North American PCB Industry Sales Up 12.1 Percent in April

IPC releases PCB industry results for April 2023

IPC announced today the April 2023 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 0.89.

Total North American PCB shipments in April 2023 were up 12.1 percent compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, April shipments were down 18.4 percent.

PCB bookings in April were down 9.8 percent compared to the same month last year. April bookings were down 0.3 percent compared to the preceding month.

“Weak demand for electronics has kept PCB orders in check,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. “Shipments are up over seven percent year to date while orders are down nearly eight percent.”

April 2023 book to bill chart 1
April 2023 PCB book to bill chart 2

Detailed Data Available

Companies that participate in IPC’s North American PCB Statistical Program have access to detailed findings on rigid PCB and flexible circuit sales and orders, including separate rigid and flex book-to-bill ratios, growth trends by product types and company size tiers, demand for prototypes, sales growth to military and medical markets, and other timely data.

Interpreting the Data

The book-to-bill ratios are calculated by dividing the value of orders booked over the past three months by the value of sales billed during the same period from companies in IPC’s survey sample. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to twelve months. A ratio of less than 1.00 indicates the reverse.

Year-on-year and year-to-date growth rates provide the most meaningful view of industry growth. Month-to-month comparisons should be made with caution as they reflect seasonal effects and short-term volatility. Because bookings tend to be more volatile than shipments, changes in the book-to-bill ratios from month to month might not be significant unless a trend of more than three consecutive months is apparent. It is also important to consider changes in both bookings and shipments to understand what is driving changes in the book-to-bill ratio.

IPC’s monthly PCB industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of both rigid PCB and flexible circuit manufacturers selling in the USA and Canada. IPC publishes the PCB book-to-bill ratio by the end of each month.

North American EMS Industry Up 14.3 Percent in April

IPC releases EMS industry results for April 2023

IPC announced today the April 2023 findings from its North American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.21.

Total North American EMS shipments in April 2023 were up 14.3 percent compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, April shipments increased 5.5 percent.

EMS bookings in April decreased 6.1 percent year-over-year and decreased 1.2 percent from the previous month.

“EMS orders continue to trend downward,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. “April's book-to-bill is the weakest recorded since the start of 2021.”

April 2023 EMS industry book to bill chart

Detailed Data Available

Companies that participate in IPC’s North American EMS Statistical Program have access to detailed findings on EMS sales growth by type of production and company size tier, order growth and backlogs by company size tier, vertical market growth, the EMS book-to-bill ratio, 3-month and 12-month sales outlooks, and other timely data.

Interpreting the Data

The book-to-bill ratios are calculated by dividing the value of orders booked over the past three months by the value of sales billed during the same period from companies in IPC’s survey sample. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to twelve months. A ratio of less than 1.00 indicates the reverse.

Year-on-year and year-to-date growth rates provide the most meaningful view of industry growth. Month-to-month comparisons should be made with caution as they reflect seasonal effects and short-term volatility. Because bookings tend to be more volatile than shipments, changes in the book-to-bill ratios from month to month might not be significant unless a trend of more than three consecutive months is apparent. It is also important to consider changes in both bookings and shipments to understand what is driving changes in the book-to-bill ratio.

IPC’s monthly EMS industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of assembly equipment manufacturers selling in the USA and Canada. IPC publishes the EMS book-to-bill ratio by the end of each month.

EWPTE, the Cable and Wire Harness Industry’s Exclusive Trade Show Draws More than 3,000 Attendees

This year, the cable and wire harness manufacturing industry came “wired” to the Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE), May 16-18, and left inspired with access to new technologies, solutions to challenging issues through training and education and a network of leading-edge companies, industry leaders and subject matter experts. Produced by the Wiring Harness Manufacturer’s Association (WHMA), IPC and the Wisconsin Center, the event drew in a total of 3,049 attendees, an 18 percent increase over 2022.

“This year’s event surpassed our expectations. The energy on the show floor was amazing and spoke volumes on the touch points and relationships that were created,” said Joe DeMan, WHMA Board chair. “I am certain that the collaborations formed have already begun to forge a host of innovative real-world solutions, technical advancements, and business opportunities. I continue to believe that WHMA/IPC’s mission to ‘lead, educate and connect’ will continue to play an ever-increasing role in this process. As our industry grows to play a significant part in the most vital areas of our lives, so too will the pivotal role of WHMA/IPC.”

