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Sponsor
ECD

Vapor Phase Profiling
Thermal profiling the vapor phase soldering process – especially those with vacuum – is challenging. ECD's M-VP™ sealed barrier can take it. Learn more.
ECD
Ask the Experts
Through Hole Connector Solder Joint Hole Fill
When looking at IPC610D in relation to through hole connectors and Class III level soldering. What is the recommended inspection method to ensure the 75% ...
Responses by:
Bill Coleman
Vice President Technology, Photo Stencil
Subrat Prajapati
Supplier Quality Leader, Ge Healthcare
Leo Lambert
Vice President, Technical Director, EPTAC Corporation
Richard D. Stadem
Advanced Engineer/Scientist, General Dynamics
Peter Biocca
Senior Market Development Engineer, Kester
Fritz Byle
Process Engineer, Astronautics
Paul J. Koep
Global Product Manager, Alpha
Robert Freid
President and Founder, Contract Manufacturing Consultants, Inc.
Kris Roberson
Manager of Assembly Technology, IPC
How To Remove Oxidation On SMT Components
Stencil Cleaning Procedure
Bottom Terminated Components and Vias
Hand Soldering at Low Temperature
Low Operating Temperature Lead-Free Solder
Mixed Process Solder Joint Appearance, Smooth or Grainy?
ESD Grounding - 1 Meg Ohm Resistor
MORE ASK THE EXPERTS
Keys to Reliable Tin Mitigation
Sponsor
Circuitnet

"Ask the Experts" Program by Circuitnet
Do you have a question or process issue in PCB assembly? The Circuitnet "Ask the Expert's" program has over 100 panel members waiting to answer your question. Submit question now.
Circuitnet Media LLC
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Nov 11, 2025
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Master-Bond
Sponsor
Nordson-ASYMTEK

ASYMTEK Select Coat SL-1040
The SL-1040 Conformal Coating System upgrades the SL-940 and added significant system-level advancements to elevate automation, control, precision & preventative maintenance for better yield.
Nordson Electronics Solutions
What Year Was It?
Racer A.J. Foyt Gets 1st Victory
What Year
A.J. Foyt scores his first professional victory, in a U.S. Automobile Club (USAC) midget car race in Kansas City, Missouri.
See the answer below.
Sponsor
DL-Technology

Start Micro Dispensing Today
The DL Micro Valve is specifically designed for dispensing micro volumes of material in precise, repeatable patterns. Learn more about the DL Micro Valve.
DL Technology
Indium-Corporation
What Year Was It Answer
Racer A.J. Foyt Gets 1st Victory
Answer: May 12, 1957
May 12, 2025
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How Amazon Plans to Catch Google and Microsoft in the Quantum Computing Race
Amazon jumps into the quantum-computing race with Ocelot, a proprietary chip unveiled in February. Built at its Caltech-based AWS Center, Ocelot uses cat qubits and scalable architecture to challenge Google and Microsoft in cloud innovation.
CNBC
Sponsor
Ormet-TLPS

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
US and China agree to drastically roll back tariffs in major trade breakthrough
The U.S. and China struck a surprise deal to slash tariffs for 90 days, easing trade tensions and boosting global markets. Both nations pledged deeper talks, with investors rallying as major indices and currencies surged.
CNN
Recycling vs Circularity: Minimising E-Waste in Manufacturing
Electronic waste generation is increasing globally. This paper explores solutions for electronic manufacturers to minimise their contribution, particularly through recycling and circular inventory practices.
Technical Paper
"Prompt engineering" is no longer a job, but a skill
Prompt engineering's brief boom as a standalone AI job has faded fast, as companies now expect those skills across roles—or automate them entirely. The AI job market is shifting toward deeper technical expertise and advisory positions instead.
TechSpot
Sponsor
Rehm-Thermal-Systems-GmbH

