Electronics Manufacturing Industry Calls on Congress to Pass New COVID Recovery Bill with Pro-Industrial-Base Provisions

IPC, the global electronics manufacturing association, is calling on the U.S. Congress to enact a COVID-19 recovery bill and include provisions of importance to everyone who depends on electronics.

In a letter to the top four leaders in Congress, IPC stresses that electronics are at the heart of the modern economy and key sectors, including urgently needed medical equipment, critical infrastructure, and defense systems. “Yet, the crisis has exposed vulnerabilities in our manufacturing base,” the letter adds.

The association urges Congress to support the nation’s industrial resiliency by passing a Recovery Package with the following measures:

  • Modified unemployment insurance benefit to continue essential support for laid-off workers, helping to maintain consumer demand while reducing disincentives to return to work.
  • Common-sense liability protections shielding businesses that have taken “reasonable steps” to comply with government workplace safety guidelines.
  • Paycheck Protection Program extension and the Safe and Healthy Workplace tax credit. 
  • Supplementary funding to sustain and rebuild the defense industrial base.
  • Aid to state and local governments to ensure essential services are maintained.

The timing and scope of the legislation are still being worked out, but a package is expected to be negotiated and voted upon soon.   

IPC and iNEMI Sign Memorandum of Understanding, Strengthening Collaboration Focused on the Future of Electronics Manufacturing

IPC and International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate and share information on developing technology roadmaps, organizing forums, establishing new programs, and identifying additional industry needs and projects for the mutual benefit of the membership of both organizations.

“iNEMI is a well-established R&D consortium that has long provided valuable expertise and support in the development of IPC standards,” said Matt Kelly, IPC chief technologist. “This agreement will enable us to work closely together to study the technology needs of the electronics manufacturing supply chain and provide greater benefit to our respective membership.” 

“iNEMI and its members value the long-standing relationship with IPC, which dates back 20+ years. This updated MoU reinforces our partnership and the benefits of collaboration across the electronics manufacturing eco-system,” said Marc Benowitz, iNEMI CEO. “We are excited about the opportunities to further our collective impact for the advancement of the industry as a whole.”

IPC and iNEMI have worked successfully for decades on projects requiring “round robin” tests for various programs, have collaborated on each organization’s roadmaps and events and most recently on a best practices document on disinfecting electronics products and assemblies.

North American PCB Industry Sales up 0.8 Percent in June

IPC Releases PCB Industry Results for June 2020

IPC announced today the June 2020 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.12.

Total North American PCB shipments in June 2020 were up 0.8 percent compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, June shipments rose 19.7 percent.

PCB bookings in June increased 16.9 percent year-over-year and rose 33 percent from the previous month.

“June saw another month of strong demand for PCBs in North America. PCB bookings are up nearly 17 percent from last year, suggesting growth for electronics manufacturing remains robust despite the continued economic headwinds brought on by the pandemic,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist.


Note: The December 2019 ratios have been revised since their original publication due to updated data from statistical program participants


Note: The June, October, and December 2019 growth rates have been revised since their original publication due to updated data from statistical program participants

View Charts in PDF

Detailed Data Available

Companies that participate in IPC’s North American PCB Statistical Program have access to detailed findings on rigid PCB and flexible circuit sales and orders, including separate rigid and flex book-to-bill ratios, growth trends by product types and company size tiers, demand for prototypes, sales growth to military and medical markets, and other timely data.

Interpreting the Data

The book-to-bill ratios are calculated by dividing the value of orders booked over the past three months by the value of sales billed during the same period from companies in IPC’s survey sample. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to twelve months. A ratio of less than 1.00 indicates the reverse.

Year-on-year and year-to-date growth rates provide the most meaningful view of industry growth. Month-to-month comparisons should be made with caution as they reflect seasonal effects and short-term volatility. Because bookings tend to be more volatile than shipments, changes in the book-to-bill ratios from month to month might not be significant unless a trend of more than three consecutive months is apparent. It is also important to consider changes in both bookings and shipments to understand what is driving changes in the book-to-bill ratio.

IPC’s monthly PCB industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of both rigid PCB and flexible circuit manufacturers selling in the USA and Canada. IPC publishes the PCB book-to-bill ratio by the end of each month.

Electronics Manufacturing Industry Applauds Congressional Actions to Bolster Resiliency and Security of U.S. Defense Electronics Supply Chain

IPC, the global electronics manufacturing association, applauds leaders in the U.S. Senate and House for approving IPC-backed measures that will bolster the resiliency and security of the U.S. defense electronics industrial base. 

