Electronic Textile Evaluation Methods for Product Engineers and Designers

On December 14, 2022, Madison Maxey, founder and technical lead of Loomia, shared highlights of her IPC APEX EXPO 2023 professional development course. The course provided a primer for electrical and mechanical engineers—as well as product designers—on how to engage with electronic textiles for new product development. Attendees walked away with a clear understanding of when electronic textiles may be relevant to their engineering work, which types of technology are ideal for their applications, and how to thoroughly evaluate a technology once selected.

Author(s)
Madison Maxey
Resource Type
Webinar
Event
Webinar

Gold-Aluminum Wire Bonding Process, Quality and Reliability

This webinar, held on December 7, 2022, previewed the IPC APEX EXPO 2023 professional development course, “Gold-Aluminum Wire Bonding Process, Quality and Reliability.” Dr. Syed Sajid Ahmad, Ph.D., reviewed the historical timeline of research in this area and summarized key findings, including the means and actions proposed and tested to alleviate the adverse effects of Kirkendall voiding. The session addressed questions such as: What promotes purple plague? How can its formation and growth be controlled? The webinar also covered observation and measurement methods, interface analysis techniques, and methods of failure analysis.
 

Author(s)
Syed Sajid Ahmad, Ph.D
Resource Type
Webinar
Event
Webinar

Reflections from Circularity 25: Moving from Why to How

May 21, 2025

By Seth Jacobsen, Global Electronics Association sustainability program manager

 

 

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend Circularity 25 in Denver—an inspiring gathering of professionals working to advance circular solutions across industries. With hundreds of voices at the intersection of design, policy, technology, and business, the message was clear: Circularity is not just an environmental imperative—it’s a smart business strategy. 

 

Key themes throughout the event emphasized a shift in mindset: 

  • Designing for next use, not just end-of-life
  • Circularity as a tool to unlock business value
  • Recognizing that our linear systems are not built for long-term resilience 

Some of the most impactful sessions I attended included: 

  • Designing Out Linearity in New Product Development -- How can product design extend a product’s lifespan? How can stakeholders across the supply chain collectively push suppliers to adopt circular design faster?
  • Carbon Emissions and Scope 3 -- How can businesses measure the carbon impact of circular practices like reuse, repair, and remanufacturing?
  • How to Build Your Circular Economy Roadmap -- How can companies turn circularity ambitions into actionable strategies? What are the essential elements of a roadmap that balances vision and practical implementation?
  • Beyond Compliance: Leveraging Digital Product Passports -- How can businesses use Digital Product Passports (DPPs) not just to adhere to forthcoming regulations but to drive brand value, customer trust, and supply chain resilience?

 

Each session offered a mix of inspiration and pragmatic insights. One recurring theme was that circularity flourishes when the customer becomes the supplier, transforming the take-make-waste model into regenerative systems. Another takeaway: Many of the technologies needed to enable circularity are yet to be invented, underscoring the need for ongoing innovation and cross-sector collaboration. 

For the electronics industry, the relevance is undeniable. We see real opportunities where resource efficiency leads to improved margins, reduced risk, and long-term growth. But perhaps the most important reminder from this conference is that articulating the business case is essential—to drive adoption, to secure investment, and to turn strategy into action. 

Why Circularity Makes Good Business Sense

One of the most consistent messages from Circularity 25 was that circularity is not just an environmental strategy—it’s a business imperative. Companies that embrace circular practices are seeing tangible benefits across several key areas:

1. Stronger Supply Chains and Material Security

Circularity strengthens supply chain resiliency by reducing reliance on fragile, globalized systems and mitigating risks tied to the availability of critical materials. For industries like electronics—where inputs such as rare earth elements, cobalt, and lithium are essential yet increasingly scarce or geopolitically sensitive—circular strategies like material recovery, reuse, and modular design can secure access to key resources. By diversifying material sources and closing loops, companies are better positioned to weather supply disruptions and reduce their exposure to volatile commodity markets.

2. Access to New Customers and Markets

Offering products that are designed for longevity, repairability, or take-back services can open doors to customers looking to meet their own sustainability goals. In addition, emerging policy frameworks—such as right-to-repair regulations or extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws—are creating markets that reward circular innovation.

3. Operational Cost Savings through Resource Efficiency

Resource-efficient design doesn’t just reduce environmental impact—it also lowers costs. Whether it's optimizing material use, reducing energy and water consumption, or minimizing waste generation, circular strategies can lead to real operational savings. For manufacturers operating on tight margins, especially in electronics, these efficiencies can be the difference between profit and loss.

As someone working to support sustainability across a global industry, a message from one of the keynotes resonated with me: We’ve made progress on the “why” and we’re seeing more examples of the “what.” Now it’s time to focus on the “how.” 

