North American PCB Industry Sales Down 11.1 Percent in October

IPC releases PCB industry results for October 2024

IPC announced today the October 2024 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.09.

Total North American PCB shipments in October 2024 were down 11.1 percent compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, October shipments were up 20.4 percent.

PCB bookings in October were up 3.5 percent compared to the same month last year. October bookings were down 3.7 percent compared to the preceding month.

“The October book-to-bill ratio for the North American PCB industry increased 3.1 percent compared to September, driven by strong bookings over the past three months and subdued shipments,” said Shawn DuBravac, Ph.D., IPC’s chief economist. “Year-to-date, order volume remains slightly positive, significantly outpacing the high single-digit decline in shipments.”

October 2024 PCB book to bill ratio chart 1

 

October 2024 PCB book to bill ratio chart 2

 

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.

Winners of IPC Hand Soldering World Championship at electronica 2024 Announced

IPC hosted its Hand Soldering World Championship in Munich, Germany, at electronica on 14-15 November 2024, welcoming 14 competitors from 13 companies and 12 countries worldwide. Skilled contestants competed to build an electronics assembly in accordance with IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria, and were judged on the functionality of the assembly, compliance with the assembly process and overall product quality. The contestants were allowed a maximum of 60 minutes to complete the assembly.

 

Taking top honours this year were:

  • In first place: Zhiheng Zhou, Jiangsu Jinling Mechanism Manufacture Company, China, scoring 801 points out of the maximum possible of 816 points.
  • Second place: Roshan Dhyani, Barco Electronics Systems (P) Ltd, India, scoring 795 points out of the maximum possible of 816 points.
  • Third place: Stéphanie Devy, Thalès, France, and Regional Champion for Germany, scoring 795 points out of the maximum possible of 816 points.

IPC is grateful to the HSC sponsors for their generous support:

  • Gold Sponsors: Weller Tools and JBC Soldering
  • Silver Sponsors: ACB Group, Almit, Davum TMC, Optilia, SFM - Société Française de Microscopie, and Polygone CAO. 

 

"IPC extends its thanks and congratulations to all the participants and their companies for their enthusiasm and commitment to taking on the challenge. The new competition board was very complex this year, and the contestants rose to the challenge with amazing performances" said Philippe Léonard, director of IPC Europe. "We look forward to seeing the first-place winners from each regional competition compete in next year's Hand Soldering World Championship, which will take place at productronica."

For more information on IPC hand soldering competitions in Europe, please contact Philippe Léonard at PhilippeLeonard@ipc.org.

 

IPC Issues Clarion Call for EU to Reclaim Leadership in Electronics Manufacturing

Releases synopsis of recent EU industry white paper

Today, IPC released a synopsis of its recent white paper, Securing the European Union’s Electronics Ecosystem. This condensed document presents a comprehensive overview of the current challenges in Europe’s electronics manufacturing industry and shares actionable steps to help the EU achieve a stronger, more autonomous ecosystem. The synopsis document is designed as an informative tool for policymakers, media, and other key stakeholders outside the industry, reinforcing IPC’s commitment to supporting Europe’s path to technological sovereignty.

 

IPC’s efforts in Europe, led by Alison James, senior director of IPC’s European government relations, stress a commitment to building a strong European electronics industry. The focus of this work is on promoting policies that support Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness, especially within the context of the European Competitiveness Deal and the Chips Act. “Collaboration between industry and policymakers is needed to address gaps in the electronics manufacturing supply chain. The synopsis complements IPC Europe’s ongoing work by clearly outlining these areas and advocating for urgent support to ensure that the EU’s ambitions extend beyond semiconductor production,” said James.

 

The synopsis serves as a foundation for policy discussions by providing specific industry insights, helping decision-makers understand the real-world impact of these supply chain gaps. For example, Europe’s aerospace and defense industries are strong globally but still rely on non-EU sources for critical components. Similarly, the telecommunications and healthcare industries show high demand for electronics yet face vulnerabilities due to limited regional production capacity for key components. 

 

By clearly illustrating these gaps, the synopsis strengthens the case for a comprehensive strategy. This also emphasizes the need for a complete European electronics ecosystem. One example of this is how the EU has set ambitious semiconductor targets under the €43 billion Chips Act, but the synopsis argues that semiconductor production alone will not secure Europe’s supply chain. A truly self-sufficient ecosystem requires additional focus on PCBs and advanced packaging, two areas where Europe currently depends on imports, creating risks of supply disruptions and delays.

 

IPC’s electronics manufacturing call to action was included at the end of the synopsis, and it urges EU policymakers to establish an electronics manufacturing strategy within the European Competitiveness Deal and to enact a Strategic Electronics Manufacturing Act. Such initiatives would encourage investment, foster innovation, and create a skilled workforce, each of which are elements that are essential to securing Europe’s position as a global leader in electronics. 

