Best All In With Aqueous Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 142: Live from SMTA's Pan Pacific Strategic Electronics Symposium (PanPac) 38:26

4d ago38:26

38:26

This episode was recorded at SMTA's Pan Pacific Strategic Electronics Symposium on the big island of Hawaii. My guests on this episode are Dr. Chuck Bower, founder of PanPac, Keith Bryant, and Dr. Ron Lasky. We discussed the history of PanPac, technologies introduced at PanPac, and what makes PanPac so unique. We also discuss Dartmouth College's un…

1
Episode 141: Component Tape Splicing Best Practices with Larry (The Professor) Welk 57:05

18d ago57:05

57:05

Optimization has become an important goal within the electronic assembly industry. While modern electronic assembly techniques utilize a variety of equipment, one specific type of equipment often consumes a disproportionate percentage of the overall equipment budget, that is the place machine. The cost of the machine, associated conveyors and feede…

1
Episode 140: Circuit Board Design and Acquisition Best Practices 1:10:28

1M ago1:10:28

1:10:28

This episode is a little different from our usual episodes. First of all, it’s a dual-branded episode. It’s both a Reliability Matters Podcast and an Ecosystem podcast episode. The Ecosystem podcast host Judy Warner will join me for an unusual topic, at least for The Reliability Matters Podcast. Most of my audience are assemblers of circuit assembl…

1
Episode 139: Environmentally Responsible Alternatives to Traditional PCB Fabrication 55:12

2M ago55:12

55:12

Today, we delve into an increasingly critical aspect of technology and electronics manufacturing - the pursuit of environmentally responsible electronics manufacturing. Our industry has witnessed many environmental revolutions. The elimination of popular cleaning solvents brought on by the Montreal protocol in 1989, soon followed by strict VOC re…

1
Episode 138: Hand Soldering and Rework Best Practices with Debbie Wade 1:11:03

2M ago1:11:03

1:11:03

Today we're diving deep into the world of precision and craftsmanship—two crucial elements in the realm of hand soldering and rework of circuit assemblies. Whether you're a seasoned electronics enthusiast, a hobbyist, or just someone with a curious mind, this episode promises to demystify the art and science behind hand soldering and rework. We'll …

1
Episode 137: Building a Sustainable Career with a Sustainable Impact 1:15:40

2M ago1:15:40

1:15:40

Today, we delve into the crucial aspects of maintaining well-being on this journey—how to sidestep the notorious burnout, and perhaps more importantly, how to fuel and maintain your motivation. Because, let's face it, the road to creating a meaningful impact can be demanding, and it's essential to navigate it with resilience and purpose. Join me fo…

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Episode 136: Environmentally Responsible/Sustainable Conformal Coating with Dr. Cassandra Zentner 1:04:07

3M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

We covered the topic of ultrathin conformal coatings back in November. We covered various conformal coating materials from traditional acrylics and silicones to ultrathin parylene coatings. What other coating materials are available? Where do these types of coatings fit within specific applications? Where do health and safety, environmental concern…

1
Episode 135: A Conversation with Dr. Zach Peterson about Board Design Best Practices 1:13:54

4M ago1:13:54

1:13:54

In today's increasingly connected and digital world, PCBs are the unsung heroes that power our devices, from smartphones to spacecraft. Yet, the art and science of designing these crucial components often go unnoticed. That’s where this episode comes in. Today, I hope to shine a spotlight on the critical role PCBs play in modern technology and ex…

1
Episode 134 - 2023 Podcast Season Wrap-Up 8:55

4M ago8:55

8:55

On this episode, I have no guests as this is the final episode of the Reliability Matters Podcast for the 2023 season. Instead, let's review what happened on the podcast this year. A special thanks to my guests and listeners/viewers for making this podcast so successful.By Mike Konrad

1
Episode 133: Novel Wireless / Wearable ESD Monitoring 1:05:55

5M ago1:05:55

1:05:55

We are all aware of the damage electrostatic discharge can wreak on components and electronic products. We mitigate ESD damage through various forms of monitoring. We wear wrist and heel straps, stand on ESD-safe flooring, utilize ESD work stations, and more. We even have ESD testing locations that will test a human standing on a specialized testin…

