bannockburn, IL 60015
United States

Online Event

Online Event
3000 Lakeside Dr.
Bannockburn, IL 60015
United States

Register for Webinar

U.S. Economy Remains Resilient, but Headwinds Loom in Months Ahead; Growth in Eurozone Picked up in Second Quarter

IPC releases August 2023 Economic Outlook report

The forecast for U.S. economic growth, initially expected to be 0.5 percent at the beginning of 2023, is now expected to grow by 2 percent. While the U.S. economy has surpassed expectations, the Federal Reserve has raised rates significantly over the last year, signaling tremendous headwinds as those rates take effect. In Europe, growth in the Eurozone expanded by 0.3 percent compared to the previous quarter, marking the most substantial growth since the second quarter of 2022, according to IPC’s August 2023 Economic Outlook report.

According to Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist, “The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the U.S. economy, with a keen eye on the Federal Reserve’s strategies to balance growth and inflation concerns.”

Additional data in the August IPC Economic Outlook show:

  • In the U.S., infrastructure investments are poised to give a boost to the construction sector, potentially offsetting some of the slowdown in other areas of the economy.
  • The U.S. manufacturing sector recorded a strong month, reporting output gains rose 0.5 percent in July, the first gain in three months. Auto and non-auto manufacturing both posted increases, rising 5.2 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively.
  • The U.S. New Orders Index suggests orders remain soft, but manufacturers appear to be managing slower orders well.
  • In Europe, the economies of France and Spain demonstrated positive growth, spurred by a surge in exports in France and a rebound in domestic demand in Spain.
  • In the second quarter of 2023, employment rose by 0.2 percent in both the Eurozone and the EU. During the first quarter of 2023, both regions witnessed a more substantial increase in employment, with a growth rate of 0.5 percent.

View August 2023 IPC Economic Outlook. For more information on IPC’s industry intelligence program including current research and reports, visit www.ipc.org/advocacy/industry-intelligence.

Manufactured Assemblies Corp, LLC Earns IPC/WHMA-A-620 Qualified Manufacturers Listing

IPC's Validation Services Program has awarded an IPC/WHMA-A-620 Qualified Manufacturers Listing (QML) to Manufactured Assemblies Corp, LLC (MAC), in Vandalia, Ohio. A full-service contract manufacturer specializing in wire and cable assemblies, and electromechanical sub-assemblies, MAC provides products used in aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, and commercial applications worldwide.

MAC met or exceeded the requirements for the electronics industry's most rigorous classification, Class 3, intended for high-performance electronic cable assemblies. MAC is now recognized as an IPC trusted source capable of manufacturing in accordance with industry best practices after successfully completing an audit based on one of IPC's foremost standards: IPC/WHMA-A-620, Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies

Tim Philpot, general manager, MAC, stated, “The utilization of IPC’s QML process energized our entire team to achieve this significant accomplishment. Earning a QML for IPC/WHMA-A-620, Class 3, validates MAC’s commitment to delivering high-quality, value-driven products to the marketplace.”

“We are pleased to recognize MAC as a member of IPC's network of trusted suppliers,” said Randy Cherry, director, IPC Validation Services. “It’s a significant achievement showing a commitment to delivering the highest level of quality in wire and cable assemblies manufacturing.”

For more information about IPC's Validation Services QPL/QML Program, visit www.ipc.org/standards/ipc-validation-services or call +1 847-597-2892.

IPC CEMAC 2023

Register Here
Date
- (8:30am - 8:30pm CDT)

IPC CEMAC 2023 INVITATION

Introduction

Welcome to IPC CEMAC 2023, the IPC China Electronics Manufacturing Annual Conference! This event is an annual gathering hosted by IPC in China, bringing together electronic industry professionals from around the world for knowledge-sharing, experience exchange, and discussions on industry trends.

This year, CEMAC will be co-organized with Pudong New Area Association For Quality And Technology Shanghai. With the theme of “Building an Intelligent Future: Innovation and Cooperation in the Electronics Industry”.

Event Details:

  • Date: October 27, 2023 (Friday) 8:30-20:30
  • Location: Crowne Plaza Shanghai Jinxiu-2F（No.399 Jinzun Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200125, China

Event Highlights:

Theme Forums: IPC CEMAC 2023 will feature 6 theme forums covering key areas of electronic manufacturing, such as automotive electronics, advanced packaging, factory of the future, talent development, sustainability, and innovative products & solutions. In these forums, you will engage with industry experts to explore future trends and innovations.

Committee and Technical Group Meetings: Participate in meetings of various specialized committees and technical groups to share insights with industry peers, address current challenges, and drive innovation in the field of electronic manufacturing.

Member Appreciation and Awards Dinner: As an IPC member, you'll have the opportunity to attend a special appreciation event and awards dinner, connect with peers, and celebrate achievements in the electronic industry.

Innovation Product and Service Showcase Area: Explore the latest electronic manufacturing technologies and innovative products, stay at the forefront of the industry, network with suppliers, and discover new tools and solutions to enhance your business.

How to Participate:

IPC CEMAC 2023 will provide a unique opportunity for professionals in the electronic manufacturing industry to interact with peers, gain valuable insights, and establish connections.

Register now: Click here
For more detailed information, please download CEMAC Brochure.

For inquiries and sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

Glenn Gong，159 9478 8210 / Glenngong@ipc.org
Abby Zhang，159 0180 2310 / AbbyZhang@ipc.org

Don't miss the IPC CEMAC 2023 – we look forward to your participation!

Yours sincerely,

IPC Asia Team

Crowne Plaza Shanghai

No.399 Jinzun Road
Pudong Xinqu
Shanghai Shi, 200125
China

Crowne Plaza Shanghai

Crowne Plaza Shanghai
No.399 Jinzun Road
Pudong Xinqu, SH 200125
China

Register Here
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