BANNOCKBURN, IL – February PWB shipments by North American fabricators increased 8.5% year-over-year, while orders rose 29.1%.

Year to date, combined shipments were up 3%, and orders were up 25.6% compared to the same period last year. Sequentially, combined shipments increased 4.8%, and orders rose 4.5%.

The book-to-bill ratio increased to 1.07. A ratio of more than 1.0 suggests current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next two to three months.

For the month, Rigid shipments were up 9.4%, and orders increased 36.4% year-over-year.

Year to date, rigid shipments were up 3.6%, while orders grew 27.9%. Sequentially, rigid PWB shipments increased 4.7%, and orders rose 8.1%. The rigid book-to-bill ratio grew to 1.09. Rigid PCB bookings have topped shipments for 11 straight months.

February flex shipments were down 2.1%, and orders were down 37.4% compared to the same month in 2009. Year to date, flex shipments dropped 3.1%, and orders fell 0.4%.

Sequentially, flex shipments went up 4.9%, while orders fell 36.4%. The flex book-to-bill fell below parity to 0.92.

Rigid PWBs represent an estimated 90% of overall board sales in North America, says IPC. In February, 83% of total shipments reported were domestically produced. Domestic production accounted for 85% of rigid and 68% of flex shipments. 

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