July 3, 2026

This Automaker Paid $4.8 Billion to Fix Its Cars in a Single Year. Here’s Its Unexpected Solution to Quality Control Issues. Ford has transformed its quality strategy by pairing AI with veteran engineers, helping cut warranty and recall costs. The approach lifted Ford to the top-ranked mainstream brand in the latest JD Power Initial Quality Survey while strengthening manufacturing quality across its plants. Entrepreneur

Sponsor Reflow Solderable TIM1 Thermal Grease AIT's CGR7016 & CGR7019-LB series are proven reliable for thermal interface usage at extreme temperatures. 100% chip to heat-spreader lid seal after multiple reflow soldering. AI Technology, Inc.

The US iPhone 18 Pro Might Have A Major Hardware Difference (For Better Or Worse) A cyberattack on Apple's Indian supplier Tata reportedly leaked iPhone 18 Pro documents suggesting U.S. models will retain Qualcomm 5G modems, while global versions adopt Apple's C2 chip, offering better power efficiency, faster 5G speeds and enhanced carrier privacy features. BGR

The Drawbacks of Internal Recycling Systems for Solder Dross This paper examines the risks and hidden costs of in-house solder dross recycling, highlighting contamination, compliance, quality, safety, and economic challenges that often outweigh perceived savings. Technical Paper

As AI Reshapes Global Energy Systems, Melbourne Leads Through Engineering Collaboration AI is sharply increasing electricity demand, making energy infrastructure a critical challenge alongside computing capacity. Melbourne is positioning itself as a global leader by integrating renewable energy, grid modernization, engineering expertise and digital infrastructure to support AI-driven growth and resilient energy systems. IEEE Spectrum

Sponsor The Battle for Space Superiority Has Begun The next conflict may begin in orbit. Learn why resilient space systems and advanced manufacturing matter more than ever. Summit Interconnect

AI Server Demand Drives Sharp Rise in Circuit Board Material Prices Surging AI server investments are pushing cost increases beyond GPUs and memory into upstream semiconductor materials. Rising demand for high-grade glass fiber cloth and other essential components is strengthening supplier pricing power and increasing manufacturing costs across the electronics supply chain. The Chosun

Surface Treatment Enabling Low Temperature Soldering to Aluminum An increasingly popular method to meet the need for lower cost circuitry is the use of aluminum on Polyester (Al-PET) substrates. Technical Paper

Technical Papers ■ Flux-Free, Reliable, Efficient: Soldering with Formic Acid ■ Redesigning Material Logistics for High-Mix EMS Production ■ Unlocking Academic-Industry Synergy: A Collaborative Model for Hands-On Electronics Manufacturing Education ■ Viscosity Does Not Equal Rheology: What Solder Paste Measurements Really Tell You ■ Salvaging Electronic Components: A Reliable Method for Reducing Electronic Waste and Ensuring Economic Reuse ■ Digital Warehouse Automation in High-Mix PCB Assembly ■ Evaluation of Techniques for Intentional Contamination of PWB Substrates for Quantitative Cleanliness Analyses ■ Scaling SMT Traceability ■ The Drawbacks of Internal Recycling Systems for Solder Dross ■ Engineering ESD-Safe PCB Assembly for High-Reliability IoT and Industrial Electronics MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS

Sponsor Thermally Conductive, Low Outgassing Epoxy Master Bond EP21AOLV-2LO is an electrically insulating adhesive that meets NASA low outgassing requirements for sealing, coating and encapsulation applications. Ask an expert. Master Bond

Tech sector gains: Consumer electronics and software shine amid semiconductor woes US markets traded mixed as semiconductor stocks slumped, with Micron, AMD and Intel posting sharp losses, while Apple and Microsoft gained on stronger investor confidence. The divergence highlights sector rotation toward software and consumer technology amid persistent chip industry uncertainty. Investing Live

Engineering Plastic Compounds Market to Reach USD 275.3 Billion by 2036 Driven by Rising Demand Across Automotive and Electronics Industries The global engineering plastic compounds market is expanding as automakers, electronics manufacturers, and aerospace companies replace metals with lightweight, high-performance polymers. Growing EV production, semiconductor demand, and sustainable material innovations are expected to drive the market from USD 141 billion in 2025 to USD 275.3 billion by 2036. Industry Today

