It depends not just on where one looks, but when.

Are these open connections, non-reflow or good quality control? It all depends on which stage of the process the product is in when inspected.

Parity emerges among EMS Factories from Asia, Mexico and the US.

For the first time in years we see parity in the Eastern US among EMS factories from Asia, Mexico and the US. This EMS market condition will permit American OEMs (the EMS industry refers to OEMs as customers) to have more EMS pathways to choose from. Now more than ever, such EMS assignments will require deeper investigation relating to the OEMs’ evaluation of manufacturing strategies.

Thin boards are prone to vacuum suction, increasing the risk of over-prints.

Despite the provocative headline, this column is not a rant about how much I despise defects or the havoc they wreak on yields and profits; that’s already well established! Rather, this month’s space will focus on dedicated tooling and print platform vacuum control.

Overcoming objections to signing a contract.