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The sheer number of flexible laminate materials and constructions can be a bit daunting for those new to flex and rigid flex design. Tara Dunn sits down with Jeff Martin from Omni PCB to hear his insight into flexible laminates and his advice when working on a flex stack up.
This week’s news gave off every indicator that we’ve started a new calendar year. The news channels were busy with changes in leadership—both corporate and governmental—and changes in ownership. Changes in representation, too. Honestly, it was hard to sort out the news to just five top items. Be that as it may, here are five things we think you ought to read, even if you read nothing else about the electronics manufacturing industry this week: tradeshow coverage, strategic acquisitions, market discussion, and governmental advocacy.
The line separating polymer thick film flexible circuit assemblies from flexible hybrid electronics, exists but it is not hard and bright. The introduction of new flexible circuit manufacturing technologies and materials including stretchable substrates has created a surge of interest in their use.
Computers, lasers, and artificial intelligence are infiltrating every area of the PCB manufacturing facility. Over the last few years, most printed circuit manufacturers have invested heavily in integration of the complete shop equipment, controlled from one central computer mainframe. The interconnecting intelligence allows for quicker file processing, higher accuracy, and vastly improved yields.
It really doesn’t matter who you think your external competitors are, because the only competitor that really matters is you. Of course, you will look externally to stay on top of latest trends, but when it comes to competition, just competing with yourself is a win. When you look at yourself as your greatest competitor you will start with a huge advantage: you already have great intel on how “your competition” thinks. Ask yourself, “What can I do to displace my ‘competitor’ and create something much better?”