1
Episode 132: A Conversation about Ultra-Thin Conformal Coating with HZO's Lisa Rizzo 1:00:42

5M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Today we’ll dive deep into the world of conformal coating. More and more assemblies are being subjected to conformal coating to protect the assembly from harsh environments. What’s leading the drive to conformal coat electronic assemblies? What types of conformal coating options are available? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type?…

1
Episode 131: A Conversation with Industry Icon Bob Willis 1:09:24

6M ago1:09:24

1:09:24

We are all aware of the supply chain issues our industry has faced. Beginning with electronic components, it has spread to so many other types of parts are industry relies on. Fortunately, it looks like we are beginning to come out the other end of the supply chain shortage. But the supply chain problems have further spread to the labor market. If …

1
Episode 130: Human-Centered Approaches to Innovation with Dr. Alexis Abramson 1:03:25

6M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

Some of you may recall episode 121 where I spoke with Dr. John Mitchell, president and CEO of IPC about his new book “fire your hiring habits”. During that episode, we talked about best practices for hiring the best people. I’d like to travel a little bit up the river to talk about where potential candidates for hiring come from. While most of the …

1
Episode 129: Network Reliability - Avoiding Cyber-Security Threats 1:16:00

7M ago1:16:00

1:16:00

We talk almost exclusively about reliability on this show. Specifically, reliability of circuit assemblies. We discuss production best practices, design for manufacturing and reliability. Failure analysis, and more. We’ve reviewed the latest trends in industry 4.0, the connectivity of machine to machine and machine to management. We discussed big d…

1
Episode 128: Industry Standards Explained with Leo Lambert 1:03:21

7M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

Those of us in the electronic assembly space are no doubt aware of standards. In the simplest terms, standards tell us how to build products correctly. They differentiate correct from incorrect. They tell us what type of materials to use, how a solder joint is determined to be acceptable. Standards tell us how to test various parts of our assembly.…

1
Episode 127: Ask the Experts - A Conversation with Phil Zarrow & Jim Hall 58:59

8M ago58:59

58:59

Welcome to another episode of the Reliability Matters podcast. For those of you keeping track, this is episode number 127. In recent episodes, we’ve covered high-level issues, such as hiring best practices, novel, training, methods, design for manufacturing, highly accelerated, life, testing, and more. On this episode, we’re going to go back to the…

1
Episode 126: Moisture Mitigation Strategies with Dan Jenkins and Rob Lowery 1:00:17

8M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Moisture. The industrial world has been fighting moisture since the beginning of the industrial world. From a general point of view, moisture leads to issues such as • Mold and mildew • Rust • Wood rot • Damage to building materials • Microbial growth • And so much more. In the electronics world, moisture creates a host of reliability problems incl…

1
Episode 125: DFM Best Practices with Pride Industries' Engineering Manager Andrew Williams 1:07:28

9M ago1:07:28

1:07:28

As all of you are well aware, this show is all about reliability, specifically reliability of circuit assemblies. One challenge that seems to be persistent within our space is design for manufacturability or DFM. If you’re a contract manufacturer, I have no doubt that you’ve had the experience of being asked to build a product that seems unbuildabl…

1
Episode 124: Industry Icon Dave Hillman's Amazing 3,600 Mile Kayak Journey Down the Missouri River 1:21:05

9M ago1:21:05

1:21:05

Industry icon Dave Hillman completed a 3,600 mile solo kayak journey down the Missouri River. I spoke with Dave about the inspiration for the journey, insights gained over his four-month expedition, and how his experience as an engineer helped him prepare for this epic experience.By Mike Konrad

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Episode #123: Introduction to HALT – Highly Accelerated Life Testing with Dr. Christopher Jackson 1:05:57

10M ago1:05:57

1:05:57

We all strive to build products that are reliable. If you’re listening to our watching this podcast, chances are you are concerned about or at least interested in reliability. Where does reliability start? Who is responsible for reliability? What types of reliability testing can be performed? My guest on this episode will help answer these and othe…

