Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1419905
62 PCB007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2021 to tackle similar issues. I think it's a great fit, for both me and IPS. Matties: In terms of the equip- ment, what trends are you see- ing in customer requirements? What's different between now and then? Walsh: For horizonal process- ing equipment, panels are get- ting thinner, and they've been getting thinner for decades. Additionally, copper via fill was starting to really pick up in the mid-2000s, and now you're almost required to have it. If you want to do any kind of military or aerospace, you are expected to have copper via fill. We're seeing more of that, as well as manual lines, manual tanks. Matties: Do you find it surprising that there are so many manual tanks? Walsh: Every chemical supplier has a different requirement for what they want, and they are innovative in how they do it. We work with them all. Everybody has a similar feel, but they're all a little unique. Manual tanks are just so versatile, and so expandable. You can start with one and, as your equipment needs grow, you can add two, three, or four more. It's not just manual tanks; we are fabricating a few of our automatic plating lines to incorporate that same technology as well. Matties: What trends are you seeing in terms of what's being purchased? Walsh: ere are a lot of automatic plating lines being purchased, but most of our customers are looking for U.S. service and support. Travis Houchin: I think we're getting a pretty good mix. I can tell there's a lot of cleaning and bonding going on. We're see- ing a high need for that. Walsh: We are also getting a lot of alternative oxide lines. Houchin: It seems like most of the alternative oxide lines are because the lines have been so old and outdated that now it's finally time to either increase capacity or just get something newer in there. ey are buy- ing IPS due to our thin core transport capabilities. Walsh: IPS still has several lines in the field that are 20 to 25 years old. At some point, you need to pull the trigger to get a new line. Matties: I find it quite surprising in this indus- try that many are building boards on decades- old equipment. Is it because of lack of invest- ment or lack of need? Walsh: It's both. Some companies have tight- ened the belt over the years. at money has been flowing a little better now, however the materials are requiring new equipment. It says a lot about a printed circuit board shop that can keep a piece of equipment running for 20–25 years. at's impressive. Matties: It is impressive. But it's also concerning because we are not staying up to date. When a fabricator is looking at their CapEx plan, are they falling short or are they making compro- mises where they shouldn't be? Walsh: Many shops have bandaged equipment together over the years just to keep things run- ning. Some shops are still using 5-mil or 10-mil frames and leaders to get material through a horizontal line—but with a modern horizontal transportation system you can run a piece of 2 mil all day without a leader. Thomas Walsh