What Causes Solder Balls During Hand Soldering? To many operators believe the old myth that flux is your friend and you can never have to much flux. That is not true as to much flux will outgas at the end of the hand soldering process creating solder balls around the connection. This is one possible explanation as others have stated other causes as well. Board Talk

Sponsor AIT ORMET® TLPS for Component Attach AIT ORMET®TLPS is proven for outstanding reliability for component attaches and MLCC build-up for high temperature applications beyond 175ºC Ormet® TLPS

Sales Forecasting Guide for Electronics Manufacturing SMBs Sales forecasting enables electronics manufacturers to align production, procurement, and inventory with expected demand, reducing shortages, excess stock, and capacity constraints. Integrated ERP tools and AI-assisted forecasting improve planning accuracy by linking forecasts directly to production schedules, purchasing, and supplier lead times. EE Times

Memory Chip Prices and PCB Supply Risks Tighten AI Hardware Market AI infrastructure investment is driving memory price surges, tightening component supply and raising electronics manufacturing costs. Supply chain risks around Chinese PCB production and stricter export controls are also forcing manufacturers to adopt more flexible sourcing and procurement strategies. Astute

Tin-Bismuth Low Temperature Solder Electromigration Behavior This paper reviews results reported from accelerated testing compared with cross-sectional results from components on functional systems with known time in service. Technical Paper

Sponsor actnano Materials with Nordson Equipment actnano's PFAS-free, cure-free coatings save energy and boost safety. And they are compatible with Nordson conformal coating systems. Upgrade your system today. Learn more! Nordson Electronic Solutions

AI Server Demand Drives Circuit Board Material Price Surge Surging AI data center investments are driving price increases beyond GPUs and memory into semiconductor materials. Taiwanese manufacturer Fulltech Fiber Glass raised glass fiber cloth prices by up to 30%, while growing demand for advanced substrates is lifting costs across the AI semiconductor supply chain. The Chosun

Kimball Electronics Acquires European-Based Medical CDMO, Helvoet Polymer Technologies B.V. Kimball Electronics acquired Helvoet for €90 million ($103 million) to expand its global medical contract manufacturing platform. The deal strengthens its European and Indian presence, enhances U.S. growth opportunities, and adds specialized expertise in microfluidics, diagnostics, and drug delivery. Business Wire

Sponsor Keeley Pedals Perfected with Manncorp Keeley Electronics revolutionizes production with Manncorp pick & place machines, achieving unprecedented speed, precision, and innovation in the guitar pedal industry. Manncorp Inc.

Non-AI lead times normalising Accelerating AI investments are tightening supply for memory and AI-related components, driving record NAND revenues and sustained HBM demand. Industry leaders expect shortages, longer lead times, and higher prices through 2030, while most other semiconductor categories maintain balanced supply and stable growth. Electronics Weekly.com

Low Melting Temperature Solder Interconnect Thermal Cycling Performance Sn-Bi based low melting temperature solder interconnects with elemental tuning presents enhanced interconnect solder joint thermo-mechanical performance. Technical Paper

Panasonic launches compact PCB relay series Panasonic launched the compact HE-S SC 2a and 2a1b PCB relay series for single-phase EV chargers and wallboxes, offering 40A switching, compact PCB integration, low power consumption and early compliance with the upcoming IEC 62955 short-circuit safety standard. Electronics Weekly.com

India’s electronics manufacturing services market could reach $150 billion by FY30: KPMG India’s electronics manufacturing services market is projected to exceed USD 150 billion by FY30 from USD 40-45 billion in FY25, driven by exports, policy incentives and supply chain shifts. KPMG says India must expand design, localisation and component capabilities to sustain growth. Best Media Info

Sponsor Discover the power of vAI ProVision from Viscom Create and optimize 3D AOI and AXI programs in minutes. vAI ProVision boosts inspection depth, quality, and speed. Viscom develops & produces premium inspection systems. Viscom

Rapid Component Obsolescence Is Reshaping Today’s Semiconductor Procurement Dynamics Rapid component obsolescence is forcing semiconductor procurement teams to shift from reactive purchasing to proactive lifecycle management. Companies that track component lifecycles, diversify sourcing, and strengthen inventory strategies can reduce supply chain risks and maintain long-term product availability. EE Times