IPC Debuts First Issue of IPC Community at IPC APEX EXPO 2023

Magazine celebrates member success

Today at IPC APEX EXPO 2023, IPC, in partnership with IPC Publishing Group, launched an industry-specific quarterly publication (digital and print), “IPC Community.” The publication celebrates member success while sharing the important work being done within the association to better serve its members and the global electronics manufacturing community.

With news and information to help readers be more competitive and profitable, the debut issue provides information on manufacturing and management best practices and solutions, emerging technologies, IPC standards, government relations issues, industry intelligence, advanced packaging, sustainability regional office updates, and more.

“The name ‘Community’ refers to all of us – the global team of electronics manufacturers throughout the vast supply chain,” said IPC President and CEO John Mitchell. “’IPC Community’ is our way of honoring and serving that connection, that community of individuals who share the same goal and who work together to build electronics better,” Mitchell added. “We’re excited about the possibilities of this quarterly magazine taking our ability to disseminate important information to the next level, all while making sure member stories and voices are reflected and commemorated.”

“Articles within ‘IPC Community’ are written to appeal to our members, to provide them with must-read, relevant and timely content,” said Brian Knier, IPC chief marketing officer. The editorial team is committed to providing news items that are of high value, but we encourage reader feedback. We want readers to share their success stories with us – to suggest any editorial content, please reach out to Managing Editor Michelle Te, at MichelleTe@ipc.org.”

“Developing this publication has been such a joy,” said Michelle Te. “It has been the members and readers that propelled our efforts forward in developing it and seeing it through. Their hard work and dedication to the electronics manufacturing industry are what have made the collaboration so special. I’m excited to share this first issue and look forward to the many more stories we will be able to tell in future issues.”

The second quarter issue of IPC Community will be distributed on April 15, 2023. To subscribe to “IPC Community,” visit www.ipccommunity.org. For inquiries regarding advertising opportunities within the magazine, contact Barb Hockaday, ad sales manager, at BarbHockaday@ipc.org or view media kit.

IPC Education Foundation Announces New Website Launch

The electronics manufacturing industry offers a wide range of career opportunities for all levels of education and experience. To make career searches easier, the IPC Education Foundation (IPCEF) launched a new, industry-focused career website www.careersinelectronics.com.

The interactive website features a variety of career profiles associated with the electronics manufacturing industry, including job descriptions, typical skills needed, estimated salary ranges, and videos of individuals working in electronics manufacturing careers to provide detailed information on specific jobs.

Charlene Gunter, IPCEF senior director said, “If anyone is interested in any aspect of the electronics industry, be it in design, soldering, robotics, chemistry, machinery, or computers, there is a career path available. This website will be a valuable resource not only to the future workforce but also to the industry, because it provides employers the opportunity to share valuable information about careers, to promote opportunities through the launch of a unique job board, and to participate by showcasing real people in real jobs as industry members to share their stories.”  

Foundation staff connected with many industry representatives to share their career advice with potential jobseekers, and it became clear that the electronics industry provides opportunities for all types of interests. “Whether it be designing computers, creating software, or deciding which materials to build with and test them in the lab, every facet of science, engineering, and business development have a home in the electronics industry,” said Christina Rutherford, a hardware engineer at Honeywell and IPC Emerging Engineer program participant.

Diane Jung, R&D/process engineer at Glenair provided her thoughts about the exciting opportunities within the industry and commented, "Since electronics are prevalent and so embedded in our daily lives, the electronics industry is crucial, stable, and rapidly growing. Students who desire to learn, innovate, and impact the world on various scales can be fulfilled here."

“For years, workforce development, training, and availability have been among the most pressing concerns for leaders in companies throughout the electronics supply chain,” said Joe O'Neil, IPCEF chair. “Through its efforts to provide access to crucial information and resources for career development, as well as connecting students with industry professionals and companies, the IPC Education Foundation is addressing these issues head-on and working to ensure that the industry has a highly skilled and motivated workforce that is prepared to meet the evolving needs of the industry.”

