BANNOCKBURN, IL - (NOTE: DATA REVISED MARCH 8) - The January 90-day moving average shipments of all types of circuit boards rose 9.2% year-on-year, according to the latest poll of U.S. PCB fabricators. Aided by a boost in demand for rigid circuits, bookings were strong, up 20.2%. This was on the heels of a climb of 30% in December.

However, a large percentage of the "production" includes boards built offshore and distributed by North American vendors. According to IPC, which takes the poll, 35% of the shipments reported were produced offshore.

The domestic book-to-bill ratio was up 0.04 points to 1.08. It was the second month in a row the key indicator was above 1.0.

The ratio is based on data collected by IPC from rigid and flex producers and is calculated by dividing three months worth of orders by sales. A ratio over 1.0 is considered an indicator of rising demand.

Separately, the ratios were 1.0 for rigid PCBs and 1.36 for flexible circuits.

Rigid board shipments, estimated by IPC to make up 75% of all domestic PCBs, were up 12.4% in January vs. a year ago. Bookings were up 9% for the month. Flex sales grew 46.9%, and bookings more than doubled, up 160%.

Sequentially, flex bookings dropped 37% and shipments fell 2%. Rigid shipments were up 5% and bookings climbed 10% sequentially.

Domestic production accounted for 75% of rigid and 31% of flex circuit shipments in January, IPC said.

Flex sales include some value-added services in addition to the bare flex circuits.

In a statement, IPC cautioned that month-to-month comparisons should be made with caution as they may reflect cyclical effects.

AURORA, CO - Advanced Circuits today announced the availability of a PDF preview tool said to provide an accurate, convenient view of circuit board designs prior to production.
 
"Traditional Gerber viewers don't always show the actual manufactured image without time-consuming setup," said Ron Huston, founder and CEO, in a statement. "PCB Check Plot Online delivers an accurate representation of the final design in a PDF format, allowing engineers to avoid costly redesign efforts and project delays once a circuit board moves into the manufacturing phase."
 
The tool permits engineers to upload Gerber files to Advanced Circuits' FreeDFM.com Web site and receive feedback within minutes. The feedback highlights potential design for manufacturability problems and suggests modifications. The free service requires no commitment to order.
 
Check Plot Online allows engineers the opportunity to remedy potential problems before declaring their design "complete."
 
Advanced Circuits Check Plot Online is available through its FreeDFM.com service. Engineers can view a sample of the PDF format at www.freedfm.com/checkplot.
                       
 

KENOSHA, WI - SMT assembly equipment supplier Pro-Mation Inc. today named two sales persons to the Dallas area, citing increased business.
 
In a statement, president and CEO Gary Goldberg cited improvements in current and forecasted equipment sales for the additions.
 
Carey Gray and Jared Tucker will be based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and will provide field support.

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL - SigmaTron International reported third fiscal quarter net revenues of $28.3 million, up 18% for the three months ended Jan. 31. Net income was $1.4 million, up 16%, the company said.

For the nine months ended Jan. 31, the company's net revenues are up 8% to $81.2 million. Net income is down 13%, to $3.9 million.

In a press release, president and chief executive Gary R. Fairhead said sales of appliances and fitness gear increased, but competitive pricing pressures hurt gross margins.

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