Highlights included seven professional development courses, and 19 technical conference sessions that provided new information and data, skills, and techniques and trends related to the cable and wire harness industry, a keynote from Dr. Kenneth Harris on building the future and ample networking opportunities.  

From survey responses, attendees clearly achieved their business objectives while at the event. “I really enjoyed attending my first EWPTE and getting to see new technology and equipment that could potentially increase our company's productivity,” said Jessica Murphree, associate quality engineer, Syncro Corporation. “Every booth, supplier, and vendor actually took time to demonstrate equipment and answer questions. Everyone was very helpful in pointing us in the right direction of needs based on our company's products. Our goal was to find some cost savings in products and also increase employee efficiency. I feel confident that we have found everything that we needed at EWPTE 2023. This was my first trip to Milwaukee and this particular expo, and I hope to attend more in the future,” added Murphree.

The EWPTE 2023 experience was equally positive for the 185 exhibitors (up 19 percent from 2022) who showcased their products and services spanning 43,400 net square feet of show floor space (up 17 percent from 2022) and generated a total of 12,063 leads according to the lead data count, a 35 percent increase over leads in 2022.                                                                  

“We have exhibited at EWPTE for many years and this has always been a great show to attend, meet new potential customers while re-uniting and exchanging new ideas with our existing customer base, said Brian Betti, President, LPMS-USA. “This year was exceptional!  We had the two busiest show days in our years of exhibiting that generated a higher amount of quality leads from potential customers than we have previously.”                                                                         

In 2024, EWPTE will return to the Wisconsin Center, May 14-16. For more information, visit www.electricalwireshow.com.

Winners of IPC Hand Soldering Competition at Focus on PCB Announced

For the first time, IPC hosted a regional hand soldering competition in Vincenza, Italy, at Focus on PCB May 17-18. Welcoming 28 competitors representing 20 Italian companies, contestants competed to build an assembly in accordance with IPC-A-610, Class 3 criteria and were judged on the functionality of the assembly, compliance with the assembly process, and overall product quality. IPC Master Instructors (MIT) from IPC training center GestLabs judged contestants, allowing a maximum of one hour to complete the process.

Taking top honors this year were:

  • In first place: Alessandro Manicone, Elettronica GF, with a score of 546 out of a possible 558. Manicone will compete for the World Championship title in November at productronica in Munich.
  • Second place: Enrico Zanchetta, Ermes Elettronica, with a score of 530.
  • Third place: Giorgio Agnielli, Dynamos, with a score of 520.

This year’s Best Company Team trophy was presented to PCB Design, with the top team performance score, led by team members Giacomo Bompieri and Ottavia Tameni.

IPC is grateful to the HSC sponsors for their generous support:

  • Gold sponsors: Weller Tools, Thales
  • Silver Sponsors: Almit, Ateliers Systems, JBC Soldering Tools, NCAB Group, Optilia, Polygone CAO, SFM-Societe Française de Microscopie

“We were very excited to hold the IPC Hand Soldering Competition in Italy for the first time,” said Philippe Leonard, IPC Europe director. “IPC thanks and congratulates all the participants and their companies for their interest and for taking up the hand-soldering competition challenge.”

For more information on HSC competitions in Europe, contact Leonard at PhilippeLeonard@ipc.org.

KO-M Tech Co., Ltd. First Korean Company to Earn IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 Qualified Manufacturers Listing

IPC's Validation Services Program has awarded an IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 Qualified Manufacturers Listing (QML) to KO-M Tech Co., Ltd. a professional electronics manufacturing company located in the Republic of Korea.

KO-M Tech Co., Ltd. met or exceeded the requirements for the electronics industry's most rigorous classification, Class 3, which is intended for dedicated service electronics products. As a result of successfully completing an intensive audit, based on two of IPC's foremost standards: IPC J-STD-001, Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies and IPC-A-610, Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies, KO-M Tech Co., Ltd. is now among a trusted source of electronics suppliers found on IPC's QML/QPL database at www.ipcvalidation.org.

