Navigating Plastics Use and Management in the Electronics Value Chain

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Date
-

Join experts from the U.S. State Department and the environmental law firm Beveridge and Diamond for a discussion of new and anticipated international rules governing plastics use and management in the electronics value chain.

During this one-hour webinar, we will explore:

  • Environmental and regulatory considerations of plastic usage
  • Insights into global treaties, conventions, and regulations affecting plastics
  • Implications for product design and manufacturing practices
  • Opportunities to advance engagement among industry stakeholders.

Featuring:

  • Paul Hagen, Principal, Beveridge & Diamond 
  • Larke Williams, Senior Advisor on Plastic Pollution and Waste, U.S. Department of State
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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North American PCB Industry Sales Down 3.9 Percent in January

IPC releases PCB industry results for January 2024

IPC announced today the January 2024 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 0.93.

Total North American PCB shipments in January 2024 were down 3.9 percent compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, January shipments were down 7.9 percent.

PCB bookings in January were down 8.6 percent compared to the same month last year. January bookings were up 11.1 percent compared to the preceding month.

“PCB orders started the year on a weaker note,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. “Diminished PCB orders, coupled with shipments that exceeded expectations for the month, worked in tandem to suppress the book-to-bill ratio.”

January 2024 PCB book to bill ratio 1
January 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.

North American EMS Industry Up 2.6 Percent in January

IPC releases EMS industry results for January 2024

IPC announced today the January 2024 findings from its North American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.20.

Total North American EMS shipments in January 2024 were up 2.6 percent compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, January shipments decreased 2.7 percent.

EMS bookings in January decreased 12.0 percent year-over-year and decreased 2.2 percent from the previous month.

“January EMS performance aligns with the current trend, with shipments still exceeding a softer order landscape,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist.

January 2024 EMS book to bill ratio

Detailed Data Available

Companies that participate in IPC’s North American EMS Statistical Program have access to detailed findings on EMS sales growth by type of production and company size tier, order growth and backlogs by company size tier, vertical market growth, the EMS book-to-bill ratio, 3-month and 12-month sales outlooks, 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 EMS industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of assembly equipment manufacturers selling in the USA and Canada. IPC publishes the EMS book-to-bill ratio by the end of each month.

Demand Remains Positive Among Electronics Manufacturers, Labor Costs Index at Highest Level in Six Months

IPC releases February 2024 Global Sentiment of the Electronics Supply Chain Report

Sentiment among electronics manufacturers remains positive, despite minor setbacks during January, according to IPC’s February Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report.

When asked about expectations for a recession in 2024 and 2025, industry executives believe there is a 39 percent chance of a recession in 2024 and a 34 percent chance in 2025. Notably, manufacturers in Europe report a 2024 recession would most likely begin in Q1 while those in North America believe it would likely begin in Q2.

Sixty-six percent of electronics manufacturers are currently experiencing rising labor costs, while more than 44 percent report rising material costs. At the same time, ease of recruitment, backlogs, and profit margins remain in contractionary territory.

“While the Materials Cost Index fell one point, the Labor Costs Index rose by five,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist. “That’s the highest it’s been since August 2023.

"Electronics industry leaders foresee a 39 percent probability of a recession this year, underscoring the critical need for strategic foresight and agility,” added DuBravac. “The geographical nuances in recession expectations between Europe and North America further illustrate the complex global economic interplay affecting the electronics industry."

Additional survey data show:

  • Demand remains in expansionary territory, despite slipping this month and falling one point from 103 to 102.
  • The Capacity Utilization Index fell two points, while the Shipments Index dropped five points. The decline in shipments could be weather-related.
  • The New Orders Index rose three points to 105, the highest level since November 2023.
  • While the current view of demand weakened somewhat, the Outlook for demand improved. The increase was led by strong rises in the Shipments Outlook Index which increased by six points and the Backlogs Outlook Index which rose by five points and moved into expansionary territory.

These results are based upon the findings of IPC’s Current State of Electronics Manufacturing Survey, fielded between January 15 and January 31, 2024.

Read the full report here.

