Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1471044
22 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2022 Feature Interview by Andy Shaughnessy I-CONNECT007 For this issue on PCB plating, I spoke with Christopher Bonsell, a chemical process engi- neer and author of an I-Connect007 monthly column, e Chemical Connection. I asked him to give us a rundown of the challenges and opportunities facing process engineers in the world of PCB plating today, and his advice to young process engineers beginning their careers in wet processing. Andy Shaughnessy: Christopher, what are the biggest criteria for a fabricator to keep in mind when planning to invest in plating equipment and chemicals today? Christopher Bonsell: Manufacturer and supplier reliability are the main factors you should seek when purchasing any processing equipment or chemicals. Getting equipment that helps you meet your product specifications is one thing, but it is also necessary to know how available your provider is to help you. For complex pro- cesses like plating, it is important to have as much technical assistance as possible. ere- fore, when you decide to purchase equipment or chemicals, you should ask yourself the fol- lowing questions: • Do they have significant knowledge and experience that they are willing and able to share with us? • If something goes wrong with our equip- ment, or if we have questions, how quickly will they be able to respond or help? • If we need parts for our equipment, how quickly can we get the parts we need from them? Plating Offers Plenty of Challenges—and Opportunities