WASHINGTON – Printed circuit boards are prioritized in a December 12, 2023 report from the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party:

• Of 150 recommendations #1 is to strengthen domestic manufacturing of printed circuit boards and reduce reliance on adversary nations for microelectronics

Department of Defense:

The recently released National Defense Industrial Strategy focuses on creating resilient supply chains including microelectronics. The DoD has identified the need to expand domestic production and invest in a skilled workforce.

Congress has also obligated approximately $150 million for investments in microelectronics using the Defense Production Act. Two recent awards include:

• $46.2 million to GreenSource Fabrication LLC via the Defense Production Act Investment Program. The award will enhance existing production capabilities at a manufacturing facility of state-of-the-art integrated circuits (IC) substrate, high-density interconnect (HDI) and ultra-high-density interconnect (UHDI), and advanced packaging.
• $39.9 million via the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) Program to Calumet Electronics Corporation to enhance capabilities to produce High-Density Build-Up (HDBU) substrates, which include High-Density Interconnect Printed Circuit Board (PCB) cores and HDBU build-up layers.

While these actions are helpful, America needs to make a sustained, robust investment in manufacturing the microelectronics that power all aspects of modern life. The Printed Circuit Board Association of America and IPC have jointly called on Congressional appropriators to increase DPAI funding for microelectronics.

“Report after report coming out of Washington highlights our overreliance on Asia for microelectronics and the pressing need to make more printed circuit boards and substrates in America," said PCBAA Executive Director David Schild. "The current situation puts our national and economic security at risk. Congress and other agencies of government must act to reduce our dependency on foreign nations for the components that power national security and critical infrastructure systems.”

NAMPA, ID – Silicon Mountain, a leading electronic manufacturing company, proudly announces its latest stride in technological innovation by acquiring the RO1, a cutting-edge cobot robotic arm designed and manufactured in the USA.

The RO1 represents Silicon Mountain's ongoing commitment to investing in automation to enhance manufacturing efficiency and precision. As the most advanced and affordable six-axis robot available today, RO1 is equipped to seamlessly integrate into various manufacturing and machining setups, offering unparalleled capabilities in building a wide array of products.

Key features of RO1 include: Superior Strength: Outlifting competitors with up to 1.8x more strength. Exceptional Accuracy: Outperforming in precision with up to 2x more accuracy. Increased Speed: Completing tasks up to 2.4x faster than competing robots. Built-in 3D Camera: Providing advanced vision capabilities for enhanced adaptability.

What sets RO1 apart is its intuitive touchscreen interface, making automation accessible to everyone. With simple visual programming that requires zero code, users can create and scale tasks effortlessly. The RO1 is engineered to handle tasks with unmatched ease and precision, ensuring efficient and accurate manufacturing processes.

"We are excited to integrate the RO1 into our manufacturing operations,” said Clint Roehr, Project Manager at Silicon Mountain. "The RO1's capabilities in strength, accuracy, speed, and user-friendly interface align seamlessly with our dedication to delivering high-quality products to our clients."

Silicon Mountain continues to be a leader in the electronic manufacturing industry, pushing the boundaries of innovation to provide state-of-the-art solutions for its customers. The introduction of the RO1 marks another milestone in Silicon Mountain's journey to enhance automation and elevate manufacturing capabilities.

Silicon Mountain provides a wide range of services, whether it is prototyping for startups or high- volume manufacturing. Regardless of the service, the company aims for high quality and quick turnaround.

To learn more about the company's forward-thinking approach and cutting-edge manufacturing solutions, visit https://siliconmtn.net/ 

CLINTON, NY – Indium Corporation is pleased to announce the promotions of Taylor Wang and Walter Wang, key members of its China-based leadership team. Taylor Wang has assumed the role of Associate Director, China Sales, while Walter Wang has taken on the position of Associate Director, Operations.

In his new role, Taylor Wang continues his leadership of the China sales team and is responsible for all sales in the China region, including Inside Sales. He oversees and works within project teams to learn and build experience, while developing and executing a strong sales strategy. He partners with Marketing, Tech, Operations, and R&D to facilitate strong connections to customers throughout China. Over the past three years, Taylor Wang has led the China team to continued growth as a result of his leadership and commitment to cross-department collaboration.

As Associate Director, Operations, Walter Wang oversees daily operations at Indium Corporation’s Suzhou facility and the overall performance of the facility’s operations to win and support customers in China. He manages cost control, quality conformance, product delivery, and inventory management. Over the past five years, the Suzhou facility has experienced an increase in productivity and output as a result of Walter Wang’s leadership.

Taylor Wang joined Indium Corporation in 2020 as China Country Sales Manager, bringing more than 10 years of sales management experience with him. Previously, he worked as vice sales director for assembly materials, bonding wires, DCB substrate, and thick-film products at a German global materials company. He has particular knowledge of the semiconductor assembly and automotive electronics business sectors. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Medicine English at Sichuan University.

Walter Wang joined Indium Corporation in 2018 as Deputy General Manager and has been instrumental in several achievements at the company’s Suzhou facility. Previously, he held leadership roles with two electronics manufacturing firms. He has a bachelor’s degree in thermal processing and equipment from Anhui University of Technology and Science and a master’s degree from the University of Hong Kong.

NEW COLUMBIA, PA – Blue M, a global manufacturer of industrial and laboratory ovens, announced the shipment of a Low Oxygen Class A oven to the medical industry for drying parts without oxidation.

Low Oxygen Class A ovens are designed in compliance with NFPA 86 using an inert atmosphere to deprive the process of atmospheric oxygen that would be necessary for combustion. An oxygen analyzer is used to supervise an initial purge cycle, and inert gas is used to drive the oxygen concentration down to a non-flammable level known as the limiting oxidant concentration level (LOC). If, for any reason, the control system cannot hold the oxygen concentration below the LOC, then the heat is de-energized, and the cycle is aborted.

This Low Oxygen Class A oven has a temperature range of 15°C above ambient to 593°C and interior chamber dimensions of 48" W x 24" D x 36" H. The chamber is constructed with reinforced type 304 stainless steel. All seams and entrance ports are welded gas-tight to maintain a low oxygen atmosphere and minimize inert gas leakage.

The inert atmosphere design features flow meters, a pressure relief valve, a chamber pressure gauge, and a purge system. The unit will maintain a slight positive pressure during the entire process cycle, and the throat of the chamber door plug will be purged with inert gas to prevent oxygen infiltration from around the door gasket. A purge flowmeter allows for gas purge rate adjustments, and a water-cooled door jacket around the oven doorframe protects the door gasket from ultra-high temperatures.

The oven temperature and processing are controlled by a Watlow F4T temperature process controller that provides advanced control capabilities. This controller features a high resolution, color touchscreen, graphical interface with an adaptive control algorithm and includes 40 ramp and soak profiles, Ethernet connectivity, and data logging. The oven is also designed with safety features to protect operators and product loads during process cycles. An electro-mechanical door lock prevents the door from being opened during processing which protects product loads from being damaged from accidental disruption and prevents the release of a flammable atmosphere into an area where it could reach ignition sources. An airflow switch is also provided to shut off the heating elements in the event of a blower system failure.

“This oven meets Class A specifications and is designed with an inert atmosphere to prevent oxidation of the parts during the drying process. Blue M’s Low Oxygen Class A ovens provide a high degree of safety, the ability to process an unlimited quantity of solvent, and a low process gas flow rate which makes solvent recovery an attractive option for these ovens.”
– Jonathan Young, Blue M Product Manager