IPC Hand Soldering Competition - Regional & World Championship - electronica 2024

Date
- (3:00 - 10:00am CST)

Save the date for the Regional Qualification for the IPC Hand Soldering Competition (HSC) being held at electronica – Munich, Germany - Hall #A1, IPC Booth #A1-465 - on 12-15 November 2024.

Skilled soldering experts (F/M) will be competing for 60 minutes on a complex circuit board assembly in the regional competition (12-13 November 2024) to win the 2024 Regional title, earn a cash prize , and a coveted spot at the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship.  (HSC World Final to take place on 14-15 November 2024 at electronica in Munich, Germany).

 

2024 electronica Munich logo

Competition for Professionals

The professional competitors will be judged by IPC Master Instructors (MIT) on soldering a complex printed circuit board with a maximum time of 60 minutes in accordance with IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria. Additional criteria will include the quality of the results achieved and of the assembly process, the overall electrical functionality of the assembly as well as the speed at which the assembly was produced.

Prizes for Professionals

The professionals will receive cash prizes: the winner and two runners-up.

  • 1st place – 300€
  • 2nd place – 200€
  • 3rd place – 100€

IPC Hand Soldering World Championship: The regional competition winner at electronica will be invited to participate in the HSC World Finals, 14-15 November 2024, IPC booth #A1-465.

Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award: This year, again nominate a team to win the Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award. For any company enlisting 2 or 3 competitors, the highest combined scores of competitors from the same company will determine which company will receive the HSC Best Company Team Award.

Registration is free of charge.

You do not need to be an IPC member to take part.

You do not need to be IPC-certified to take part.

IPC may supply an electronica trade show day pass for free (upon request). 

The competition setup is supplied by the organisers. You do not need to bring any equipment except your ESD clothes (with or without corporate branding).

How to register?

Please click here to register. 

 

For more information, please contact Philippe Léonard, IPC Europe director (PhilippeLeonard@ipc.org)

Messe München

Am Messesee 2
81829 Munich
Germany

Event Venue Website
https://messe-muenchen.de/

Messe München

Messe München
Am Messesee 2
Munich, 81829
Germany

IPC Hand Soldering Competition 2024 Regional Qualification – Estonia

Date
- (1:00 - 8:00am CDT)

IPC Hand Soldering Competition 2024 Regional Qualification – Estonia

Save the date for the 2024 IPC Hand Soldering Competition (HSC). The 2024 Regional qualification Estonia is hosted by TalTech - Tallinn University of Technology on 17-18 October 2024.

Skilled soldering experts (F/M) will be competing for 60 minutes on a complex circuit board assembly to win the 2024 National title, earn a cash prize and a coveted spot at the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship (HSC World Final to take place on 14-15 November 2024 at electronica in Munich, Germany).

Competition for Professionals

The professional competitors will be judged by Master IPC Trainers (MIT) on soldering a complex printed circuit board with a maximum time of 60 minutes in accordance with IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria. Additional criteria will include the quality of the results achieved and of the assembly process, the overall electrical functionality of the assembly as well as the speed at which the assembly was produced. The judges will be MITs from TYPT -Tallinn Polytechnic School. 

Prizes for Professionals

IPC thanks local sponsors TalTech, Estonian Electronics Industries Association and Tallinna Polütehnikum. 

HSC Estonia sponsor logos combined

Cash prizes will be awarded to the professionals: the winner and two runners-up.

  • 1st place – 300 EUR
  • 2nd place – 200 EUR
  • 3rd place – 100 EUR

IPC Hand Soldering World Championship: The winner at TalTech – Tallinn University of Technology will be invited by IPC (all expenses covered by IPC) to take part in the HSC World Final in November at electronica in Munich, Germany.

Award Ceremony: 

The Award Ceremony for the Regional Qualification Estonia will take place at 3 pm on Friday 18 October 2024. 

Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award: This year again, nominate a team to win the Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award. For any company enlisting 2 or 3 competitors, the highest combined scores of competitors from the same company will determine which company will receive the HSC Best Company Team Award.

Registration is free of charge.

You do not need to be an IPC member to take part.

You do not need to be IPC-certified to take part.