“If ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 evaluates the entire system of a company, an IPC QML validates whether the enterprise can manufacture, assemble, and supply products according to IPC standards. It helps businesses understand issues related to quality management and process technology, making it a crucial aspect directly impacting product quality,” said Jeong-hag Park, quality technology team director at Ko-M Tech.  . “This holds great significance for us. With 23 years of continuous development, we have gained extensive experience in EMS manufacturing and our own quality system. We are delighted to receive high praise and trust from our customers through achieving IPC QML-level qualification. Additionally, we take pride in being the first domestic company in South Korea to earn an IPC QML,” Park added.  

“Not only are we celebrating the first Korean company earning a QML, but their achievement marks the 100th IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A610 QML issued by IPC Validation Services,” stated Randy Cherry, director, IPC Validation Services. Cherry went on to say, “We are pleased to recognize KO-M Tech Co., Ltd. as a member of IPC's network of trusted suppliers. By earning the QML, KO-M Tech Co., Ltd. shows its commitment to delivering the highest level of quality in electronics manufacturing assemblies.”

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

B2B Meeting Registration for Chennai Event

Date
- (Jul 31, 2023 | 11:00pm - Aug 1, 2023 | 5:00am CDT)

.

Please Provide Below Details

Sorry...This form is closed to new submissions.

Companies @ B2B Meeting
blank image
blank image
blank image
blank image
blank image
Thank you for registering for the B2B meetings in Chennai. Our regional team will contact you and inform you of your meeting time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Event Location

4, 129, Mount Poonamallee Rd
Manapakkam
chennai 600089
Tamil Nadu
India

Event Venue Website
https://radhahotels.com/feathers-chennai/

Event Location

Event Location
4, 129, Mount Poonamallee Rd
chennai, TN 600089
India

Electronics Industry Welcomes Reintroduction of Bipartisan Proposal to Boost U.S. Printed Circuit Board Sector

Legislation complements Biden’s “Presidential Determination” on PCBs

The electronics manufacturing industry is welcoming the reintroduction of bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Congress that would help rebuild the country’s printed circuit board (PCB) sector.

The Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act, reintroduced today by Reps. Blake Moore (R-UT) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), incentivizes purchases of domestically produced PCBs as well as support industry investments in factories, equipment, workforce training, and research and development.

The legislation comes amid increasing attention to the wider electronics supply chain into which semiconductors fit. In March, President Joe Biden issued a “Presidential Determination” under the Defense Production Act (DPA) that prioritizes the domestic manufacture of PCBs as a matter of national security. The month before, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told a podcast that “circuit board” companies would have opportunities for CHIPS Act funding.

IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell said, “This bipartisan bill addresses well-known vulnerabilities in U.S. electronics manufacturing, taking a ‘silicon-to-systems’ approach that prioritizes greater innovation and resiliency across the entire industry. We thank Reps. Eshoo and Moore for their leadership, and we call on all Members of Congress to support this bill.” 

PCBs are as integral to electronics as semiconductor chips, their better-known partners. They are the physical platform upon which microelectronic components such as chips and capacitors are mounted and interconnected. Electronic systems cannot function without PCBs.  

However, according to “Leadership Lost,” a report published by IPC, the United States “has lost its historic dominance in the PCB sector.” Since 2000, the U.S. share of global PCB production has fallen from over 30% to just 4%, with China now dominating the sector at around 50%. Any loss of access to non-domestic sources of PCBs would be “catastrophic,” the report said.

Numerous government and industry reports have raised the alarm for almost 20 years. For example, a 2018 Commerce Department report characterized the sector as “dying on the vine,” and the department’s 2022 report on the information and communications technology (ICT) industry noted the same supply chain risks.

Arlon Electronic Materials Awarded Requalification to IPC-4101 QPL for All Polyimide Specification Sheets

IPC's Validation Services Program has awarded an IPC-4101 Qualified Products Listing (QPL) requalification to Arlon Electronic Materials Division, an electronics material manufacturing company headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Arlon produces and sells military-grade, copper-clad laminates, prepregs, and packaging substrates to the global electronics industry. The company continues to be listed as an IPC-4101E trusted source capable of manufacturing in accordance with industry best practices for IPC slash sheets 40, 41, and 42, the polyimide-based slash sheets covered in IPC-4101E. Arlon successfully requalified their product, 85N to slash sheets 40 and 41 of IPC-4101E, Specification for Base Materials for Rigid and Multilayer Printed Boards. Arlon successfully requalified their product, 37N to meet the requirements of slash sheet 42 from the same standard.

