» TRADE SHOWS & EVENTS IPC Apex Expo 2021 Digital place to learn, connect and collaborate IPC Apex Expo 2021, which went all virtual this year, exemplified how the electronics industry has responded to the Covid-19 global pandemic: with resiliency, agility, and an unwavering commitment to build electronics better. As part of that change, the tradeshow offered new ways for attendees to get the most out of their virtual experience, including a three-track technical program, professional development courses for every engineering role and experience level, and most importantly, on demand access to content until June 13. For the first time, all professional development courses offered both live and on demand are applicable toward continuing education points for IPC MIT (Master IPC Trainer) recertification. This year’s technical conference covered big issues like cybersecurity, data analytics, traceability, assembly materials and design, but the interest generated by those sessions focused on reliability. The high attendance in these sessions spoke volumes; the industry is facing rising expectations about the reliability of electronics products and services. High-reliability systems often involve miniaturized commercial electronics that function 24/7 in harsh-use environments. And they must meet these requirements even as Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s Apex Expo took place via a digital platform the industry moves away from the use of lead, introduces new laminate materials, and leverages innovative manufacturing technologies to support smaller vias on higher density designs. Participants also took advantage of the factory of the future programming, which helped to lead, assist and guide the electronics manufacturing industry by solving real business challenges. “I am very pleased with the 90 days of on-demand viewing. This allows me to absorb the content on my time frame and at my pace,” said Todd Brassard, ice president/COO, Calumet Electronics Corporation. “I’ve been viewing the introduction to RF/Microwave PCB design this week and will most likely have to watch it sev- The factory of the future programming provided the electronics industry with resources to help solve real business challenges Source: IPC eral times to fully process all the data and info. Since Calumet Electronics is making a large commitment in the RF and highspeed digital space, this content is highly valuable in helping me better understand this complex topic. I plan to work through much of this year’s content over the next few months.” Attendees have a continuing opportunity to enjoy and learn from the educational content Apex Expo generated. All technical conference sessions and professional development courses were recorded and are available to the registered and notyet-registered until June 13. “Apex Expo is usually one of the busiest weeks of the year for IPC…this year, that was true as well. It was just a different kind of busy,” said John Mitchell, IPC president and CEO. “We are truly grateful to the dedicated attendees, speakers and exhibitors for sharing their time, their expertise, and their ability to pivot and adjust to a complete change in venue to help us make the first virtual IPC Apex Expo a success. Frankly, I can’t wait until next year – I really miss my interactions with everyone live!” In 2022, the tradeshow will return to the San Diego Convention Center, January 22–28. Industry researchers, engineers and academics are invited to submit an abstract for consideration in next year’s technical conference or professional development courses in the online Call for Participation. www.ipc.org Source: IPC 16 EPPEurope » 04|2021
Focus on the microelectronic industry SMTconnect 2021 cancelled due to Covid-19 Due to the continuing high rate of infections and the associated restrictions, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH has decided to cancel this year’s SMTconnect tradeshow. The event was supposed to take place in Nuremberg, in the beginning of May 2021. Discussions with exhibitors held in recent months, as well as feedback from visitors, have shown that the focus within the SMT community is about faceto-face interaction. This interest is met by the organizer Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, which led to the decision to not hold a digital trade show. „We are very sorry to have to cancel the on-site event in May again. However, the present situation of the pandemic does not allow us to provide the necessary planning security for the community in spring,“ explains Anthula Parashoudi, Vice President SMTconnect. Usually taking place simultaneously, PCIM Europe has been postponed to 31 August – 2 September 2021. It will be complemented by the digital format, the „PCIM Europe digital days“. The SMTconnect will be held again in its usual form in Nuremberg from 10 – 12 May 2022. www.smtconnect.com The next SMTconnect tradeshow will be held in May 2022 Source: Mesago Innovation is in our DNA New 3D SPI with four oblique cameras that keeps everything in view Preventing the source of defects in the process line from the outset Our new S3088 ultra chrome’s advanced sensor technology offers high-precision and fast 3D solder paste inspection for high-throughput SMT production. The combination of 10 μm resolution and four angled views provides shadow-free images to reliably detect the smallest inspection areas. At the same time, the uniquely large inspection range also covers heights of up to 4 mm for very high paste deposits. The space-saving system has a inspection speed of 90 cm²/s and meets the highest cycle time requirements. Our new 3D SPI is also available as a double track system. Intelligent networking of 3D SPI, 3D AOI, 3D AXI and the verification station ensures maximum product quality and process efficiency. 3D SPI to printer CLOSED LOOP 3D SPI to placement machine Viscom Quality Uplink for quality & process optimization www.viscom.com EPPEurope » 04|2021 17