The competition setup is supplied by organisers, no need to bring any equipment except your ESD clothes (with or without corporate branding).

For more information, please contact Philippe Léonard, IPC Europe director (PhilippeLeonard@ipc.org), or Arno Kolk, Estonian Electronics Industries Association (arno.kolk@estonianelectronics.eu).


Tallinn University of Technology

Tallinna Tehnikaülikool 

U01: Aula of the main University building

Ehitajate tee 5

19086 Tallinn

 

IPC Hand Soldering Competition 2024 Regional Qualification - Italy

Date
-

Save the date for the Italian Regional Qualification for the IPC Hand Soldering Competition (HSC) to take place at the FocusOnPCB 2024 exhibition in Vicenza on 14-16 May 2024.

Skilled soldering experts (F/M) will be competing for 60 minutes on a complex circuit board assembly to win the 2024 National title, earn a cash prize , and compete for a coveted spot at the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship later this year.

Competition for Professionals

The professional competitors will be judged by IPC Master Instructors (MIT) on soldering a complex printed circuit board with a maximum time of 60 minutes under IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria. Additional criteria will include the quality of the results achieved and of the assembly process, the overall electrical functionality of the assembly, and the speed at which the assembly was produced.

Prizes for Professionals

Cash prizes will be awarded to the professionals: the winner and two runners-up.

  • 1st place – 300€
  • 2nd place – 200€
  • 3rd place – 100€

IPC Hand Soldering World Championship: The winner will be invited by IPC (all expenses covered by IPC) to compete in the HSC World Final in November at Electronica tradeshow in Munich, Germany.

Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award: This year again, nominate a team to win the Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award. For any company enlisting 2 or 3 competitors, the highest combined scores of competitors from the same company will determine which company will receive the HSC Best Company Team Award.

Registration is free of charge.

You do not need to be an IPC member to take part.

You do not need to be IPC-certified to take part.

The competition setup is supplied by organizers, no need to bring any equipment except your ESD cloths (with or without corporate branding).

Register Now

 

 

For more information, please contact Philippe Léonard, IPC Europe director (PhilippeLeonard@ipc.org).

Vicenza Expo Centre

Vicenza Expo Centre – Pad. 1
Via Oreficeria, 16
36100 Vicenza VI
Italy

Vicenza Expo Centre

Vicenza Expo Centre
Vicenza Expo Centre – Pad. 1
Vicenza, VI 36100
Italy

IPC Hand Soldering Competition 2024 Regional Qualification - Hungary

Date
-

Save the date for the Hungary Regional Qualification for the IPC Hand Soldering Competition (HSC) to take place at the Innoelectro 2024 exhibition in Budapest on 23-25 April 2024.

Skilled soldering experts (F/M) will be competing for 60 minutes on a complex circuit board assembly to win the 2024 National title, earn a cash prize , and compete for a coveted spot at the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship later this year.

Competition for Professionals

The professional competitors will be judged by IPC Master Instructors (MIT) on soldering a complex printed circuit board with a maximum time of 60 minutes under IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria. Additional criteria will include the quality of the results achieved and of the assembly process, the overall electrical functionality of the assembly, and the speed at which the assembly was produced.

Prizes for Professionals

Cash prizes will be awarded to the professionals: the winner and two runners-up.

  • 1st place – 300€
  • 2nd place – 200€
  • 3rd place – 100€

IPC Hand Soldering World Championship: The winner will be invited by IPC (all expenses covered by IPC) to compete in the HSC World Final in November at Electronica tradeshow in Munich, Germany.

Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award: This year again, nominate a team to win the Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award. For any company enlisting 2 or 3 competitors, the highest combined scores of competitors from the same company will determine which company will receive the HSC Best Company Team Award.

Registration is free of charge.

You do not need to be an IPC member to take part.

You do not need to be IPC-certified to take part.

The competition setup is supplied by organizers, no need to bring any equipment except your ESD cloths (with or without corporate branding).

How to register?

Registration form will be available shortly.

 

For more information, please contact Philippe Léonard, IPC Europe director (PhilippeLeonard@ipc.org).