"The “careers in electronics” website will be updated on a regular basis to serve the industry and to identify a talent pipeline to address the industry’s needs. Visitors are encouraged to sign up to become an insider. To learn more on how to get involved, contact, Charlene Gunter at charlenegunter@ipc.org or visit www.careersinelectronics.com.

IPC Offers Free Training Courses to Members

New member benefit provides ESD and safety training

As a member benefit, IPC now provides two online, self-paced training courses, “Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control for Electronics Manufacturing” and “Safety for Electronics Manufacturing” free of charge in English, Spanish, French and German. Developed with member companies and subject matter experts, IPC’s ESD control and safety training courses provide fundamental training common to all electronics manufacturing facilities.

“ESD and Safety impact productivity and reliability in almost every aspect of the global electronics environment,” said David Hernandez, IPC vice president of education. “By offering IPC and WHMA members complimentary and unlimited access to these two training courses, we’re doubling our commitment to workforce development and helping companies reduce training costs and standardize training across their organizations.”

IPC member companies can access the new courses through IPC EDGE, IPC’s online learning platform. IPC EDGE provides streamlined interactive courses covering the required topics and features three modules with a total running length of 40-45 minutes per course. ESD participants receive a unique traceable, serialized certificate by scoring more than 80% on the final exam.

Course details and instructions on how to access the courses are available on education.ipc.org.

The IPC Board Welcomes New Director of North American Government Relations

IPC announces the addition of Jeffrey Goldberg as director of North American government relations to its staff at IPC’s offices in Washington, D.C. In this role, Goldberg will help lead IPC’s federal advocacy work in collaboration with IPC’s Government Relations Committee and IPC’s Vice President of Global Government Relations Chris Mitchell. He will be charged with implementing an ambitious North American policy agenda at a time of increased interest among policymakers in the electronics supply chain.                                                                 

“With a background in national defense, aerospace and trade policy, and regulatory compliance, Jeff brings the talent and expertise needed to foster and maintain relationships with our elected officials, educating them on important policy issues in the electronics manufacturing industry,” said Mitchell. “Jeff has developed an outstanding portfolio of policy initiatives in diverse areas and his expertise bridges the gap between solid high-tech industry experience and high-level policy knowledge. He is an impressive addition to IPC’s government relations team, and we’re excited to have him as part of IPC’s advocacy team.”                                                                        

During his career, Goldberg has provided strategic legislative, political and business advice and solutions to corporations, associations and government entities, including the National Defense Industrial Association, Rolls-Royce, Raytheon, Aerospace Industries Association, and U.S. Departments of Commerce and Defense.  

“IPC is an important voice for the electronics manufacturing industry, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team,” said Goldberg. “My goal is to further enhance IPC’s outreach initiatives in Washington and raise awareness about the industry and its priority policy issues. I look forward to working with Chris, members of IPC’s Government Relations Committee and others on the IPC team in support of sound manufacturing policies that spur economic growth for the electronics industry.”         

Goldberg has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia, a Master of International Affairs degree from Penn State University and completed the Global Business and Politics Executive Education Program at the Yale School of Management. Goldberg can be reached at JeffGolderberg@ipc.org or +1 202-661-8094.                                                           

How Can Government Help or Hurt You in 2023?

IPC Invites You to Speak Up
Jan 12, 2023

As a member of the electronics manufacturing industry, it's important for you to stay informed about the government policies that impact your business and your industry. With that in mind, we want to know: which government policies worry you most? How can government help or hurt your company in the next few years?

To help us better understand your concerns, we've created a short, five-question survey. It will only take a few minutes to complete, and your answers will help us shape IPC's advocacy efforts in 2023.

So, which issues are top of mind for you? Here are a few examples of the types of policies that might be worrying you:

  • Trade policies: Are you concerned about tariffs or other trade barriers that could impact your business?
  • Regulation: Are you worried about the burden of regulations on your business? Do you feel like the rules and standards you have to follow are fair and reasonable?
  • Environmental issues: Do you worry about the impact of your business on the environment, and/or the government's efforts to address these issues?
  • Supply chain: IPC expects that volatility and uncertainty will continue to affect the electronics supply chain in the months ahead. Will your business be affected?
  • Workforce issues: Are you concerned about the government's labor policies and their impact on your business? Do you worry about issues like workplace safety?
  • Other: Is there something else that's worrying you and that you'd like to share?

