circuitnet
Sponsor
Aim-Solder

Viscosity Does Not Equal Rheology: What Solder Paste Measurements Really Tell You
Viscosity is a useful solder paste quality control measurement, but rheology provides a more complete understanding of how paste will roll, fill, release, recover, and remain stable during stencil printing.
AIM Solder
Ask the Experts
What Causes Solder Balls During Rework?
During the rework of SMT components on conformal coated boards, we see solder balls appearing at neighboring components. How can this be eliminated?
Responses by:
Linda Woody
SME Production Technical Excellence Staff, Lockheed Martin
Al Cabral
Regional Sales Manager , Finetech
Bryan Kerr
Principal Engineer - CMA Lab, BAE Systems
Fritz Byle
Process Engineer, Astronautics
David Suihkonen
President, R&D Technical Services Inc.
Advise and suggestions for assembly using 01005 capacitors.
Selective Printing for BGA Components
PCBA Transport Between Facilities
SOT (Small Outline Transistor) Body Cracks
Shielding Techniques When Removing Components Using Hot Air
Partially Visible or Hidden Solder Connections
Shelf Life Limit for Soldering Old Components
MORE ASK THE EXPERTS
AI-Technology-Inc
Sponsor
Essegi-Automation

Automated Storage for High-Mix EMS Production
High mix electronics manufacturing requires reliable material management. This white paper explains how BMK enhanced traceability, inventory accuracy and picking efficiency using integrated automated storage, digital workflows and reel-level visibility.
Essegi Automation
Industry Calendar
Aug 12, 2027
High Reliability Cleaning and Conformal Coating Conference
SMTA
Apr 13, 2027
Symposium on Counterfeit Parts and Materials - UK
SMTA
Oct 25, 2026
SMTA International Conference & Exposition
SMTA
Oct 7, 2026
Guadalajara Expo & Tech Forum
SMTA
Oct 1, 2026
Long Island Expo & Tech Forum
SMTA
FULL INDUSTRY CALENDAR
Plasmatreat-GmbH
Sponsor
BEST-Inc.

Salvaging Electronic Components: Ensuring Economic Reuse
Component salvaging provides a reliable and consistent method of harvesting electronic components, reducing electronic waste, minimizing fabrication of new components, and ensuring economic reuse for automated assembly.
BEST Inc.
What Year Was It?
Shuttle Docks with Russian Space Station
What Year
The American space shuttle Atlantis docks with the Russian space station Mir to form the largest man-made satellite ever to orbit the Earth.
See the answer below.
Sponsor
Schunk

Depaneling machine for separating circuit boards
SCHUNK offers solutions for the entire spectrum of the depaneling operation — from product selection, workpiece holder solutions and optimization of milling.
SCHUNK
Heller-Industries-Inc
What Year Was It Answer
Shuttle Docks with Russian Space Station
Answer: June 29, 1995
June 29, 2026
image
Lenovo Reportedly Sees Higher Memory Prices Becoming the New Normal Into 2030
Lenovo expects elevated DRAM and NAND memory prices to remain the industry standard through 2030 as AI demand continues to outpace supply. The company says higher component costs will keep pressure on PC and device pricing for years.
TrendForce
Sponsor
Manncorp

Outsourcing Costs More Than You Think
Delays, tariffs, and uncertainty come with overseas PCB assembly. In-house production with Manncorp delivers faster builds, tighter control, and long-term stability.
Manncorp Inc.
iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold? Here's Everything the Leaks Say About Apple's 2026 Foldable
Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone appears closer than ever. Reports point to a 2026 launch with a book-style design, Samsung-made display, slimmer profile, premium pricing, and upgraded cameras, though Apple has yet to confirm any details.
CNET
The Analysis of Variance: Drawing Conclusions from Data That Are Correct, Unambiguous, and Defensible
The analysis of variance (ANOVA) allows comparisons between groups using one test. Validation is accomplished by verifying that residuals are normally distributed, have independence of observations, and homogeneity of variances.
Technical Paper
Demand for AI and new materials in China promotes industrial growth
China’s industrial enterprises report faster profit growth in Jan–May 2026, driven by surging AI-related electronics and new energy demand. Electronics, raw materials, and high-tech manufacturing lead gains as margins improve and costs fall, boosting overall industrial performance.
Lao Dong
Sponsor
DL-Technology

