Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1156271
26 PCB007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2019 Reitz: There's absolutely a financial gain. They're not discharging their waste, so they're not generating it, which is definitely a plus. It's also easier for them to get permits to put in the equipment because local and state authorities like that movement, and some of our systems even recover the copper so that they can even get the copper back in full-sheet form. Matties: When we visited GreenSource Fabri- cation in New Hampshire, Alex Stepinksi said he's not buying any copper for his plating; everything he's using is recycled. Why aren't more companies doing that? Reitz: That's a good question. We try to push it with a lot of our customers, particularly those that are copper etching because it's a very simple technology that's available to them. However, I think it's still something new to them. Matties: Is it that they're just unaware, or is it a complex system or a large investment? What are the obstacles? Reitz: I think they just don't understand how to effectively integrate these types of processes and understand the full benefit of integrating such technologies. Matties: Maybe this is something we should start promoting. Reitz: Absolutely. Matties: It would make a big difference. Every- one is looking to lower cost, and this is a sure- fire way to do it. Otherwise, we just etch it off and recycle it. Reitz: Right. You reduce waste, supplies, li- ability, and your operating costs all the way around. Matties: It makes good sense. You've both been doing this for many years. If you were to give fabricators advice about your area, what would it be? Reitz: Size your equipment so that it's appro- priate for your operation. Don't over-spec it or make it bigger than you need it to be. That's what I find: a lot of customers who think they need a huge piece of equipment when, in real- ity, smaller equipment will do the same thing and offer a lot less operating cost and environ- mental impact, which results in an overall win for the entire project. Matties: Do better planning up front. Reitz: Yes, with utilities and everything. A lot of customers who call us still believe that you only need one machine; you get it, you plug it in, and you're making circuit boards. However, they don't understand all that goes along with it; it takes a lot of planning. Matties: So, the best advice is if you're getting ready to buy a piece of equipment, talk to you first not only about the equipment they want but also what they're trying to achieve with the equipment because it's easy to say, "I want this piece of equipment." And it's easy to sell it, but it's better served if we all talk about it. Reitz: Exactly. Lies: And there's another part to that, including the customer or the account, the equipment supplier, and the chemistry. Matties: The chemistry supplier has to plug in- to this. Reitz: Absolutely. It's truly a team effort. You have to work with the chemical and equip- ment suppliers, facilities, and environmental people; it's a group project. You can't just buy a machine and plug it in; it's a team effort. Matties: That's good advice. Thank you very much for your time. Lies: Thank you very much. Reitz: Thank you. PCB007