A Preview of IPC's 2023 Advocacy

Here is a brief overview of some of the key issues we're working on today and how you can be involved in advocating for our industry in 2023.

In November, IPC released a report that highlighted how advanced packaging is a key driver for microelectronics innovation and outlined clear steps governments can take to bolster advanced packaging capabilities. Advanced packaging capabilities in the United States and Europe remain under-supported, but both regions are now developing and funding strategies to bolster this part of the semiconductor ecosystem. The report showed that:

  • 94% of electronics industry leaders believe that improving the performance of semiconductors is increasingly reliant on advanced packaging.
  • 84% believe government initiatives to bolster the semiconductor supply chain require significant investment in advanced packaging capabilities.

Another key issue that we're closely watching is the implementation of the CHIPS Act. Most recently, IPC outlined how electronics manufacturing must play a critical role in supporting the growth of the U.S. semiconductor industry in comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce on how to maximize the impact of the CHIPS Incentives Program. Specifically, IPC called for investment in:

  • Avanced packaging ecosystems (including IC-substrates and package assembly and test);
  • Supply chain partnerships;
  • High-density interconnects; and
  • Industry-recognized workforce programs

In December, IPC also helped facilitate a meeting between top Congressional staff and IPC members on CHIPS Act implementation and how the program can be leveraged to support the semiconductor supply chain, of which printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication and advanced electronics assembly are key parts. If you'd like to make your voice heard in this critical debate, please contact me to get involved in our advocacy efforts.

Across the Atlantic, policymakers have remained active as they work to reach conclusions on long-debated legislation with potential ramifications on our industry.

After much debate, the European Parliament and EU Council recently adopted a rule aiming to strengthen the reporting requirements for sustainability information of certain large companies. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will require companies operating in the European Union to regularly disclose and publish detailed information on sustainability matters, including climate change, human rights, and governance. The directive is expected to affect the electronics industry with regards to resources and reporting and transparency efforts across the value chain.

We're also keeping an eye on negotiations on the EU Chips Act, which is expected to bolster the bloc's competitiveness and resilience in semiconductor technologies and applications. We've been involved in conversations with policymakers, and the initial text has notably cited packaging as an activity that can boost innovation.

In addition to these specific priorities, we're also closely monitoring a number of other issues that have the potential to impact the industry, including trade policies, environmental and health issues, education and workforce concerns, and more. We're committed to advocating for policies that will support the growth and competitiveness of the industry, while also protecting the rights and interests of our members.

Here's Where You Come In

The IPC government relations (GR) team is here for you year-round, but the success of our work depends on the active engagement of IPC members. We invite you to join our efforts in one of the following ways:

  • Stay informed on the issues. Subscribe to IPC’s Global Advocacy Report. If you’re an IPC member, manage your e-mail preferences and opt in to receive “Advocacy” updates. If you are not an IPC member, send a note to friends@ipc.org, and our staff will add you to the list. You can also follow IPC on LinkedIn and Twitter for updates.
  • Join our grassroots advocacy team. Visit our online advocacy center; enter or update your contact details; and be prepared to participate in several grassroots campaigns coming up soon to influence Congress on our key issues. It will only take a minute or two to update your details, but it will dramatically improve our ability to gain support in Congress. 
  • Connect with your elected representatives. Send emails, make phone calls, or meet with them at their local district office or a public event. IPC’s GR team can help arrange meetings and provide you with talking points and handouts. Even better, invite an elected official to one of your facilities.
  • Learn more about the IPC Political Action Committee (IPC PAC). In the United States, IPC engages politically through the IPC PAC, which amplifies our industry’s voice on Capitol Hill. The IPC PAC supports pro-manufacturing candidates from both parties in the U.S. Congress.