1
Episode 122: The Integration of AI Into Inspection Systems 1:09:08

10M ago1:09:08

1:09:08

When it comes to circuit assemblies, there are defects, which result in one of two situations. The preferred result of a defect is to capture it on your factory floor and repair it before it ships to the customer. The second scenario is referred to as an escape. That’s when the board ships to the customer and fails in the field. This is a scenario,…

1
Episode 121: Dr. John Mitchell discusses his new book "Fire Your Hiring Habits" 1:10:00

11M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

Most of us are well aware of the supply chain shortages, both within our industry and well beyond. Some of us are also keenly aware of labor shortages. This show is all about reliability of circuit assemblies. While reliability is often referred to as a process, it is also rooted in culture. Reliability begins with people. So, instead of talking ab…

1
Episode 120: Making Reliability Training Entertaining and Effective 59:25

11M ago59:25

59:25

Can reliability training the both entertaining and effective? The Manufacturing Game's Michelle Ledet Henley has a different approach to traditional training methods. Michelle Ledet Henley has worked with The Manufacturing Game since 1998 as a developer of new simulations and training material. She has traveled worldwide in her capacity as a facili…

1
Episode 119: Quantum Mechanics Explained 58:48

12M ago58:48

58:48

I first met my guest at the SMTA Pan Pacific Symposium in Hawaii this past January. He was presenting a paper entitled Quantum Technology, A Theoretical Overview of the Possibilities. The more I listened to and watched his presentation, the more I wanted to learn about quantum physics and mechanics. So I selfishly invited him onto my show today so …

1
Episode 118: Making "Big Data" Useful with Intraratio's Ryan Gamble 1:20:03

1y ago1:20:03

1:20:03

The subjects of Industry 4.0 and Big Data have been widely discussed on this podcast. What is Industry 4.0? What data is our industry collecting? And, perhaps more importantly, how can we sift through all of that data to make it useful and actionable? To help answer these and other data-related questions, I invited Ryan Gamble, CEO and Founder of I…

1
Episode 117: When Residues Cause Circuit Assemblies to Fail 29:31

1y ago29:31

29:31

My guest, Eric Camden (Lead Investigator with Foresite) and I discuss electrochemical migration (ECM) and other failure modes caused by residues on circuit assemblies. Eric Camden's Contact Information: ericc@foresiteinc.com https://www.foresiteinc.comBy Mike Konrad

1
Episode 116: Supply Chain Musings 16:43

1y ago16:43

16:43

On this episode, I speak with Mark Goodwin, COO of Ventec Europe, a supplier of copper clad laminates and prepreg bonding materials for the circuit board fabrication industry about supply chain challenges. Mark Goodwin's Contact Information: mark.goodwin@ventec-europe.com http://www.ventec-group.comBy Mike Konrad

1
Episode 115: Making Sense of "Big Data" 23:54

1y ago23:54

23:54

You don't have to be in the tech industry you understand importance and value of data. Industries have always collected various sets of data, first manually and, in modern times, automatically. The volume of data has historically been limited to the ability to capture and store it. Recent advances in technology have vastly increased the ability to …

1
Episode 114: The Remarkable Return of the Post-Reflow Cleaning Process 1:12:10

1y ago1:12:10

1:12:10

On this show, we’ve discussed many aspects of the Electronics assembly process. We talked about reflow, thermal management, printing, soldering materials, additives, and so much more. What do all these topics have in common? When done correctly, they all contribute to the reliability of circuit assemblies. Today, we’re going to dive into the subjec…

1
Episode 113: A Conversation about Counterfeit Component Detection with Dr. Eyal Weiss 1:15:01

1y ago1:15:01

1:15:01

Episode 113: A Conversation about Counterfeit Component Detection with Dr. Eyal Weiss We are all aware of the “oldest profession in the world”. Perhaps the second oldest profession is counterfeiting. Whenever a product is introduced, a counterfeit version soon follows. While the electronics industry has experienced counterfeit components from its i…

