2017 Magazine Archives

• View the Digital Edition

FEATURES

PANELIZATION
Reducing PCB Costs through Panel Optimization
Many OEMs consider panelization a manufacturing task and blindly delegate those decisions to their fabricators and assemblers. In doing so, they are missing an opportunity to affect material expenses, a leading cost driver for PCBs.
by Patrick McGoff

EMS PROFILES
3 Days with EMS in the Valley
For every Silicon Valley-area EMS plant, large or small, there are almost as many business models. On recent trips to the area, our editors visited and spoke with three companies that are blazing very different trails on their paths to success. On the road at Sunnytech/Kaga, Rocket EMS and Tempo Automation.
by Mike Buetow and Chelsey Drysdale

INSPECTION
Imaging and Analysis Using Matched Acoustic Tools
Acoustic micro imaging can be used for internal inspection of everything from simple
plastic packages to stacked die wafers without causing damage or affecting the results.
And it's proving to be an effective means to boost yield and cut costs.
by Tom Adams

Upbeat Mood, and Talk of Parts Issues, at SMTAI
The (stellar) keynote might have promoted augmented reality, but improved mood among exhibitors and attendees alike at SMTAI was anything but imagined.
by Mike Buetow

FIRST PERSON

• CAVEAT LECTOR
  Voice prompts.
  Mike Buetow

MONEY MATTERS

• ROI
  Putting an end to the endless inspections.
  Peter Bigelow

TECH TALK

• TECH TIPS
  Designed-in costs.
  Roy Akber
• GETTING LEAN
  Dealing with constraints.
  John Sheehan
• DEFECTS DATABASE
  Via popping.
  Martin Wickham
• TEST AND INSPECTION
  How much bandwidth is enough?
  Robert Boguski