Micro Dispensing Technology Leader
DL Technology LLC develops customized dispensing needles and valves for the electronics assembly, industrial assembly, semiconductor packaging and medical industries.
DL Technology
This Breakthrough Study Brings Us One Step Closer To The Holy Grail Of 3D Printing
Researchers at University of Twente develop a wave-propagation path-planning method for 3D printing that eliminates supports for complex overhangs, enabling up to 90-degree angles, reducing waste and cleanup, and integrating into slicers like PrusaSlicer and OrcaSlicer for standard FDM printers.
BGR
Implementing Automation and Ai for Electronic Card Assembly
AI solutions could be integrated into the automation process to further improve the production operation. This paper discusses the challenges in implementation.
Technical Paper
Technical Papers
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
The Analysis of Variance: Drawing Conclusions from Data That Are Correct, Unambiguous, and Defensible
MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS
Sponsor
Circuit-Technology-Center

Access 100+ Expert Circuit Board Repair & Rework Guides
Circuit Technology Center's guidebook features repair and rework procedures to help technicians improve quality and maintain reliability in accordance with IPC standards.
Circuit Technology Center
LG pushes robot strategy from home to factory; data shortage remains a challenge
LG Electronics is expanding its physical AI ambitions by building an end-to-end robotics value chain under its One LG strategy, integrating group units and developing robots like CLOiD home robot and LG AXIUM robotic systems.
Digitimes
AI-driven chip demand tightens air and sea freight capacity and lifts rates
AI and semiconductor shipments are tightening global freight markets, with air cargo space in short supply and US-bound sea routes crowded. Lower fuel surcharges may ease costs, but strong export demand from technology supply chains is expected to keep congestion.
Digitimes
Challenges of Ultra-Fine Feature Printing Optimization of Pb-Free Solder Paste
Semiconductor manufacturing, flip chip, package on package, system in package, and miniature components may require printing through stencil apertures of 50-100 μm in size.
Technical Paper
Sponsor
Intraratio-Corporation

Unlock Operational Success with Insights from Global Leaders
4-part series focused on achieving excellence while facing the operational challenges of advanced electronics and SMT manufacturing. No registration required.
Intraratio
IBM's fingernail-sized chip fits 100 billion transistors
IBM has designed a sub-1-nanometer chip blueprint using a new 3D nanostack architecture, packing nearly 100 billion transistors per chip. The approach boosts performance up to 50 percent and energy efficiency by 70 percent, with production expected in five years.
New Atlas
The 2026 Consumer Electronics Market: Why Buyers Are Struggling in an Era of Over-Innovation
Consumer electronics in 2026 see rapid innovation but declining buyer confidence as choice overload grows. Incremental upgrades, AI-driven features, and marketing around future readiness push consumers toward over-specification and post-purchase regret. Wearables, laptops, tablets, and modular designs reflect shifting needs.
Tech Bullion
The Effect of Thermal Cycling Profile on Thermal Fatigue Performance of an 84-Pin Thin Core BGA
This paper summarizes the findings from a thermal cycling test to evaluate the effect of thermal cycling profile on thermal fatigue performance of low temperature solders.
Technical Paper
Sponsor
Summit-Interconnect

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
Rise in memory chip costs puts pressure on retailers of laptops and smartphones
As demand for artificial intelligence surges, memory chip shortages drive up RAM prices, forcing companies like Apple to raise MacBook and iPad costs. Analysts warn higher electronics prices, reduced shipments, and delayed consumer upgrades through 2027.
CNBC
The PQC Silicon Is Here Today for Tomorrow’s Quantum Threats
New post-quantum security chips are bringing quantum-resistant protection to devices today. By integrating dedicated hardware accelerators for PQC algorithms, they help smartphones and connected systems defend against future quantum computing threats while improving long-term security.
EE Times
Sponsor
Uyemura