InnoElectro Budapest, Hungary

Budapest
Dozsa Gyorgy ut 1
1146
Hungary

Event Venue Website
https://innoelectro.com/hu/

InnoElectro Budapest, Hungary

InnoElectro Budapest, Hungary
Dozsa Gyorgy ut 1
Budapest, 1146
Hungary

IPC Hand Soldering Competition 2024 Regional Qualification - France

Date
-

Join the French Regional Qualification for the IPC Hand Soldering Competition (HSC) to take place at Global Industrie 2024 exhibition in Paris on 25-28 March 2024.

Skilled soldering experts (F/M) will be competing for 60 minutes on a complex circuit board assembly to win the 2024 National title, earn a cash prize , and compete for a coveted spot at the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship later this year.

Competition for Professionals

The professional competitors will be judged by IPC Master Instructors (MIT) on soldering a complex printed circuit board with a maximum time of 60 minutes under IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria. Additional criteria will include the quality of the results achieved and of the assembly process, the overall electrical functionality of the assembly, and the speed at which the assembly was produced.

Prizes for Professionals

Cash prizes will be awarded to the professionals: the winner and two runners-up.

  • 1st place – 300€
  • 2nd place – 200€
  • 3rd place – 100€

IPC Hand Soldering World Championship: The winner will be invited by IPC (all expenses covered by IPC) to compete in the HSC World Final in November at Electronica tradeshow in Munich, Germany.

Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award: This year again, nominate a team to win the Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award. For any company enlisting 2 or 3 competitors, the highest combined scores of competitors from the same company will determine which company will receive the HSC Best Company Team Award.

Registration is free of charge.

You do not need to be an IPC member to take part.

You do not need to be IPC-certified to take part.

Competition setup is supplied by organizers, no need to bring any equipment except your ESD cloths (with or without corporate branding).

How to register?

Fill in the registration form and book your competition slot.

You will receive a confirmation email specifying your date and time to compete.

The deadline for registration is set to 22.03.2024.

 

For more information, please contact Philippe Léonard, IPC Europe director (PhilippeLeonard@ipc.org).

Global Industrie in Paris

Paris Nord Villepinte
ZAC Paris Nord 2
93420 Villepinte
France

Event Venue Website
https://www.global-industrie.com/en

Global Industrie in Paris

Global Industrie in Paris
Paris Nord Villepinte
Villepinte, 93420
France

Honeywell Aerospace Engineer Christina Rutherford to Deliver Keynote at Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE)

Christina Rutherford, Advanced Materials & Process Engineer at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, is set to take center stage at this year’s Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE) May 14-16 at Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wis. as the keynote speaker. Rutherford will address industry professionals and enthusiasts in a keynote titled "Process Controls and their Impact to Supply Chains” on Wednesday, May 15. In her keynote speech, Rutherford will provide a deep dive into the critical role of process controls in shaping and enhancing supply chain dynamics, with a focus on the development and successful implementation of these controls.

As an award-winning engineer and a key contributor to IPC/WHMA-A-620 content development, Rutherford brings a unique perspective to the discussion. Her insights into the intricacies of cables and harnesses design, coupled with her expertise in technical supply chain management, make her the perfect guide to navigate the complexities of process controls.

Attendees can anticipate an engaging presentation that goes beyond theoretical concepts, as Rutherford will share practical examples and case studies that showcase the successful application of process controls in real-world scenarios. Through her keynote, Rutherford aims to empower professionals across industries with actionable insights that can be implemented to drive positive change in their respective supply chains.

“Rutherford's commitment to innovation and excellence, as demonstrated by her role in leading the adoption of new process development techniques at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, sets the stage for a keynote address that promises to be both enlightening and impactful,” said David Bergman, WHMA executive director.

EWPTE provides a unique opportunity for industry professionals, enthusiasts, and aspiring engineers to connect with one of the industry's brightest minds. Christina Rutherford's keynote speech is expected to leave a lasting impression, inspiring attendees to explore new avenues for improving supply chain processes within their organizations.

More information about EWPTE, including details on educational opportunities networking, schedule, travel and more is available at electricalwireshow.com.

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