1
Special Episode: A Conversation about Business Challenges with STI Electronics' President David Raby 27:39

1y ago27:39

27:39

David Raby is President of Madison Alabama-based STI Electronics, a contract manufacturer for the EMS industry. David worked at the family business since he was a child and eventually took over the family business when his father (and company founder) Jim Raby retired. The electronics industry moves at the speed of light and any business within the…

1
Episode 112: A Conversation about ESD Mitigation with ESD Expert Christopher Almeras 1:14:51

1+ y ago1:14:51

1:14:51

Electricity is the life blood for all circuit assemblies. It can also afflict significant damage via electrostatic discharge. My guest, Christopher Almeras of Raytheon reviews the various ESD mitigation strategies as well as some ESD horror stories! Christopher Almeras began his career in process engineering for a small electronics manufacturer in …

1
Episode 111: Liquid Metal’s Potential Future in Electronics 1:15:04

1+ y ago1:15:04

1:15:04

Historically, circuit assemblies are rigid devices. IoT (Internet of Things) has opened up the opportunity to embed electronics into a near limitless array of form factors. Some of these form factors require the electronic assembly to be flexible such as in wearable and medical applications. To complicate matters, The metal conductors on the assemb…

1
Episode 110: A Wrap-Up of the Reliability Matters 2022 Season 8:59

1+ y ago8:59

8:59

On this episode, there are no guests, and no specific topics. I would like to use this opportunity to thank my guests, our syndication partners, and, of course, my audience for making this podcast so successful. We have a full season ahead in 2023 and I'm excited to share those episodes with you. Please keep your questions and topics suggestions co…

1
Episode 109: A Decade of Industry 4.0 - What it Was - What it Wasn't 1:09:29

1+ y ago1:09:29

1:09:29

Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution. Beyond the buzzwords, what does this mean? My guest today is David Graham, Chief Technology Officer of 4IR.UK, a wholly owned subsidiary of Internet of Things focused, British Systems. 4IR.UK specializes in creating Monitoring, Control and Automation solutions, often based on the MultiPlug Edge Comput…

1
Episode 108: A Preview of the Upcoming SMTA Pan Pacific Microelectronics Symposium 48:42

1+ y ago48:42

48:42

Welcome back to another episode of the reliability matters podcast. For those who are counting, this is episode number 108. SMTA is well known for producing high-quality relevant technical conferences and symposiums. This includes, among others, the technical conference held at SMTAI, the High reliability cleaning and coating conference, the sympos…

1
Episode 107: IPC Validation Services & the Trusted Supplier Program 54:51

1+ y ago54:51

54:51

Like most manufacturers, the electronic manufacturing industry relies on countless suppliers to fulfill its manufacturing needs. I'm quite certain there is no one within the EMS space who fabricates their own boards using materials produced in house, operates their own semiconductor foundries, designs and manufacturers their own components, and pro…

1
Episode 106: A Conversation about Production Automation 53:02

1+ y ago53:02

53:02

It's been said, on this show, that one key factor to international competitiveness is automation. While labor rates vary widely across the world, automation helps to level the field. My guest today is Michael Mchale, CEO of Production Systems Automation, otherwise known as PSA. Michael graduated from Drexel University with a BS degree in mechanical…

1
Episode 105: Conformal Coating Material Selection Best Practices 1:07:47

1+ y ago1:07:47

1:07:47

A new episode of the Reliability Matters Podcast is now available. Episode 105: Conformal Coating Material Selection Best Practices Today, we’re diving into conformal coating best practices. With the explosion of IOT, the electrification of vehicles, and the miniaturization of circuit assemblies and associated components, many of which are operatin…

1
Special Episode: A Sneak Peak at the SMTAI Technical Conference with the Technical Committee 41:16

1+ y ago41:16

41:16

Surface Mount Technology International 2022 is quickly approaching. My guests today are SMTA President Dr. Martin Anselm, a Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Technical Committee members Julie Silk of Keysight Technologies and Raiyo Aspandiar of Intel. Together, my guests review the technical conference tracks as well as speci…

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Episode 104: A Conversation about ESD Flooring with Thomas Ricciardelli 57:12