As always, we welcome your input and feedback on these issues. We encourage you to take our issue survey on electronics manufacturing and share your thoughts and concerns with us. Together, we can help shape the policy environment in a way that supports the continued growth and success of the industry.  And if you have any additional thoughts or ideas about how we can better advocate for the issues that matter to you, head over to the IPC Action Alert Center to get involved and please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your participation and for helping us make a difference.

Best Technical Papers at IPC APEX EXPO 2023 Selected

The best technical conference papers of IPC APEX EXPO 2023 have been selected. Voted on through a ballot process by members of the IPC APEX EXPO Technical Program Committee (TPC), the paper authors will be recognized during show opening remarks on Tuesday, January 24.

“All of the papers making up the 2023 IPC APEX EXPO Technical Conference represent the highest quality technical content from authors around the world,” said Stan Rak, co-chair of the TPC. “The diversity of the presenting authors is also impressive: 18 countries are represented by presenting authors. Fifteen authors are next generation -- five years or less in the industry -- and 27 presenting authors hold doctoral degrees. The commitment to quality is reflected in this year's selection of Best of Conference, NextGen, and Best Student Research papers. We extend our congratulations to all the award winners."

Taking top honors in the Best of Conference category, the winning papers are:

  • “Risk Prediction of Electrochemical Migration on Electronic Control Units – A Practical Approach” by Lothar Henneken, Ph.D., Robert Bosch GmbH. This paper will be presented during Technical Conference Session S25: QRTI-Assembly Risk Prediction and Failure Analysis, on Wednesday, January 25.
  • “Root Cause Analysis and Risk Assessment of Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor Flexural Crack Propagating Fault” by Jennifer Bennett and Eric Campbell, IBM Corporation. Their co-authors are Jim Bielick, Mehdi Hamid, and Kevin O’Connell, IBM Corporation This paper will be presented during Technical Conference Session S13: QRTI -- Printed Board Reliability, on Wednesday, January 25.
  • “High-Resolution Physical Analyses of Microvia-Target Pad Interfaces” by Martin Leung, Ph.D, and Scott Sitzman, The Aerospace Corporation. Their co-authors are Eric Frasco, Zachary Lingley, Ph.D., Gary Stupian, Ph.D., James Parke, and Shawn Ashley, The Aerospace Corporation. This paper will be presented during Technical Conference Session S11: HDI1 -- Microvia Analysis and Modeling, on Tuesday, January 24.

The NextGen best paper is awarded to:

  • “Temperature Behavior of FR4 Substrates when Processing during Laser Depaneling” by Patrick Stockbruegger, LPKF Laser & Electronics AG. His co-author is Stephan Schmidt, LPKF Laser & Electronics Inc. This paper will be presented during Technical Conference Session S09: A-LASER Assembly Laser Processing, on Tuesday, January 24.

Selected for the Student Research award, the best paper is:

  • “Solvent Free Copper Extraction” by Derek Lovejoy, University of Massachusetts/GreenSource Fabrication LLC. This paper will be presented during Technical Conference Session S08: BF-MAT-2 Printed Board Platings and Finishes 2, on Tuesday, January 24.

All technical conference papers were evaluated using a stringent peer review process examining their technical content, originality, test procedures and data used to deduce conclusions, quality of illustrations and the clarity and professionalism of writing as well as value to the industry.

To register for the IPC APEX EXPO technical conference or for more information on all the activities taking place, including professional development courses, exhibition, keynote presentations, networking activities and more, visit www.IPCAPEXEXPO.org.

Survey: How Smart are Your Manufacturing Processes?

Jan 05, 2023

IPC has partnered with Auburn University to conduct a study on behalf of the Department of Defense (DoD) that can significantly help our nation’s manufacturing industries, and we would like your help. The Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS) at Auburn University is working to help manufacturers engage with technology to improve competitiveness and profitability.

This survey is Year 2 of a five-year study. The survey should not take more than 10 minutes of your time. We will not be asking for any sensitive information, and your name and your company’s name will not be associated with any information provided unless you give permission. Your insights will help us better understand several overarching industry issues. If you would like, we will provide you with the resulting publication at the conclusion of the study. 