Protecto - Precision in Motion
ProtectoXP and ProtectoXC protect electronic assemblies from aggressive environ-mental influences such as moisture, corrosion, chemicals and more. The coating ensures functionality.
Rehm Thermal Systems GmbH
How to Set Boundaries and Protect Your Peace When You're Overwhelmed
In a noisy world of constant input, clarity and growth come from setting boundaries, consuming information mindfully, and embracing authenticity. Thoughtfully filtering advice, staying true to your values, and listening deeply helps you thrive personally and professionally.
Entrepreneur
Technical Papers
Cutting Without Contact: How Laser Depanelling Redefines PCB Manufacturing
The "Fried Egg" Effect in Soldering
Flux Technology Development for Solder Paste Compatible with Formic Acid Reflow Ovens for Power Devices
Innovative Power Module Assembly Solutions
Unlocking the Potential of Nanoscale Conformal Coatings
Recycling vs Circularity: Minimising E-Waste in Manufacturing
Optimizing Cleaning Strategies for Advanced Packaging Technologies with Low Standoff Components
Probe Card Manufacturer 'Sees the Unseen' With X-ray
Electronic Assembly Cleaning Basics: Manual Concentration Monitoring Methods
An Eight-Step Methodology for Bringing a Process Under Statistical Control
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Sponsor
SEHO

SEHO makes production lines smarter
Improve your work flow and reduce manufacturing costs with creative ideas and innovative solutions for automation, board handling and material management.
SEHO Systems GmbH
Xiaomi founder has 'the hardest time' since fatal crash involving one of its cars
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun called the past month his toughest since founding the company, following a fatal SU7 crash involving its autonomous-driving tech. Amid public backlash, Lei paused public activity, later expressing renewed resolve to move forward.
South China Morning Post
RISC-V Royalty-Driven Revenue to Exceed License Revenue by 2027
At Andes Technology's 20th anniversary RISC-V Con, the company celebrated record $42M annual revenue, major AI-driven growth, and rising automotive traction. Analyst data predicts RISC-V revenues will shift from licenses to royalties by 2027, highlighting growing market maturity.
EE Times
Sponsor
Koki-Americas

Maximize Your Process with Koki’s Complimentary Analytical Services
Struggling with soldering issues or efficiency gains? Koki offers free analytical support to help diagnose process problems, optimize materials, and tackle new technologies.
Koki Americas
Google would need to shift up to 2,000 employees for antitrust remedies, search head says
In Google's antitrust search remedies trial, executive Liz Reid revealed implementing DOJ proposals could divert up to 2,000 staff. The DOJ wants Google to share click data and curb default search deals; closing arguments are set for May 29–30.
CNBC
Big Trends in Embedded AI, Vision: Scaling and Multimodal Intelligence
At the 15th Embedded Vision Summit, experts spotlight the rise of real-world AI deployment and the surge of multimodal systems combining vision, text, and audio. Keynotes and panels showcase scalable innovations in edge AI, computer vision, and generative applications.
EE Times
Sponsor
kyzen

Reflow Oven and Wave Soldering Machine Maintenance Cleaning
Maintenance cleaning is imperative. Investment in a cleaning schedule and chemistry creates reliable processes to extend equipment life.
KYZEN
Apple said to use Brazil for lower-tariff iPhones, despite denials
Apple denies claims that Foxconn's Brazil expansion targets U.S. iPhone exports, insisting production there remains local. While tariff pressures and supply chain shifts continue, Apple has only confirmed diversification efforts in India and Vietnam—not Brazil.
Apple Insider
Google adds on-device AI to Chrome to catch scams in real time
Google is deploying powerful AI tools across Search, Chrome, and Android to block scams more effectively. Its Gemini Nano model now detects 20 times more scam pages, slashes fake airline support sites by 80%, and enhances on-device security for users.
TechSpot
Sponsor
Glenbrook-Technologies