Dedicated Tool for Process Development
Advanced plating capability at Uyemura Tech Center: Process Development, UBM, pilot production. ENIG, ENEPIG, EPIG/EPAG, RAIG immersion gold; all substrates. On-site analysis.
Uyemura
Surge in Investment Fuels Electronics Manufacturing Growth
Electronics manufacturing is attracting strong investment as AI-driven data center expansion fuels demand for advanced chips and high-bandwidth memory. Semiconductor firms are boosting production and equipment spending, while leading companies forecast robust earnings growth, reinforcing the sector's long-term growth outlook.
Intellectia
Flux Residue Causing Test Issues
We are having issues with flux residues. After wave, we experience many incomplete readings due to flux residues on connector pins.
Board Talk
How big tech is nudging cloud emissions on customers
Amazon Web Services highlighted new sustainability achievements and expanded tools to measure data center emissions. Head of Sustainability Alexis Bateman said the AWS Sustainability Console helps customers track carbon metrics, improve environmental reporting and support efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of cloud operations.
Digitimes
Patience? In a Business World Obsessed with Speed, Slowing Down Might Be the Ultimate Power Move
Businesses often prioritize speed, but lasting success depends on patience and strategic action. Careful planning, measured innovation, resilient supply chains, thoughtful hiring, and sustained customer relationships help companies build trust, adapt to change, and achieve long-term growth without compromising quality or reputation.
Entrepreneur
Sponsor
Master-Bond

High Temp & Chemical Resistant Epoxy
Master Bond EP62-1AO is an electrically insulating adhesive that withstands harsh chemical environments while delivering thermal conductivity. View full specs.
Master Bond
Electronics manufacturing becomes 3rd-largest goods export category from India: Minister
Electronics manufacturing has become India's third-largest export category, Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for transforming the sector into a major driver of economic growth and strengthening the country's global export competitiveness.
Lokmat Times
Today's Sponsor
Air-Vac-Engineering
Sponsor
Air-Vac-Engineering

High Precision Component Milling
Automatic Removal of Electronic Components including Residual Solder on Heat Sensitive Assemblies.
Air-Vac Engineering
Test Your Knowledge
Which of these materials is the best conductor of heat? Copper, Silver, Aluminum, Diamond
See answer below.
Industry Press
Assembled Product Specialists Offers Complete Facility Solutions
Assembled Product Specialists is is highlighting its comprehensive approach to facility design, product sourcing, installation, and operational support. While many organizations know ...
Assembled Product Specialists
I.C.T Delivers SMT Line for Drone Manufacturing in Europe
I.C.T has successfully delivered a complete SMT production line to a customer in Europe, supporting their drone manufacturing business. In March 2026, I.C.T dispatched ...
Dongguan ICT Technology Co.,Ltd.
SmartController offers interfaces for controlling demanding tests
In the automotive sector, individual components—such as vehicle seats—often need to be tested or demonstrated independently of the overall configuration ...
GOEPEL Electronic
ITW EAE appoints Alfa SMT as Distributor for MPM & Camalot Products
ITW EAE is pleased to announce the appointment of Alfa SMT as the authorized distributor of MPM Printer and Camalot Dispenser products for the Balkan territory, ...
ITW EAE
Global Electronics Association Releases IPC-1401B
The Global Electronics Association has released IPC-1401B, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Management System Standard, an updated industry standard ...
Global Electronics Association
MicroCare Appoints Doug Kay as Dir. of Market and New Business Development
MicroCare, LLC announced the appointment of Doug Kay as Director of Market and New Business Development. In this newly created role, Kay will focus on finding ...
MicroCare, LLC
ELANTAS Heads to SMTA Querétaro with Proven Protection Solutions
ELANTAS will exhibit at the SMTA Querétaro Expo & Tech Forum, taking place Thursday, July 16, 2026 in Querétaro, Mexico. The event brings together electronics ...
ELANTAS
MORE INDUSTRY PRESS
Ormet-TLPS
Sponsor
Zestron

Cleaning advanced packages? The stakes are rising.
Flux residues under low-standoff components risk field failures. Get IPC-validated insights on optimizing inline spray cleaning.
ZESTRON Americas
Quote of the Day
"Do you realize if it weren't for Edison we'd be watching TV by candlelight?"
Al Boliska
Sponsor
kyzen

Maintenance: The Basics of Cleaning Series Part 4
This is the final paper in a series and discusses some of the common mistakes in maintenance cleaning applications found in electronic assembly operations.
KYZEN
Viscom-SE
Cartoon of the Day
Cartoon
"She was on vacation for three weeks, but burned up on re-entry."
Copyright © Randy Glasbergen
Sponsor
Plasma-Etch

Plasma Etch PE-Avenger
The PE-Avenger is an ultra low-cost entry level plasma cleaning system allowing more labs to utilize plasma. It's a low frequency plasma cleaner designed for surface activation and organics removal.
Plasma Etch
Glenbrook-Technologies
Test Your Knowledge Answer
Which of these materials is the best conductor of heat? Copper, Silver, Aluminum, Diamond
Answer: Diamond