The measures were included in the Senate’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), approved on Thursday, and in the House’s version, approved on Tuesday. The pro-electronics measures were offered by Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Reps. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mike Turner (R-OH), Anthony Brindisi (D-NY), Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Mike Gallagher (R-WI).

Both would require, over the next 10 years, a rising percentage of commercial (non-ITAR) printed circuit boards (PCBs) and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) acquired for sensitive U.S. defense systems to be produced in the U.S. Or U.S.-allied countries. The bills include multiple provisions to ensure that the private sector will have enough time and flexibility to comply with the law if they want to sell to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The law does not affect any company’s existing commercial business.

“These defense provisions are a positive step forward in diversifying the PCB industrial base by creating additional capacity and competition for items used in U.S. national defense,” said Chris Mitchell, IPC vice president of global government relations. “Domestic and allied sourcing requirements for commercially available, trusted PCBs/PCBAs will spur investment in needed manufacturing capabilities, personnel, and R&D, and will reduce future costs to DoD.”

“IPC is committed to global commerce and a lowering of trade barriers; we also believe that countries can and must take meaningful steps to build trusted and resilient supply chains for electronics to provide for essential governmental functions, including national security,” he added.     

Both the Senate and House NDAAs also include funding and tax credits to strengthen domestic semiconductor production, and the Senate version includes an IPC-backed measure requiring the Defense Department to analyze certain materials and technology sectors — including printed circuit boards and other electronics components — for possible action to address sourcing and industrial capacity.

The differences between the two chambers’ bills will now be resolved by a conference committee of members from both bodies, and a final bill will be voted upon soon.   

Need Training in the Fundamentals of Electronics Assembly?

Look no further than IPC Workforce Development Programs – a series of courses designed to facilitate the long-term retention of practical, job-specific knowledge and skills
Aug 25, 2020
| By Corey Lynn

IPC Workforce Development courses help IPC members overcome the challenges posed by the skills gap while simultaneously providing opportunities for employees to build skills and enhance their careers.

For example, the Electronics Assembly for Operators course is ideal for students and operators new to the electronics industry as well as current operators and technicians that need to learn or refamiliarize themselves with the fundamental aspects of electronics assembly.

Available online, Electronics Assembly for Operators introduces the key concepts, tools, materials, and processes that operators require for building printed circuit board assemblies (PCAs). Participants can complete the core set of nine modules to receive their certificate of qualification, then select among nine voluntary modules for process-specific training. The nine required and optional modules cover the following topics:

Required Modules

  1. Intro to Electronics Industry
  2. Introduction to Printed Circuit Board Assembly
  3. Overview of the Electronics Assembly & Soldering Processes
  4. Safety
  5. ESD & Product Handling
  6. Component Identification
  7. Drawings, Specifications, and Measurements
  8. Basic PCA/PCB Defects
  9. IPC Standards

Optional Modules

  1. Hand Soldering
  2. SMT Technology
  3. TH Technology
  4. Wire and Cable Preparation
  5. Wires & Terminals Technology
  6. Cables and Harness Technology
  7. Hardware
  8. Conformal Coating
  9. Press Fit

Electronics Assembly for Operators is just one of several current and upcoming IPC Workforce Development courses offered 24/7 through the IPC EDGE Learning Management System. Each course is developed by industry experts and educational specialists to help electronics companies and their employees close the skills gap.

For further information on courses offered, visit: https://training.ipc.org.

 

IPC APEX EXPO Call for Participation Deadline Extended

Virtual Presentation Proposals Being Accepted

IPC has extended the deadline for IPC APEX EXPO 2021 technical conference abstracts to Monday, August 31. Due to travel restrictions by some companies and geopolitical areas, IPC is also accepting proposals for virtual presentations. IPC APEX EXPO 2021 technical conference will take place January 26–28 and professional development courses will run January 23–28.

The industry’s premier conference and exhibition for electronics manufacturing in North America, IPC APEX EXPO provides presenters and their companies with a notable and cost-effective opportunity to promote their expertise and gain visibility with key engineers, managers and executives from all segments of the industry worldwide.

Topics being sought within the following categories include:

  • Factory of the Future Implementation
  • Enabling Future Technologies
  • Meeting Extreme Requirements
  • Conscientious Engineering
  • Circuit Design and Component Technologies
  • Assembly Processes PCB Fabrication and Materials
  • Electronics Materials
  • Quality, Reliability, Test and Inspection

An approximate 300-word technical conference abstract summarizing original and previously unpublished work covering case histories, research and discoveries must be submitted. The submission should describe significant results from experiments and case studies, emphasize new techniques, discuss trends of interest and contain appropriate technical test results.