According to John Wright, Arlon’s director of quality, “Having our polyimide products listed on IPC’s Validation Services Qualified Products List gives our customers the assurance that our processes and products continue to meet or exceed IPC-4101 slash sheet specifications.” Wright commented further by saying, “As a supplier into the global aerospace, industrial, and military markets, we feel that IPC’s Validation Services program provides our customer base the confidence that Arlon’s products will consistently meet their design and performance requirements.”

IPC's Validations Services QPL/QML Program was developed to promote supply chain verification. It also provides auditing and certification of electronics companies' products and identifies processes that conform to IPC standards.

“Arlon has differentiated itself from the competition in the polyimide market by becoming part of IPC's global network of trusted industry sources,” said Randy Cherry, IPC director of Validation Services. “We are pleased to recognize Arlon for their requalification and being the first U.S. facility as a trusted supplier conforming to IPC-4101E as well as covering all three polyimide specification sheets.”

For more information about IPC's Validation Services QPL/QML Program, visit www.ipcvalidation.org or contact Randy Cherry at RandyCherry@ipc.org or +1 847-597-2806.     

Arlon and other trusted sources of suppliers can be found on IPC's QML/QPL (Qualified Product Listing) database at www.ipcvalidation.org.   

IPC and ITI to Host 2023 Virtual Conference on Critical and Emerging Environmental Product Requirements

IPC and the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) will host a virtual conference, “Critical and Emerging Environmental Product Requirements” on June 6 from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm EDT. The event will explore the latest environmental requirements that impact product design, manufacturing, supply chain management, and technology innovation.

Speakers include leading technical and environmental regulatory experts Nicolas Robin from Plastics Europe; Elizabeth Nichols, Ph.D., from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of Environmental Quality; and Julian Lageard and Kevin Wolfe from Intel Corporation.

Robin will cover PFAS restrictions; Dr Nichols will present an overview of U.S. efforts to enhance circularity; Lageard will address PFAS restrictions and how they will impact the electronics manufacturing industry; and Wolfe will recommend pathways to understand and respond to developing regulatory restrictions, with an aim to avoid disruptions to supply chain and manufacturing.

In addition to learning from featured speakers, attendees will participate in a panel with members of the Strategic Management Team of the RoHS Umbrella Industry Project. Project Chairs Steven Andrews, Assent; Sue Fortunato-Esbach, Assent; and Michael Müller, Ph.D., Rosenberger GmbH, will foster discussion on discussion on RoHS specific issues including the latest status of the RoHS 2 Review, the latest news on Exemption Packs, and latest developments on additional restricted substances.

“Staying ahead of environmental policies and regulations can be complicated, but it is critical,” said Suhani Chitalia, IPC manager of environmental regulatory affairs. “Any misunderstanding or misinterpretation of these regulations could impart dire production disruptions and financial burdens. This conference will provide anyone who is responsible for keeping their organization in compliance with environmental regulations the tools they need.”

“Environmental compliance regulations worldwide are dynamic and fluctuating,” said Chris Cleet, ITI vice president of policy, environment and sustainability. “This annual conference gives companies a unique opportunity to engage with key government officials and subject matter experts about the current policy landscape and what lies ahead. Empowering resources compliance professionals is also a top priority and attendees will be able to provide critical feedback on what’s needed to effectively navigate new regulations and stay ahead of future changes.”

The event is sponsored by Benchmark Gensuite, Source Intelligence, and GreenSoft Technology, Inc.

For detailed information on the agenda, speakers or to register for the “ITI and IPC Conference on Critical and Emerging Environmental Product Requirements,” visit www.ipc.org/event/critical-environmental-requirements-electronics-conference-2023.

Road to Reliability: High Voltage (e-Mobility Electronics Hardware Reliability Webinar Series)

Register
Date
-

 

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Helmut Schweigart from Zestron, Michael Schleicher of Danfoss-Semikron, and Bob Neves of Microtek Laboratories will participate in the upcoming session. They will address essential topics related to high-voltage systems, such as Testing, Corrosion, and Failure Modes. As high voltages 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: Brian O'Leary, Indium Corporation

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

Register
Subscribe to