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44 PCB007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2022 By Luca Gautero Traditional coating processes for solder mask handle thick- ness as a single parameter for the whole board. There will be differ- ences between the amount of material on the lami- nate or on the copper, and these will depend on the height of the copper and in some cases on the sec- tion of the copper feature. Overall, it is reproduc- ible: It looks homogeneously green, and it is easy to estimate the amount of material consumption. Therefore, everybody is happy. Still, the homogenous color stems from the pres- ence of opaque fillers which, already in small quan- tities, would reduce the dependence of transpar- ency on the coating thickness. In other words, with a top view, there is little clue left as to how thick the solder mask actually is. Cross sections are therefore practicing my interview skills, I was able to get the most out of my own internship experience. What the Industry Can Do to Help As the electronics industry grows, we need your help to inspire students. Although STEM careers are being pursued by more students every day, this isn't enough for the rapid growth we are experiencing within this indus- try. Some students aren't even aware of differ- ent career paths (such as PCB design) because schools have a set curriculum they can teach. By attending career fairs, promoting educa- tional webinars, and engaging in youth men- torship, we can reach our youth and jumpstart a passion for their career. PCB007 Hannah Nelson is a student at Valparaiso University, part of the IPC Emerging Engineer Program, and an IPC student director. To read past columns or contact Nelson, click here. experience even before they reach the work- force. Schools should also build their students' professional skill sets. Students should be encouraged to participate in career fairs, which allow the development of their networking and communication skills. My college man- dates all engineering students to participate in a career development program where we are taught how to build a resumé, interview with employers, and thrive at a career fair. is pro- gram helped me land my first internship and gave me the skills necessary to create deeper connections with my coworkers. Final Thoughts Overall, colleges should provide more insight into engineering careers, but students should also take the initiative to participate in career development programs within their school. Students should be networking, practicing their interview skills, and engaging in profes- sional activities. rough leading professional organizations, participating in career fairs, and a nice ally: In one sample, the geometrical details of copper, laminate (together with its many layers), and solder mask are in clear sight. The predictability of the material consumption does not imply that the coating thickness benefits itself from the level of certainty: a ±20% variation on material consumption is solved with a temporary bigger stock space and might even be insignificant compared to bill-to-book fluctuations. Instead, the same variation on the solder mask thickness could bring about troubles in the PCB assembly because of poor predictability of the board topography. Inkjet solder mask coating, in this early adoption phase, is evaluated by mimicking traditional sol- der mask. Furthermore, it could not be any differ- ent since the same CAM procedures define it on the printer tool. To read the entire column, click here. Additive Reality Drop-forging Solder Mask Thickness With Inkjet