To learn how Global Electronics Association supports the electronics industry on sustainability challenges and issues, visit www.electronics.org/evolve.

Harnessing Connections: EWPTE 2025 Draws Nearly 3,000 Attendees

The 2025 Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE), held May 6-8 at Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wis., provided 2,994 attendees the opportunity to meet, network and learn from the industry leading innovators and suppliers. Two hundred and eighteen (218) exhibitors -- marking the largest number of exhibiting companies in the event’s history -- showcased their products and services spanning an expanded 51,500 net square feet of show floor space.

“EWPTE has been recognized as a top 100 fastest growing show in the United States and is in a spectacular venue and a great city. My own colleagues who attended said this year’s show was an incredible place to learn and in such a specific way that directly applies to what we do,” said Parker Garrett, president, EMSCO and WHMA Board chair. “From my interactions this year, so many attendees highlighted that EWPTE provided them the unique opportunity to come together to find solutions to challenging wire processing problems, though training and education as well as to network and do business with industry leaders and subject matter experts all under one roof.”

Highlights this year included seven professional development courses and 30 technical conference sessions that offered new technical data, practical skills and techniques, and insights from research and case studies; and a keynote from Brian Schneider, Harley Davidson Motor Company, on the company’s wire harness integration into their motorcycles.

Attendees were pleased with the hands-on product experiences the show provided. “I was able to find a new supplier for tough-to-find materials, helping out just-in-time production needs. I was also able to source equipment and compare vendor options that met my company’s specific needs, live in-person and demo vendor prototype products not yet available to the public,” said Bill Givney, director of engineering, Elite Vehicle Solutions.

The exhibitor experience at EWPTE 2025 was equally beneficial. “As an exhibiting company, we enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate closely with the IPC/WHMA team at this year’s show,” said Tom Leach, business development director, Stratasys. “On the show floor, we showcased our wire harness additive manufacturing solutions and presented various customer use cases. These efforts helped us establish valuable new contacts in the electrical applications sector. Overall, the show was a major success, and we are committed to returning next year. We look forward to working with the new customers we met at the event and solving their challenges with a new advanced manufacturing approach.”                                                              

In 2026, EWPTE will return to Baird Center for its 24th year, May 5-7. For more information, visit www.electricalwireshow.com.

IPC White Paper Maps the Regulatory Terrain for Electronics Suppliers in E-Mobility Sector

Electronics suppliers supporting the rapidly growing e-mobility sector are facing a dramatic escalation in environmental and social governance (ESG) compliance expectations. A new white paper from IPC’s e-Mobility Quality and Reliability Advisory Group provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving regulatory landscape and outlines the data infrastructure needed to stay ahead.

Titled Navigating E-Mobility Sustainability: Evolving Compliance and ESG Requirements for Electronics Suppliers – Part 1, the paper is authored by Brenda B. Baney of BCubed Consulting, Inc. and highlights “the increasing regulatory pressure for environmental compliance” across the automotive electronics supply chain.

The white paper traces key milestones from the European Union’s End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Directive through RoHS and REACH, showing how “automakers were compelled to not only adjust their manufacturing processes but also implement robust systems for tracking and reporting materials and substances used in their vehicles.”

The paper also documents how electronics suppliers have had to adapt. It notes that “suppliers, many of whom had not previously dealt with such detailed reporting requirements, faced challenges in transitioning to compliant processes,” especially in response to lead-free solder mandates and expanded SCIP database requirements.

In addition to regulatory context, the white paper dives into practical impacts, like the evolving use of the International Material Data System (IMDS) and IPC-1752 reporting systems, shifts in internal business functions, and the growing role of supply chain transparency and responsible sourcing frameworks like IPC-1755. These developments, the paper explains, are not just operational: they are “a natural part of the evolution of data systems.”

“The goal of this white paper is to help electronics suppliers not only stay ahead of regulatory trends but also leverage sustainability initiatives as a competitive advantage,” said Baney.

Part 2 of the series, which is coming soon, will provide actionable recommendations for electronics suppliers, including strategies for lifecycle carbon reporting, future-proofing compliance infrastructure, and deepening OEM collaboration to meet emerging sustainability mandates.

Download Part 1 of the white paper here: http://go.ipc.org/e-mobility-sustainabilitypart1.

Electronics Industry Welcomes House Committee Passage of Tax Reform Legislation

IPC applauds Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) and the House Ways and Means Committee for advancing legislation that includes several top priorities for U.S. electronics manufacturers.

The bill preserves the 21% corporate tax rate, restores 100% bonus depreciation, reinstates immediate expensing of domestic R&D costs, and expands and makes permanent the Section 199A deduction for pass-through businesses – all called for by IPC.