 

Added James, “By advocating for targeted interventions and strategic partnerships, IPC’s efforts aim to encourage European policymakers to take action that will help meet the region’s critical technology needs independently, sustainably, and competitively. The synopsis is both a tool for advancing this agenda and an invitation for stakeholders to join IPC in driving the EU’s electronics manufacturing renaissance.” 

 

Read the synopsis here: https://go.ipc.org/eu-whitepaper-synopsis.

Innovation Advisory Team Launches: Advancing WHMA’s Strategic Vision for Industry Growth

The Wiring Harness Manufacturers Association (WHMA) announces the launch of its Innovation Advisory Team (IAT), a strategic initiative aimed at driving technological advancements, enhancing industry practices, and elevating quality and efficiency within the wire harness sector. 

          

As part of WHMA’s comprehensive strategic plan, the IAT will bring together experts from across the industry, including raw material manufacturers, equipment processing specialists, wire harness manufacturers, and academic thought leaders. With a mission to guide the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, the IAT will implement pilot programs that will shape the future of the wire harness industry.

         

 “The launch of the Innovation Advisory Team marks a significant step forward in WHMA’s commitment to fostering industry growth,” said David Bergman, WHMA Executive Director.  

 

The IAT will meet at least three times annually to evaluate emerging industry trends and recommend pilot programs designed to improve quality, boost efficiency, and reduce costs. Key insights and findings will be presented exclusively at WHMA’s Global Summit and Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE), allowing members to gain early access to groundbreaking developments. 

           

Key Benefits of Joining the IAT: 

  • Influence the adoption of new technologies and practices in the wire harness industry 

  • Collaborate with top industry professionals and expand your professional network 

  • Gain recognition as an industry leader 

 

The IAT is now accepting applications. Visit our IAT website for more details and to submit your application today.

IPC Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with a Focus on Electronics Manufacturing Excellence

IPC is proud to announce its participation in National Apprenticeship Week, scheduled for November 17-23, 2024. This annual event highlights the critical role apprenticeships play in fostering a highly skilled workforce and supporting the U.S. economy.

 

During the week, IPC will highlight its successful Registered Apprenticeship Program, which has significantly contributed to mitigating the skills gap in the electronics manufacturing industry. IPC's program, approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction tailored to meet the dynamic needs of the electronics sector.

 

Key Highlights of the IPC Apprenticeship Program:

  • Employer-Driven Curriculum: The program is shaped by employers' direct needs and feedback, ensuring that apprentices acquire relevant and up-to-date skills.
  • Competency-Based Progression: Apprentices advance through the program based on skill mastery, not just hours worked, fostering a more competent and confident workforce.
  • National Standards Compliance: IPC’s standards are recognized across the United States, allowing for credential portability and consistent training quality nationwide.

Cory Blaylock, IPC director of workforce partnerships, commented, “This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating the incredible strides IPC has made in just one year with our Registered Apprenticeship Program. It’s inspiring to see nearly 100 apprentices across nine companies and eight states dive into this journey. Thanks to the amazing support from partners like the Institute for American Apprenticeships (IAA) and Jobs for the Future (JFF), we’ve secured over $125,000 in grant funding to help employers and schools bring these opportunities to life. Watching apprentices and their mentors grow together has been truly rewarding—it strengthens careers, companies, and the industry. This week is about honoring their success and looking ahead to even bigger things in 2025.”

IPC's commitment to workforce development is evident in its partnerships with industry leaders and educational institutions. One such collaboration involves the Diboll Independent School District in Diboll, Texas, where IPC's pre-apprenticeship training is integrated into the Career and Technical Education curriculum. This initiative prepares students for IPC’s apprenticeship and places them directly into high-demand careers.

Keri Brown, manager of people, culture and brand, said, “EDM was inspired to start offering apprenticeship programs as a way to invest in the next generation of talent and to build a strong, skilled workforce that aligns with our company's commitment to quality and innovation.

IPC's Apprenticeship program ensures that our team is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills for our industry, ultimately benefiting our customers and supporting the growth of our employee-owners.”

Another partner, Arc-Tronics, is a world-class provider in the electronic manufacturing services (EMS) industry in Elk Grove, Illinois stated, “In November of 2023, IPC introduced their first IPC Electronics’ Assembly Apprenticeship Program; this program perfectly aligns with Arc-Tronic’s philosophy on employee investment and growth. In 2024, Arc-Tronics enrolled its first 11 employees into the IPC apprenticeship program. Watching our apprentices and their mentors navigate together through the apprenticeship program has been a rewarding experience. We are grateful to IPC for creating this apprenticeship program that is directly related to our industry. A formalized, structured program provides a clear path for our employees to achieve an accredited apprenticeship in electronics assembly. Increasing employee knowledge benefits the employee and strengthens the entire company.  We look forward to our current apprentices completing this program and celebrating their success, and we look forward to offering the program for years to come.”

