I was all set this month to write about plating using additive manufacturing, but when someone pointed out just how subtractive the industry really is, it compelled a change in plans.

It came in the way of an email from Dr. Hayao Nakahara, the preeminent market researcher in the printed circuit industry. Naka, as he is known to friends, shared results of a months-long study of the North American PCB supply base.

This was no easy task. Naka started with the Fabfile database, long the favorite child of Harvey Miller. Harvey, who is about to hit 100 years old (!), gave Naka the keys to the car. In turn, Naka reached out to every company on that list, diligently revising and updating. The effort took more than three months.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- The automotive IC market share has steadily increased since 1998, growing from 4.7% of total IC sales that year to 7.4% in 2021.

SAN FRANCISCO -- A California environmental group is suing Cirexx International, alleging the manufacturer and assembler of printed circuit boards is polluting the local waterways.

TAIPEI -- A Foxconn subsidiary is purchasing a majority share in PCE Technology de Juarez, an electronics manufacturing services company focused on consumer electronics, for $361 million.