For many years, lead solder was the only type of solder available for connecting electronic components. But in 2006, all of that changed when the European Union (EU) issued a Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, banning lead solder in electronics manufacturing. While the directive was enforced in Europe, American industries have begun embracing these…
DetailsCircuit boards are present in virtually every piece of electronic equipment, machinery, device, and vehicle in the modern age. Though, some types of electronics are more critical than the rest, especially those used in industries such as medical, military, and aerospace, where the failure of electronics can have fatal consequences. Aerospace electronics, more specifically, may…
DetailsPrinted Circuit Board (PCB) assembly is a complex process involving the interaction of many small components. Each has their roles in supporting the whole electronic device. If even one part fails, the entire circuit board may fail as a whole. That alone should tell you how important it is to know the primary function of…
DetailsAs the heart of all modern-day electronics, Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) support and connect electronic components to make an electronic device function. And there are two main methods for mounting components onto a PCB. In this article, you will learn about the difference between those two methods – Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Through-Hole (TH),…
Details2020 left a disruption in manufacturing as companies paused operations and adapted to operate with fewer people. This US Chamber of Commerce Foundation study finds that more than half of US states (28) have more open jobs than available workers to fill them. Even before the pandemic, the skills gap already plagued the labor market…
DetailsElectrostatic Discharge (ESD), is the sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects. This is the same static shock we get when walking across a carpet and then touching a doorknob afterward. This unwanted flow of electricity can disable or severely damage sensitive electronics. As more devices today and in the future get more…
DetailsThe 2020 Coronavirus pandemic took a massive toll on business operations for everybody across the electronics industry, and training wasn’t spared. With the topic centered on the online pivot of 2020 for technical training programs, I-Connect007’s Nolan Johnson recently interviewed Jahr Turchan, Director of Veteran Services and Advanced Manufacturing Programs, Blackfox. Jahr talked about training…
DetailsSurface Mount Soldering is a commonly used technique in the Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assembly process. Instead of components with leads inserted into holes as with “Through Hole” soldering, in this technique, components are attached to the pads on the board surface. Among all the SMT processes, soldering requires the most extreme focus when being…
DetailsThe pandemic disrupted businesses worldwide, but many have learned to adapt and even improve their existing processes. I-Connect007’s Andy Shaughnessy recently spoke with Blackfox’s Jamie Noland, IPC MIT / Marketing & IT Manager, about some of the lessons learned from COVID-19 and how the company has adapted and developed new ways of training its students.…
DetailsPoor soldering tip maintenance is a common culprit in most soldering issues. Most of which is caused by a heavy buildup of oxidation on the soldering iron tip’s surface. A bad tip is unable to perform an effective heat transfer to the connection point, which then affects the final product in the assembly line. As…
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