Christian Vega discusses the recent acquisition of Modus GmbH and the capabilities this now brings to Axxon Mycronic, including conformal coating inspection. The Modus systems can track coating coverage, keep-out areas, coating thickness and track and transfer data to customer's MES systems.Axxon Mycronic also introduced a new two-part dispensing system that is easy to use, uses less fluid and improves quality.

Richard Osborne introduces three new products. The first of these is a double-sided 3D inspection system, which is configurable a 3D/2D or 2D/3D as well as conformal coating inspection.Another new product introduction is an industrial robot that is enclosed to enable it to include an inline conveyor and perform actions at speed.The third product on show was ViTrox's V1 system used by Jabil to monitor machines across its factories and measure the operating temperature and humidity within each facility.

The interview with Dr. John Mitchell, president of the IPC trade Association, at the IPC Apex Expo 2025 reveals critical insights into the current dynamics affecting the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry amid evolving global supply chain challenges. Dr. Mitchell highlights the complexities of geopolitical tensions, particularly between the United States and China, and the impact of tariffs on supply chain consistency. Although the EMS sector has not yet encountered severe disruptions, growing unpredictability has led to cautious behaviors within businesses, especially larger organizations.

Bill Cordoso discusses the expansion of Creative Electron to manufacture inline x-ray systems from Unicomp under license in the United States.

Joy McKnight, General Manager of ITWEAE announced the return of manufacturing the Centurion reflow oven to their manufacturing plant in Camdenton, Missouri. Customers will benefit from lower material costs and shipping costs and times.

Joel Scutchfield discusses the latest upgrades to Koh Young's Ksmart system and the auto-programming system which gives operators many more capabilities and coverage with access to the Koh Young library. This acts as the starting point to build the customers AI journey towards creating their own Agentive AI system.

In this video interview from the IPC Apex Expo, Eric Miller, a Director at Kyzen, discusses innovations in stencil printing and cleaning processes within electronics manufacturing. The conversation highlights the growing importance of effective cleaning methods, particularly as electronic components become smaller and more densely packed. Traditional cleaning agents such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA) are being supplemented by specialized solvents designed to enhance cleaning efficiency, ultimately leading to increased reliability and cost savings. Miller emphasizes the critical nature of cleaning in the manufacturing process, especially as the power demands on devices increase and miniaturization drives the need for advanced packaging techniques. He notes that about 35% of the industry has recognized the value of cleaning, although there is still room for improvement as technology continues to evolve. Miller hints at a new product launch scheduled for the third quarter of the year, promising innovative features that enhance sustainability and cleaning performance in the electronics assembly sector.

Kevin Clue discusses the success of their full line solution, which now includes a stencil printer, which complements their jet printing and SPI solution.On the pick and place front, Mycronic added SX and LX single-head models to complement the dual-head DX platform that was introduced last year.Another component in the full line solution is the software platform called MY Pro Create. The system takes in all BOM and Gerber data and passes it down the line as the product transitions between each station.

Rehm demonstrated the Protecto conformal coating and curing system, which has a full range of applicators, dryers and/or UV curing options.The Condenso vapor phase system has been upgraded to a flux-free system which makes the process cleaner. The system uses formic acid providing homogenous heat transfer across the board.Rehm's Device Manager handles the handshake with machines and the transfer of data from Hermes and CfX up to customers MES system.

David Raby explains why the advanced manufacturing techniques and clean room facilities make STI Electronics unique. David also discusses the training facilities at STI, which are renowned as one of the leading NASA and IPC training and certification centers in the world.

Stephen Eggart explains how Surf Tech is now branching out into box-build as customers demand a more integrated service. The company has seen an uptick in business recently from a variety of industry verticals.

Kurtz Ersa's HR600XL Rework System can handle large 5G boards up to 24" x 50". The system comes fitted with an auto-scavenger. The HR600 uses IR convection on the top and bottom, reducing the need for component-specific nozzles. It has up to 8 thermocouples to monitor the profile across each component and across the board.

Rob Boguski describes both sides of the DATEST business. One side is contract testing and inspection with high-end equipment for small- to medium-sized manufacturers who do not possess that capability in-house. The other side of the business is advanced root cause analysis of products that have failed in the field.

NSW manufacture micro-dispensing systems for advanced packaging applications. NSW have a unique "squeezing" method of dispensing type 6 solder paste. This method does not deform the solder balls, which is particularly important in heterogeneous integration packages.

Todd Rountree talks about the integration between Austin American and Aqua Klean Systems. The culture in both companies is similar, but some of the manufacturing techniques are different. Over time they will integrate best practices and techniques from both companies. Rountree certainly found the Californian legislation quite challenging - it has been quite a steep learning curve. On the upside, there has been an upside among the customer base, where inline customers are adding batch cleaners for some areas.

Teknek launched their new in-line board cleaner, the TEK BC40. The bare PCB cleaner is normally positioned before the stencil printer to ensure that PC boards enter the assembly process in a clean state.

Absolute EMS is a state-of-the-art manufacturer based in Santa Clara, CA. They have a reputation for producing hi-rel assemblies for space, aerospace, military and medical. At SMTAi they confirmed their most recent accreditation, they are now ITAR registered. Jayne Carthy also announced two awards, for customer service and the most improved smart factory.

Anda won three different categories in the Global Technology Awards 2024 for Potting, Plasma Systems and Dispensing Systems.

The Potting System uses vacuum to remove bubbles or air gaps from the process.

The plasma system removes oils and contaminants from the substrate while creating greater surface tension for conformal coatings. Anda offer both open air plasma and vacuum plasma systems.

Anda's dispensing system is a fast, five-axis system running on linear motors, with a wide range of valves and applicators.

Gayle Towell explains how AIM's REL61 alloy offers greater reliability with better microstructure than SAC305. The alloy is a SnAgBi available in type 5 and type 6 bar, wire or paste formats.

Amtech is a small CEM based in Troy, MI which is a high-mix, small-medium volume contract manufacturer. Vapor Phase has enabled greater flexibility and quicker setup during product changeover.