Visit www.ipcapexexpo.org/cfp for  a comprehensive list of topics. For more information about conference participation or professional development, please contact Toya Richardson at ToyaRichardson@ipc.org or +1 847-597-2825.

How You Can Get Involved in IPC’s E-Textiles Activities

Aug 24, 2020
| By Chris Jorgensen

Whether you are actively involved in developing e-textiles technologies for your own products, developing e-textiles products for customers or have a vested interest in e-textiles as part of your product roadmap, IPC has activities to meet your needs.

Participate in IPC E-Textiles Committee Standards Activities

The IPC E-Textiles Committee has many standards projects which you may find of interest. These activities are open to anyone for participation, and your level of participation is entirely up to you. Your involvement as a member of a working group could range from being a member of an A-Team that meets regularly to generate content for standards, to commenting on draft standards, to listening in on meetings as an educational and networking activity.

Committee activities are also a great way to network with others in the e-textiles industry.

Here is a breakdown of activities under the committee:

  • D-71 E-Textiles Joining and Interconnection Techniques Subcommittee

This subcommittee is working on IPC-8941, Guideline for Connectors for E-Textiles, which will be a guidance document for best practices for connecting devices to e-textiles.

  • D-72 – E-Textiles Materials Subcommittee

In October 2019, this subcommittee completed its work on IPC-8921, Requirements for Woven and Knitted Electronic Textiles (E-Textiles) Integrated with Conductive Fibers, Conductive Yarns and/or Wires. IPC-8921 is IPC’s first international standard for e-textiles, and this standard sets the groundwork for other e-textiles standards activities by the committee.

We expect the subcommittee to reconvene soon to revisit the standard for revision based on industry feedback as well as to reference a new IPC standard on conductive fiber, wire, and yarn.

In the meantime, we encourage you to check out IPC-8921, which you can obtain from the IPC online store.

  • D-73a E-Textiles Printed Electronics Design Standard Task Group

This task group is developing IPC-8952, Design Standard for Printed Electronics on Coated or Treated Textiles and E-Textiles. This standard will set design rules for printed electronics on textiles applications, focusing specifically on printing onto textiles or e-textiles which have a coating or treatment.

The task group began work on this standard earlier this year and is in the working draft stage. If  you design or print these technologies, or if you are a supplier of printed functional materials, treatments or coatings used for these technologies, this task group could use your involvement.

  • D-75a-EU E-Textiles Wearables Standard Task Group in Europe

This task group is developing IPC-8981, Quality and Reliability of E-Textiles Wearables, which will set test and reliability requirements for e-textiles wearables. Rather than focus on just one kind of wearable (fashion, military, medical, etc.), this group is establishing generic product classifications for e-textiles wearables so all product types could be covered under the same standard. Test requirements for the classifications will vary based on input from users and manufacturers in those product sectors. This standard will also address washability expectations for the different classes of product.

In addition to these established groups, the committee is also seeking volunteers to work on two new standards:

  • A specification for conductive fiber, yarn and wire for e-textiles applications
  • A specification for e-textiles for high-voltage applications

Propose New Standards Topics

The D-70 Committee is always looking for suggestions from industry for new standards topics. For instance:

  • Design, process guide or reliability for transferring printed electronics onto textiles using heat/pressure
  • Standard for braided e-textiles

New test methods – these could be to support an existing or under-development standard or to address a need in industry.

Attend IPC E-Textiles Virtual Summits

Due to COVID-19, IPC shifted both of our IPC E-Textiles events to virtual formats. Although we wished we could have everyone together in person as we did the past two years, where we saw so much energy and enthusiasm from attendees, going virtual also means there are some benefits to you.

  • We have scheduled U.S. and Europe Virtual Summits to be broken up into morning and afternoon workshops. U.S. workshops will take place on U.S. time, and Europe workshops will take place on local European time. This means we can provide the events as planned for those markets, but it also means that people from across the globe can still participate. For instance, people in Europe can participate in the morning U.S. sessions, and those in the U.S. can participate in the afternoon Europe sessions. Our colleagues in Asia can also participate in the morning European sessions.

    IPC will record all the sessions for registered attendees to watch on-demand after the event.

