PCB Chat

Today we're turning our attention to a cornerstone of modern electronics manufacturing: pick-and-place technology. Joining Mike Konrad is Tim Kang, CEO of Hanwha Semitech Americas. With nearly two decades of experience in the electronics manufacturing space — starting as a mechanical engineer and now leading one of the top pick and place equipment providers — Kang brings a wealth of insight into what it takes to build reliable assemblies. In this episode, we’re covering best practices for selecting the most appropriate pick and place machine, how to get the most out of your equipment, and the common mistakes that can compromise productivity and long-term reliability.

On this episode of the Reliability Matters podcast, Mike Konrad left his usual studio for the IPC Apex Expo trade show. He interviews two subject matter experts on topics related to electronics assembly. The guests are: * Gerald Gardner, global product manager at Weller, a manufacturer of hand soldering equipment fume extraction systems, and precision tools. * Mike Young – CEO OF SASinno Americas, a manufacturer of wave and selective soldering equipment.

Mike Konrad interviews three subject matter experts on various topics related to electronics assembly. The guests are: * * Greg Beck, director of sales at Absolute EMS, a contract manufacturer. * Brian Watson, cofounder of HyRel Technologies, a global provider of quickturn semiconductor modification solutions. * Keith Sweatman, technical advisor at Nihon Superior, a manufacturer of soldering materials

Chris Banton of EMA Design Automation joins Matt Leary, Geoffrey Hazelett and Mike Buetow to talk about how the EDA vendor's helps printed circuit board designers optimize their designs. Recorded live on the show floor at PCB East 2025 [https://pcbeast.com/].

For early 30 years, the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (INEMI), has been the go-to consortium for many leading OEMs companies and their suppliers to identify and develop next-generation technology, and then help deploy it for high-volume manufacturing. Frank Mullaney, director of roadmapping, and Emma Hudson, new project manager, discuss some of the consortium’s ongoing projects, including new content on PCB test methods, solders, and laminates. Mullaney has a Ph.D. in electronic engineering from University College Dublin, and spent 20 years in managerial and technical roles for Bell Labs, where he worked on a range of wireless and networking technologies, and established Bell Labs’ Internet of Things research program. He is also cochair of the Complex Integrated Systems section of the INEMI Roadmap. Hudson previously was distinguished member of technical staff at from Underwriter’s Labs, and has a bachelor’s in materials engineering from Coventry University, and worked in the automotive electronics sector in three continents.