“Today’s vote marks meaningful progress toward restoring American electronics manufacturing strength,” said Dr. John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO. “These provisions are proven tools that help manufacturers reinvest, innovate, and grow. In IPC’s recent member survey, manufacturers reported that these provisions of the 2017 tax reform bill directly influenced their ability to upgrade equipment, expand production, and invest in workforce and innovation. Their restoration will provide immediate and lasting benefits.”

Electronics are essential to virtually every sector of the economy, from defense and aerospace to vehicles, healthcare, commerce, high performance computing, and AI. Yet the United States still faces serious gaps in its electronics manufacturing base. Many IPC members have shared that without predictable, pro-growth tax policies, long-term investments in critical manufacturing capabilities, including R&D and capital infrastructure, become far more difficult.

“The bill advanced by the Ways and Means Committee today is a great example of the type of pro-growth policy needed as part of a proactive strategy to build a stronger domestic electronics ecosystem in the United States.” said Mitchell.

“We’re encouraged by this strong step forward and urge Congress to continue building on this momentum,” said Mitchell.

IPC Strengthens Global Focus with Promotion of Sanjay Huprikar to Chief Global Officer

IPC announces the promotion of Sanjay Huprikar to chief global officer. This newly created position reflects the association’s forward-looking strategy and industry needs to strengthen the electronics supply chain. 

 

In this role, Huprikar is responsible for enhancing alignment, efficiency and support between IPC’s global headquarters and regional teams. Initially reporting into Huprikar are the vice president of international relations and vice presidents of U.S. and Canada, Europe, India and Southeast Asia regions. Collaborating with his team, Huprikar will work to ensure that the needs of each region’s electronics industry are clearly understood and served by IPC.

 

Huprikar joined IPC in 2012 as vice president of member success. Since then, he has taken roles of increasing responsibility and leadership and most recently served as president of Europe and South Asia operations and led IPC’s globalization initiative to expand the association’s standards, education, and advocacy support to Europe, the United Kingdom, India, and several countries in Southeast Asia including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. 

 

“Sanjay is a highly experienced business and engineering professional. He has strong cross-cultural leadership skills and vast knowledge of both the key influencers in the global community and the important challenges facing the industry,” said John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO. “Through his leadership, regional teams will be better enabled with more resources, greater input and enhanced collaboration for furthering IPC’s mission to build a resilient, sustainable and prosperous global electronics industry.”

 

Huprikar is based at IPC’s corporate headquarters in Bannockburn, Ill., and can be reached at SanjayHuprikar@ipc.org.

IPC Hosts Industry Leaders and Signs Strategic MOUs in Taipei

May 19, 2025

On May 16, 2025, IPC hosted a high-level Industry Leaders Luncheon in Taipei, bringing together nearly 60 prominent representatives from government agencies, industry associations, and leading enterprises to explore trends and strategic opportunities shaping the future of electronics manufacturing.

During the luncheon, IPC signed two important strategic Memorandums of Understanding, the first with Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (TEEMA) and Institute for Information Industry (III) and the second, with Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA), taking concrete steps to deepen regional collaboration and promote the transformation of the electronics manufacturing industry.

IPC × TEEMA × III

The three organizations will collaborate to promote adoption of IPC-CFX (Connected Factory Exchange) across the EMS (electronics manufacturing services) sector in Taiwan. IPC will also support TEEMA and III in developing an artificial intelligence knowledge base for the EMS industry, empowering electronics manufacturers to accelerate their digital and intelligent transformation.

IPC × TPCA

IPC and TPCA will expand cooperation in standards development, talent development, global trade shows, and technical exchanges. In addition, the two organizations will also jointly advance sustainability initiatives such as net-zero carbon emissions and digital transformation, enhancing the global competitiveness and resilience of Taiwan’s printed circuit board (PCB) industry.

Industry Leaders Luncheon attendees included Tom Edman, TTM Technologies Inc. CEO and IPC Board chair; Dr. John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO; Grace Sung, Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (TEEMA) deputy secretary general; Calvin Tsai, director, Digital Transformation Research Institute, III; Lawrence Chang, TPCA chairman; and David Lai, TPCA secretary general.

Tom Edman stated in his speech to luncheon attendees, “As a key innovation hub in the global electronics industry, Taiwan has been working with IPC for over 50 years. Today, topics such as artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, and sustainability are reshaping the global supply chain ecosystem, making it more important than ever for the industry to build closer and more efficient partnerships.”

At the signing ceremony, Lawrence Chang emphasized the importance of open collaboration amid global supply chain shifts, technological advancement, and net-zero transition. He stated that the partnership with IPC is a strategic response to these changes, aiming to enhance standardization, talent development, and global supply chain resilience.