  • By going virtual, we have the unique opportunity to bring FIVE leading e-textiles laboratories in the US and Europe to your desktop. The Virtual Summits will include demonstrations by the
    • University of Minnesota Wearable Technology Lab
    • Empa – Switzerland
    • Centre for Textile Science and Engineering – Belgium
    • University of West Attica – Greece
    • ENSAIT GEMTEX Lab – France

Registration for each Virtual Summit is just $120 for IPC members and $150 for nonmembers, a fraction of what other groups are charging for their e-textiles virtual events this year.

To view the speakers for IPC E-Textiles 2020 (U.S.) and to register, go to: www.ipc.org/E-Textiles-NA.

The IPC E-Textiles Europe 2020 Virtual Summit Program Committee should announce the speakers for this event shortly. You can still register today at www.ipc.org/E-Textiles-EU20.

Whether you join one of our active working groups, propose an idea for a new standard or participate in one or both of our Virtual Summits, we are certain you will find the education, technical and networking activities to support your e-textiles plans.

IPC, Helping You Assess and Manage COVID-19 Risks at Your Workplace

Aug 20, 2020
| By Kelly Scanlon

By David Krause, Senior Toxicologist at Healthcare Consulting & Contracting (HC3), and Kelly Scanlon, IPC director of environment, health, and safety policy and research

As the COVID-19 pandemic has persisted, we’ve learned a lot of surprising things about the virus and the disease, as well as how to prevent potential exposures. IPC is alert to the evolving science and government policies, and today we are releasing new information aimed at helping our members assess and manage risks in their workplaces.

In April, IPC hosted a webinar to share the best practices known at that time for worker health protection in the electronics manufacturing industry. We produced a report to address questions regarding screening, physical distancing, and response plans. In May, IPC produced a framework for employers and employees to use when selecting face coverings and masks.

This week, we released a new guidance document aimed at dispelling myths related to COVID-19 infection. Workplace Measures to Manage COVID-19 Risk: Dispelling Myths with Effective Methods answers questions we have received, including those related to cleaning, disinfecting, and contact tracing. We provide answers grounded in science and supported with evidence.

We have also made updates to Face Coverings and Masks: Protecting Each Other on the Job. The update includes new information how different types of face coverings and masks are tested to determine their effectiveness. It also delves into the efficacy of face coverings, masks, and respirators with exhalation valves, which do provide some protection but do not capture as much virus in exhaled breath, resulting in less protection of nearby workers.

If your company is concerned about COVID-19 risk issues, please join us for a free, members-only webinar, COVID-19: Best Practices for Assessing Workplace Risk, on Wednesday, September 9 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm Eastern time. This webinar will answer some of the most challenging questions employers and employees are facing right now. IPC will share best practices for assessing workplace risks, as well as resources and tools you can use to navigate the dynamic science and government policies.

What pandemic-related issues are you struggling with? We welcome your questions and will take them into consideration as we prepare the webinar. Please contact Kelly Scanlon with your concerns.

Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo

Date
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Over the past 19 years, the National Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo has grown into a comprehensive industry resource! As the exclusive showcase for the electrical wire harness, wire and cable processing industries, the Expo connects buyers with local, national, and international manufacturers and distributors. It’s the only event where the industry meets as a whole to present and access new technologies, innovative products and services, as well as solutions for challenging wire problems. By bringing together buyers and manufacturers, this Expo presents the ideal venue to find new opportunities and generate new business.

Wisconsin Center

400 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53203
United States

Wisconsin Center

Wisconsin Center
400 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53203
United States

IPC APEX EXPO 2021

Date
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IPC APEX EXPO 2021 is the place to be – wherever you are.

Given continued restrictions in the state of California for large gatherings and events, the rise in COVID-19 infection rates and restricted company travel policies, IPC’s executive leadership and Board of Directors made the decision to cancel the APEX EXPO as an in-person event and move to a virtual event.

Although the setting will be unique, we are committed to providing you with the cutting-edge content you have come to expect from APEX EXPO. The event’s digital platform will allow you to easily navigate more than 100 technical conference sessions and application-focused professional development courses as well as view product demonstrations, schedule one-on-one meetings with exhibitors and experience other offerings within the online exhibition.

Let us help you attend IPC APEX EXPO 2021. Use our justification toolkit to make your case to your manager and plan your virtual experience to network with peers and enhance your career. https://plan.ipc.org.

Online Event

3000 Lakeside Dr.
Suite 105N
Bannockburn, IL 60015
United States

Online Event

Online Event
3000 Lakeside Dr.
Bannockburn, IL 60015
United States

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