National Apprenticeship Week will include workshops, open houses, and seminars nationwide. These events are designed to educate potential apprentices about the opportunities available and to showcase the success stories of current and past participants. As an Apprenticeship Ambassador for the U.S. Department of Labor, IPC encourages everyone to engage with our community on social media and live events.

More Apprenticeship Information: IPC's NAW 2024 Celebration Page

Partner Event Details:

IPC Introduces First Standard for In-Mold Electronics

IPC announces the release of IPC-8401, Guidelines for In-Mold Electronics. IPC-8401 addresses in-mold electronics (IME) technology, providing industry consensus on guidelines for manufacturing processes, part structures, material selection, and production test methods to integrate printed electronics and components into 3D smart structures. 

 

IPC-8401 is the first of what is expected to be a series of standards that will move beyond the automotive industry and cover IME for smart home products and aviation.

 

The standard was developed by the D-83A In-Mold Electronics Interconnection Task Group, a group comprised of experts worldwide, led by Paavo Niskala from TactoTek and Iker Arroyo Moso from Eurecat. Niskala says, “The automotive industry has driven the development of IME because it significantly reduces the cost, weight, waste, and energy required to produce vehicle interior parts. Rather than using a PCB in a plastic molding with features interacting with PCB sensors, IME components are integrated directly into the plastic molding, making the manufacturing process more streamlined, sustainable, and efficient. 

 

Key guidelines covered in IPC-8401 include:

 

  • Manufacturing Processes: Introduction to the manufacturing processes involved in producing in-mold electronics.
  • IME Part Structure: This defines a standardized IME part structure supporting the design and processing of IME parts for mass production. 
  • Candidate Materials: Provides material selection criteria and recommendations as industry-adopted practices, covering all materials, including substrates, functional inks, SMT components, SMT adhesives, and injection molding resins. 
  • Production Test Methods: Defines best practices and criteria for process controls-driven testing throughout the manufacturing processes. 

To purchase IPC-8401, visit the IPC Store. To participate in IPC standards development committee meetings like the D-83A In-Mold Electronics Interconnection Task Group, visit the IPC’s committee page.  

Disruptive Innovation and Generative AI Inventor, Kevin Surace, to Keynote IPC APEX EXPO 2025

Each year, IPC APEX EXPO features industry’s most dynamic, innovative minds to deliver keynote presentations that are both educational and entertaining. IPC APEX EXPO 2025 will feature Kevin Surace, an internationally renowned futurist and generative artificial intelligence (AI) innovator.            

Surace will present the IPC APEX EXPO opening keynote on Tuesday, March 18, “AI, Automation, and the Digital Transformation,” shedding light on where AI stands today, where it's headed, and how company leaders can integrate this technology into their business.                                                                                

Keynote attendees will have the opportunity to witness robots and algorithms achieving real-world success while exploring transformative business processes, all while learning how to reach the "Center of Annihilation" and more in this engaging presentation. Surace promises some “laugh out loud” moments while inspiring his audience to think deeply and leave with fresh insights ready to implement.                              

In addition to the opening keynote, Texas Instruments Senior Vice President and CTO Dr. Ahmad Bahai will discuss advances in semiconductor technology and packaging during his keynote, “3D Integration and Chiplets: An Edge AI Perspective,” on Wednesday, March 19. 

In the afternoon on March 19, IPC President and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell will deliver his luncheon keynote, “Electronics: The Resource Transforming the Global Economy,” offering his insights on how electronics are a critical resource for the continued growth of the global economy. He will discuss the role of industry, governments and global bodies in resolving supply chain, sustainability, technology and information challenges and propose solutions allowing electronics to continue to transform how we live, work and communicate successfully.                                                     

Tuesday and Wednesday morning keynotes are free to all IPC APEX EXPO participants with advance registration ($50 online and onsite after March 12, 2025). The Wednesday luncheon keynote is included in All-Access, Committee Meetings Plus Conference and Full Technical Conference packages or available as an a la carte purchase. Meetings and courses will run March 15-20; the technical conference and exhibition will run March 18-20, 2025. For more information on schedule and registration options, visit www.IPCAPEXEXPO.org.

Assessing Electronics with Advanced 3D X-ray Microscopy Techniques

WEBINAR REGISTRATION
Date
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This webinar discusses new methods and techniques that use 3D X-ray microscopy (XRM), nanoscale imaging, and deep learning (DL) to visualize the internal structures and assemblies of electronic devices, e.g., ball grid array components (BGAs), column grid arrays, solder connections, underfill/staking, etc. 
 