“Today’s agreements reflect the long-standing trust and shared vision between IPC and Taiwan’s electronics industry,” said Dr. Mitchell. “As we look ahead, IPC remains committed to fostering forward-looking global partnerships that build a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable electronics manufacturing ecosystem.”

New Courses Strengthen Industry Knowledge in Component Identification

May 19, 2025
| By Carlos Plaza

As electronics manufacturing continues to evolve, so too does the need for a well-trained, knowledgeable workforce. One essential skill—especially for those working on printed circuit board (PCB) assembly lines—is the ability to identify a wide range of electronic components accurately and efficiently.

To support this need, IPC has launched two new online training courses designed to build and strengthen Component Identification (ID) skills across multiple experience levels. Whether you're just starting out or already working in a technical role, these courses can help boost confidence, accuracy, and career-readiness.

Two Courses. One Foundation. Multiple Career Paths.

The new IPC Component ID course offerings are:

While both courses cover similar ground in terms of the component types presented—resistors, capacitors, transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits—their depth, instructional style, and target audience differ significantly.

Who Should Take the Introduction Course?

If you're new to electronics or onboarding entry-level assembly workers, the Introduction to Component Identification for Electronics Assembly course is the perfect place to begin. This self-paced training provides foundational knowledge in a highly accessible format. It’s particularly well suited for:

  • New hires in electronics manufacturing
  • High school and technical college students
  • Workforce development program participants
  • Anyone exploring a career in electronics assembly

The course walks learners through the visual characteristics of common components, how to read basic labels and markings, and how to match components to documentation. It's intentionally designed to be low-barrier, making it ideal for upskilling individuals without a technical background.

And because it’s free to IPC members, this course represents a valuable resource for employers looking to strengthen internal training without adding cost.

When to Advance to the PCB Assembly Course?

The Component Identification for PCB Assembly course provides a more rigorous, practical learning experience for more experienced professionals, such as line technicians, quality inspectors, or engineers working in surface mount or through-hole PCB assembly.

This advanced training dives deeper into:

  • Component function in circuit applications
  • Datasheet interpretation
  • Handling and storage concerns (such as ESD sensitivity)
  • The course also includes interactive activities and real-world visuals to help learners apply their knowledge in a manufacturing context. It’s ideal for individuals who:
  • Are transitioning into quality or inspection roles
  • Need to read and interpret bill of materials (BOMs)
  • Work with procurement or supplier quality assurance
  • Are preparing for IPC certification programs

By focusing on application rather than just recognition, this course ensures that learners are equipped to identify components and understand their role in performance and reliability.

Building Career Pathways in Electronics Manufacturing

Both of these courses reflect IPC’s commitment to closing the skills gap in electronics manufacturing. As the industry faces increasing demands for precision, speed, and reliability, a well-trained workforce is essential for success.

"Component ID is a foundational skill for anyone working in electronics manufacturing," said Carlos Plaza, Senior Director of Education Development at IPC. "These two courses provide flexible, scalable training options that meet learners where they are—whether they’re just starting out or seeking to deepen their expertise."

Companies can also use the two-tiered approach as a progression model, starting new employees in the introductory course and advancing them to the more technical training as they grow in their roles.

Start Learning Today

Both Component ID courses are now available in IPC EDGE:

If your organization is already an IPC member, you can enroll your team in the introductory course today at no cost. Not a member? Learn more about IPC membership here.

Training managers looking to build a customized learning path or integrate these courses into a broader workforce development program can complete this form to contact our education team and learn more about group enrollment and subscription options.

The Right Skills, Right Now

Component Identification may seem like a small part of electronics manufacturing, but it has big implications for quality, efficiency, and reliability. These new courses from IPC ensure that employees at every level are equipped with the knowledge they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced production environments.

With flexible, engaging content aligned to industry needs, IPC is helping the electronics workforce stay sharp, capable, and ready for what’s next.

 

IPC 攜手 TEEMA、III 共建 EMS 智慧製造 AI 資料庫，簽署策略合作備忘錄（MOU）

More Information & Registration:
Date
- (2:00 - 2:30pm CDT)

IPC 標準目錄共享與財團法人資訊工業策進會及台灣區電機電子工業同業公會合作，並連結國際標準組織IPC，建置EMS產業智慧製造AI共同資料庫，發展EMS產業智慧製造AI Agent，以利EMS產業業者運用AI助理，快速連結查找到IPC標準資料，加速智慧製造的普及。
 

Region
Asia Pacific
Sheraton Denver West Hotel

360 Union Blvd
Lakewood, CO 80228
United States

Sheraton Denver West Hotel

Sheraton Denver West Hotel
360 Union Blvd
Lakewood, CO 80228
United States

More Information & Registration:
Subscribe to