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PCB Rework Evolves, With X-ray a Constant Support
Mini Micro Stencil, a contract manufacturer focused on PCB rework, has relied on real-time X-ray inspection to verify its precision rework as the industry has evolved over 30 years.
Glenbrook Technologies
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Ask the Experts
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Pre-bake in a Vacuum
Can the time for pre-baking of components and bare PCBs to eliminate moisture be reduced by using a vacuum oven? What percent of bake time reduction
Responses by:
Paul Austen Senior Project Engineer, Electronic Controls Design Inc Richard D. Stadem Advanced Engineer/Scientist, General Dynamics Mark Finstad Senior Applications Engineer, Flexible Circuit Technologies Bhanu Sood Laboratory Director, CALCE, University of Maryland Fritz Byle Process Engineer, Astronautics Georgian Simion Engineering and Operations Management, Independent Consultant
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5 Keys to Component Lead Tinning Success
Re-conditioning of electronic components mitigates gold embrittlement, eliminates tin whiskers enhancing quality and sustainability prior to soldering.
BEST Inc.
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Fast PCBs, Fully Assembled
Need it fast? Summit delivers quick-turn PCB fabrication and assembly on compressed timelines—no shortcuts, just speed and precision from one source.
Summit Interconnect
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What Year Was It?
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April Fools Tradition Popularized
English pranksters begin popularizing the annual tradition of April Fools' Day by playing practical jokes on each other.
See the answer below.
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From Slave to Master: flexible ISM integrations
ESSEGI AUTOMATION's ISM software integrates with 250+ brands, connecting ERP, MES, WMS, Pick & Place and X-Ray systems. Flexible logic allows it to operate as master or slave in any production flow.
Essegi Automation
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What Year Was It Answer
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April Fools Tradition Popularized Answer: April 1, 1563
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April 2, 2026
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Manufacturing PMI rises for sixth straight month
Taiwan’s manufacturing PMI expanded for a sixth month at 55.4, though growth slowed as Middle East tensions raised costs and disrupted supply chains. Strong AI-driven demand sustained activity, but rising prices and geopolitical uncertainty weakened business confidence and outlook.
Taipei Times
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AIT ORMET® TLPS for Thermal Conductivity
AIT ORMET® TLPS is proven with stress relief for stable long-term metallic thermal conductivity & low thermal interface resistance for high temp >175°C
Ormet TLPS
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High Reliability Lead-Free Solder Paste with Rosin and Anti-Crack Resin
As electronics are increasingly used in automotive and other high reliability applications, ensuring durability is critical. This paper explores a 'crack-free' flux paste designed to inhibit cracking in harsh environments while meeting stringent surface insulation resistance and ...
Technical Paper
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Forget the Hype. Here’s How AI Is Actually Changing How Business is Run
Businesses are rapidly expanding AI use beyond basic automation and customer support, leveraging it to transform operations and decision-making. This shift toward advanced decision intelligence is reshaping how companies function, compete, and innovate across industries.
Entrepreneur
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Vapor Phase Profiling
Thermal profiling the vapor phase soldering process especially those with vacuum is challenging. ECD's M-VP sealed barrier can take it. Learn more.
ECD
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Micron Readies Client Storage for AI
Micron Technology is advancing AI-ready computing with its new PCIe Gen5 QLC SSD for desktops and laptops. The company expects growing demand for local AI processing, driven by privacy concerns, as faster storage enables powerful on-device applications.
EE Times
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How to Cost a Board
My boss has asked me to provide a cost matrix so we can quickly quote labor machine time component for the SMT board assembly.
Board Talk
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Dedicated Tool for Process Development
Advanced plating capability at Uyemura Tech Center: Process Development, UBM, pilot production. ENIG, ENEPIG, EPIG/EPAG, RAIG immersion gold; all substrates. On-site analysis.
Uyemura
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What Exoskeletons Learned From One Relentless User
After a devastating crane accident left architect Robert Woo paralyzed, he rebuilt his life by pioneering exoskeleton technology. As a long-time tester and advocate, Woo helped advance robotic mobility, enabling himself and others with paralysis to walk again.
IEEE Spectrum
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How Small Electronics Manufacturers Manage Operational Complexity
As electronics manufacturing grows more complex, small firms outgrow spreadsheets that fail to track intricate product structures and workflows. Rising risks and inefficiencies push companies to adopt scalable systems that improve control, visibility, and production management without costly implementations.
EE Times
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SEHO makes production lines smarter
Improve your work flow and reduce manufacturing costs with creative ideas and innovative solutions for automation, board handling and material management.
SEHO Systems GmbH
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How to avoid getting faked out by counterfeit car parts
Counterfeit auto parts generate over $3 billion annually in the U.S., prompting officials to warn consumers about safety risks. Experts urge buyers to use trusted sellers, verify sources, keep receipts, inspect vehicles, and report suspected fake parts.
Detroit Free Press
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Contaminant Removal with Plasma
Plasma provides organics removal and other benefits to increase bond strength! Many chamber sizes available, all with a low environmental impact. Learn more.
Plasma Etch
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From scrappy startup to tech giant, Apple celebrates its 50th year
In Apple: The First 50 Years, David Pogue debunks a famous Steve Jobs iPod anecdote while highlighting Apple’s mythmaking. Despite controversies and cultural impact, the company continues to shape technology, identity, and debate around innovation, influence, and smartphone-era consequences.
NPR
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Apple at 50: From PC to mobile, AI shift now in focus
Apple celebrates its 50th anniversary on April 1, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping personal computing, the internet, and mobile technology. As artificial intelligence rises, the company positions itself to influence the next major wave of innovation.
Digitimes
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Test Your Knowledge
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The garage where William R. Hewlett and David Packard invented an audio oscillator has often been referred to as the official birthplace of what?
See answer below.
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Quote of the Day
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"We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them." Livy
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| Cartoon of the Day
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"In the corporate world they pay you big bucks for thinking outside of the box!"
Copyright © Randy Glasbergen
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Test Your Knowledge Answer
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The garage where William R. Hewlett and David Packard invented an audio oscillator has often been referred to as the official birthplace of what? Answer: Silicon Valley
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