circuitnet
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
Creative-Electron
Viewpoint
January 16, 2026

VIEWPOINT 2026: Chris Ward, COO, SolderKing Ltd.



VIEWPOINT 2026: Chris Ward, COO, SolderKing Ltd.
Chris Ward, COO, SolderKing Ltd.
Across electronics assembly in 2026, soldering consumables continue to play a central role in supporting stable, repeatable manufacturing. As manufacturers balance cost, quality and production continuity, closer attention is being paid to how materials perform across a wide range of soldering applications.

Across both automated and manual assembly and rework, consistency in solder wire, bar, paste and associated consumables is essential to maintaining predictable production outcomes.

Variation in finished materials, lead times or supporting documentation can introduce avoidable disruption, particularly in mixed-production and time-critical environments. As a result, consumables are increasingly assessed in terms of their contribution to overall process stability rather than purely on unit cost.

Alongside material selection, access to informed technical support, including profiling, analysis and inspection, plays a growing role in helping manufacturers understand and maintain effective soldering processes. This is particularly relevant as assemblies become more complex and traditional visual inspection becomes less effective.

Regulatory compliance and customer audit requirements remain constant across global markets. Clear material data, traceability and controlled manufacturing practices continue to underpin confidence in both product performance and supply continuity.

Through 2026, many electronics manufacturers remain focused on predictable production and risk reduction. Reliable soldering consumables, supported by dependable supply and practical technical expertise, continue to be central to consistent assembly performance and longer-term production planning.

Chris Ward, COO
SolderKing Ltd.
https://solderking.com/
Viewpoint Index
Free Newsletter Subscription
Circuitnet is built for professionals who bear the responsibility of looking ahead, imagining the future, and preparing for it.

Insert Your Email Address

Sponsor
Nordson-ASYMTEK

Reclaim Your Factory's Future
Space is a precious resource. With SELECT Synchro, reclaim it, and reimagine your factory's workflow for greater efficiency and scalability.
Nordson Electronic Solutions