Key discussions include: 
•    Deep Learning Algorithms: These improve the quality of scans by enhancing contrast and reducing noise. 
•    DeepScout Tool: This tool uses 3D XRM scans from specific areas to train a neural network, allowing for high-resolution images to be created from lower-resolution data over a larger area. 
 
These methods can be used independently or complementary to other multiscale correlative microscopy evaluations, e.g., electron microscopy. They provide valuable insights into electronic packages and integrated circuits, revealing details from large features (hundreds of mm) to microscopic details in electronic components (tens of nm). By using X-ray imaging and machine learning, along with other imaging methods, we can speed up development time, reduce costs, and simplify failure analysis (FA) and quality inspection of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic devices assembled with new emerging technologies. 

Speaker Bios

Herminso Villarraga-Gómez December 11

 

Herminso Villarraga-Gómez is a product manager for X-ray quality solutions and global sector marketing for 3D X-ray microscopy at ZEISS. He received his Ph.D. in Optical Science and Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He has more than 10 years of experience in the field and has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and conference papers. He is an active member of several professional associations that promote the advancement of engineering and applied physics. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Engineering Webinar Series will provides FREE, live, monthly educational experiences and videos discussing key design issues surrounding aspects of quality, defect detection & remediation, and design finalization & fabrication. All sessions are recorded and registered attendees will receive a link to the video to watch on-demand. 
 

WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Optimizing Cleaning Products Used in Electronics Manufacturing

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Date
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The electronics industry is committed to improving manufacturing practices and one way to do this is using safer and more sustainable cleaning products across the electronics manufacturing life cycle. IPC-1402, “Standard for Green Cleaners Used in Electronics Manufacturing” is for engineers, chemists, environment/health/safety professionals, purchasers, and those involved in formulating and selecting cleaning products for electronics manufacturing. 

This standard is useful to original equipment manufacturers, electronics manufacturing services companies, printed circuit board manufacturers, cable and wire harness manufacturers, as well as the cleaning product manufacturers. Formulating safer and more sustainable cleaning products and using these products is an important way for the industry to reduce potential impacts to worker health and the environment. 

IPC, in collaboration with ChemFORWARD, welcome a variety of electronics manufacturing companies including electronics cleaning product formulators to attend this webinar to:

  • Understand the utility of IPC-1402 in defining cleaning products and processes, determining impacts to humans and the environment, managing health and safety and physical hazard requirements, and how to verify and assess relevant criteria. 
  • Learn how to use the new CleanScreen application and reporting tool, which incorporates IPC-1402 criteria, to rapidly screen cleaning formulations and create your product safety profile for B2B communications. 
  • Increase your awareness of other tools, standards, and certification programs available to develop and market safer and more sustainable cleaners for electronics manufacturing applications.
Region
Global
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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Sustainability and Profitability: WHMA Annual Global Leadership Summit Offers Workshop Topics that Impact Wire and Cable Industry

Two career enriching topics of great interest to the wire and cable industry, sustainability and profitability will be covered during WHMA’s Annual Global Leadership Summit, January 28-30, 2025, in Fort Myers, Fla. 

On Tuesday, January 28, Kelly Scanlon, DrPH, CIH, IPC’s lead sustainability strategist will present “Navigating Sustainability Challenges in Electronics,” and delve into critical sustainability topics impacting electronics manufacturers. From reporting and disclosure to managing natural resources and waste, Dr. Scanlon will provide a comprehensive overview of the key challenges and "pain points" manufacturers face today. Attendees will discover how workforce dynamics, value chain resiliency, and other sustainability factors shape the industry, and learn practical strategies to address these issues effectively.

On Wednesday, January 29, Lisa Lang, Ph.D., president, Science of Business, will present a two-part workshop, “Maximizing Profitability. Dr. Lang will instruct workshop participants how to leverage their existing resources using the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to maximize profitability. They will also gain an understanding on how to make product flash service mix and investment decisions to maximize profitability; practice applying the four TOC profitability metrics and three decision rules of business to make decisions aligned with profitability goals; and learn how operations sales/marketing and financials are interconnected and how to leverage them to create a competitive advantage.

“During their workshops, both Drs. Scanlon and Lang will apply practical approaches and offer actionable strategies for maximizing sustainability and profitability in companies’ business plans. These workshops are an integral part of the global leadership summit’s educational program agenda,” said David Bergman, WHMA executive director. 

For more information on the leadership summit including schedule, exhibition, speaker profiles, sponsorship opportunities, or to register for event, visit https://annualconference.whma.org.

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