1+ y ago57:12

57:12

Modern electronics assembly has seen so many changes over the years. In today’s era of IOT, the electrification of vehicles, the explosion in the use of bottom terminated components, the increasing implementation of electronics into harsh environments have all contributed to the increasing complexity and difficulty of building electronics. While so…

1
Episode 103: SMT Assembly Equipment for Low Volume Applications 55:09

1+ y ago55:09

55:09

Today, we're going to talk about low-volume electronic assembly. We all know who the “big players” are when it comes to solder paste printers, pick and place machines, reflow ovens and other assembly equipment. But what choices does one have if they need to produce low-volumes of electronic assemblies such as prototypes and other low volume applica…

1
Episode 102: Contract Manufacturer Selection Process Best Practices 1:11:40

1+ y ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Today, we're going to talk about contract manufacturing. Do you have a circuit assembly that needs to be built? Don’t have the equipment in-house or enough bandwidth or specialized expertise to build it? You may be best served by utilizing the services of a contract manufacturer. Contract manufacturers come in all shapes, sizes and capabilities. Sh…

1
Episode 101: Forging the Future of US Manufacturing with IPC's Matt Kelly 59:37

1+ y ago59:37

59:37

It seems today, the entire world is experiencing supply chain challenges in nearly all product categories. In the electronic assembly industry, the focus has been within the semiconductor market, especially in North America. Why is this? How did the US allow this to occur? Was it short sightedness, greed, an over-reliance on foreign suppliers, othe…

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Episode 100: A 100th Episode Special (Recorded Live) 1:14:03

2y ago1:14:03

1:14:03

Episode 100: A 100th Episode Special (Recorded Live) This is the 100th episode of the Reliability Matters podcast! Hear clips from past episodes and messages from past guests on their views about reliability. A special thanks to the 117 guests I have had the privilege to learn from. Also, thank you to my listeners and viewers of this podcast. I sin…

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Episode 99: A Conversation about the IPC Cleanliness Standard & How to Comply with Graham Naisbitt 1:04:05

2y ago1:04:05

1:04:05

Today, we're going to talk about cleanliness testing of post-reflowed circuit assemblies. In late 2018, IPC shocked the electronic assembly community by introducing an amendment to section 8 of the J-STD-001G. This amendment radically changed the way industry determines cleanliness. Now, assemblers must prove their assemblies are clean enough not t…

1
Episode 98: A Conversation with AIM Solder's Jen Fijalkowski About Advances in Solder Pastes 48:27

2y ago48:27

48:27

Jen Fijalkowski works for Aim Solder. Jen obtained her B.S. from the University of Rhode Island in Chemical Engineering and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Prior to her role as a Technical Marketing Engineer, she interned as a SMT Process Engineer, where she analyzed various reports regarding solder paste printing and co-authored "Compari…

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Episode 97: Best Practices for Purchasing X Ray Equipment 1:12:46

2y ago1:12:46

1:12:46

In this episode I speak with four experts about best practices for purchasing X ray equipment. There are numerous manufacturers of X ray equipment each with multiple models with varying capabilities. Which type of X ray equipment is right for your application? What are the price ranges? What are the specific capabilities? What questions should I as…

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Episode 96: A Conversation with Industry Gurus Phil Zarrow af Jim Hall about their New Book 1:03:30

2y ago1:03:30

1:03:30

Episode 96: A Conversation with Industry Gurus Phil Zarrow and Jim Hall about their New Book A couple of episodes ago, I talked to Dr. and Professor Ron Lasky about a couple of books he wrote. He also recommended a book he didn't write. That book is titled Troubleshooting Electronic Assembly: Wisdom from the BoardTalk Crypt by industry gurus Phil Z…

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Episode 95: A Conversation with SMTA SMT Certification Course Authors Dr. Ron Lasky and Jim Hall 47:15

2y ago47:15

47:15

I spoke with Dr. Ron Lasky and Jim Hall, authors of the SMTA SMT Certification Courses (along with Phil Zarrow) about the content of these courses. I also spoke with two course students, Claire Hotvedt of Indium Corporation and Tom Watson of Kimball Electronics about their experience taking the courses and the value they received. SMTA offers two c…

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