Probe Card Manufacturer 'Sees the Unseen' With X-ray
Probe card manufacturer relies on mobile real-time x-ray inspection to verify the quality of its aligned probes at different stages along the assembly line.
Glenbrook Technologies
Americans still dream about factory jobs. Can they be brought back?
Despite bipartisan nostalgia for factory jobs, American manufacturing remains a shadow of its former self, shaped by declining union power, economic shifts, and cultural ideals. While political leaders tout industrial revival, the path forward remains complex and contested.
NPR
Hand Soldering at Low Temperature
We often need to make repairs in the field involving circuit board soldering. Is there any impact on a hand soldered circuit boards during winter where the circuit board and atmosphere are at 0 degrees C and humidity at 10%?
Circuit Insight - Ask the Experts
Apple Watch shipments down 29% in two years, blamed on lack of new features
Apple Watch shipments plunged 19% year-over-year in 2024, marking a second straight annual decline and a 29% drop since 2022. Counterpoint blames outdated models, no new Watch SE or Ultra 3, and weakening demand, especially in North America.
TechSpot
Sponsor
Infotech-Automation-Inc.

Innovative Power Module Assembly Solutions
Power module production utilizes many different technologies. When industry leaders from these different fields join efforts on the design of these lines, higher efficiency and yields are the result.
Infotech Automation Inc.
Robotic Systems Perform Experiments Speeding Up Research
As explained recently in the journal Science Robotics, robots are rapidly, "Transforming Science Labs into Automated Factories of Discovery."
Circuit Insight - Technology Briefing
China's exports to US sink, offset by trade with other economies, as US tariffs hit global trade
China's exports to the U.S. plunged 21% in April as tariffs from both nations disrupted trade, accelerating a shift in global supply chains. Meanwhile, exports to Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa surged, highlighting China's diversification strategy.
AP News
Memory Safety Will Be Key to Tackle Fundamental Cyber Security
The U.K.'s Digital Security by Design initiative showcased CHERI, a memory-safe hardware technology, in London. Experts praised its cybersecurity potential but noted adoption challenges. With 160+ companies involved, standardizing memory safety remains a key priority.
EE Times
Today's Sponsor
Aim-Solder
Sponsor
Aim-Solder

Bismuth in Solder Alloys
Bismuth is a primary constituent in many low-temp solders. It also serves as an additive element in SAC solders that reinforces joint durability & optimizes wetting characteristics.
AIM Solder
Test Your Knowledge
Large size hand-writing generally indicates what characteristics in the personality of the writer?
See answer below.
Industry Press
AIM to Present at SMT and Assembly Process Workshop in Penang.
AIM Solder
Indium and Rio Tinto Announce Milestone in Gallium Extraction Partnership
Indium Corporation
Communiqué from the Annual General Meeting of the BoD of Mycronic AB
Mycronic AB (publ)
Koh Young Invites You to 2025 IEEE ECTC
Koh Young Technology
APE, Automated Production Equipment, Marks 56-year Milestone
Automated Production Equipment
MORE INDUSTRY PRESS
AI-Technology-Inc
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
Quote of the Day
"Idealism is what precedes experience; cynicism is what follows."
David T. Wolf
Sponsor
Viscom

Affordable Excellence - iS6052 AOI
The latest addition to Viscom's esteemed lineup of AOI systems. This new system offers a compelling option for manufacturers looking to enhance their PCB inspection processes.
Viscom
Creative-Electron
Cartoon of the Day
Cartoon
"Our books are balanced. 50% of our numbers are real and 50% are made up."
Copyright © Randy Glasbergen
Sponsor
Uyemura

Advances in Final Finishes Push Past the Limits of Conventional Electrolytes
New article explores DIG, RAIG, EPIG, EPAG, and the competition-fueled evolution from mSAP to full semi-additive SAP. Read it here.
Uyemura
Plasma-Etch
Test Your Knowledge Answer
Large size hand-writing generally indicates what characteristics in the personality of the writer?
Answer: Extraverted or out-going nature