We hope that you are willing to help with this project. If so, please begin the survey by clicking on the following link:  https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a2ITEZUbD0nW29w?Source=I

You may close the survey and return to finish it later if needed.

If you have questions, please contact the Auburn ICAMS team at icams@auburn.edu.

Volatility and Uncertainty will Continue to Influence Economic Outlook in the Early Months of 2023

IPC issues December Economic Outlook report

COVID-19, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, soaring global inflation rates and recession fears were major contributors to the cloud of uncertainty in 2022 and also to slower global economic growth, per IPC’s December Economic Outlook report.

“Many believe a recession is a foregone conclusion in 2023,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. “I expect about a third of the world economy will likely be in recession in 2023. Global economic growth has already fallen, slipping from six percent in 2021 to about 3.2 percent in 2022. Global growth is expected to slow further in 2023, clocking in at less than two percent,” DuBravac added.

          Additional data in report show:

  • Global inflation rose from 4.7 percent in 2021 to 8.8 percent in 2022 and should fall to around 6.5 percent in 2023 and four percent in 2024.
  •  U.S. economic activity is expected to increase just 0.3 percent in 2023.
  • U.S. industrial production fell 0.2 percent in November, the second straight month of decline. Despite the weak November results, production of consumer goods was up 1.8 percent in the past year and production of business equipment was up 5.7 percent.
  • In Europe, electronics manufacturing output fell in October after two months of growth. Output decreased 2 percent (month-on-month), but production remains high. Output is up 4.4 percent over the last year.

View full report. For more information on IPC’s industry intelligence program including new reports, visit: www.ipc.org/advocacy/industry-intelligence.

Industry Demand Holding Up Despite Deteriorating Economic Outlook, High Costs Continue to Create Challenging Conditions for Electronics Manufacturers

IPC issues December Global Sentiment of the Electronics Supply Chain Report

Per IPC’s December Global Sentiment of the Electronics Supply Chain Report, over the next six months, manufacturers expect to see continued increase in both labor and material costs. Ease of recruitment and profit margins are likely to remain challenging.

Among other data, survey results show:

  • Demand remains solid, but closes the year on a lighter note: The Orders Index began the year at 123, strongly in expansionary territory, but closes the year at 107. This is solidly in expansionary territory but down for a second consecutive month and the lowest reading this year.
  •  Supply chain constraints have improved notably since the start of the year: The Inventories Available to Customers (IAC) Index has improved throughout the year. It began the year in contractionary territory but ends the year at 105 suggesting available inventories are growing.
  • Costs remain elevated: The Materials Costs Index dropped one-point last month, to an all-time low, but the index remains high, suggesting cost pressures continue.

For the report, IPC surveyed hundreds of companies from around the world, including a wide range of company sizes representing the full electronics manufacturing value chain. View full report.

For more information on IPC’s industry intelligence program including new reports, visit: www.ipc.org/advocacy/industry-intelligence.

IPC Releases IPC/WHMA-A-620E, Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies

IPC/WHMA-A-620E, Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies prescribes practices and requirements for the manufacturing of cable, wire, and harness assemblies, and describes materials, methods, tests, and acceptability criteria for producing crimped, mechanically secured, and soldered interconnections, and the related assembly activities associated with cable and harness assemblies.                                

Revision E showcases significant changes to the standard, at the request of the industry. The WHMA/IPC-A-620 standards development committee adopted a new chaptering system for the entire document, added new figures and updated several sections of the standard. Of significance was the alignment of soldering requirements with IPC J-STD-001, Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies. The Circular Mill Area was revised and terms and definitions in Appendix A were updated.                                                                                           

“IPC/WHMA-A-620E sets expectations between WHMA members and their customers for what is considered acceptable quality workmanship for cables and harnesses,” said David Bergman, IPC vice president of standards and technology. “The revisions requested by the industry were significant, resulting in a much-improved standard.”                                                                               

For more information or to purchase IPC/WHMA-A-620E, Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies, visit https://shop.ipc.org/ipcwhma-a-620/ipcwhma-a-620-standard-only/Revision-e/english.     

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