IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
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IPC COMMUNITY 79 FALL 2023 harsh enough for automotive applications. So, imagine my excitement when I saw the Cold Joining Press-Fit Task Group listed in the stan- dards development committee meetings at IPC APEX EXPO 2019, my first-ever IPC event. Immediately, I signed up. When I walked into that committee meet- ing, I saw familiar faces—acquaintances from other companies in the field whom I greatly regarded as renowned experts. As the meeting started, I couldn't help but smile, relishing the detailed conversations. Even when members would disagree, there was always steadfast respect. Everyone really listened, contem- plated, and sought to understand one anoth- er's viewpoints. