Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1484263
36 PCB007 MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2022 Patel: We try to cross-train everyone as much as we can. But it's a lot of experience-based knowledge, a lot of being hands-on to it and explaining before they run that type of design, if it ever comes up. We have a good relationship with everyone because we're okay with them learning. ere's really very little red tape from our management side of things, in that sense. We always have a good back and forth with operators to figure out where the problems lie and keep them involved in fixing or improving processes. It's definitely a challenge. It could take a year or two for someone to get fully up to speed with all the type of work that runs through here. Johnson: It sounds as if the adoption challenges for UHDI are similar to what HDI faced when it first came out. Are there still issues in getting standard HDI done? Patel: I think it's a lot easier now and the win- dow of difficulty has decreased. ere are still some curve balls that can happen, but standard HDI has improved in production. It's the gray area between HDI and UHDI that makes it dif- ficult. By now, I think the people in every verti- cal of the industry understand HDI. e mate- rial guys, chemistry, the equipment manufac- turers, the designers—everyone's got enough experience with that level so now it's easier. Johnson: Sunny, when design teams submit jobs requiring UHDI work, how different is the methodology? Patel: It's more holistic now, where you need to get everyone in a design meeting—the assem- bly, the designers, the fabs—and make sure everyone is on the same page in terms of the design and everyone gives their feedback on these types of jobs to optimize it as best as possible. We work with a lot of assembly houses. From our perspective, we want to be on good terms with everyone. Politics must be removed from that situation. Whatever is best for the design is what should be focused on. at's how it should be, from my perspective. Johnson: Right. Having come from a board fab background, I know that sometimes you can work with the design team and say, "Based on the specifics of your design, this is an assem- bly house really well suited to what you want to do." Patel: Yes, but they should know that already. If they don't have that understanding, then of course you'd want to guide them to the right people without stepping on anyone's toes. Everyone has their niche. Even on the board shop side, not everyone wants to do everything. Johnson: is has been insightful. Any final words or thoughts for fellow fabricators look- ing at moving into UHDI? Patel: Do your homework. Johnson: I agree. Patel: Be patient. Anyone who wants to do UHDI would have to be okay with failing some- times and have a real interest in digging down into problem-solving. Johnson: ank you, Sunny. I really appreciate this. Patel: anks. I enjoyed it. PCB007 I think it's a lot easier now and the window of difficulty has decreased.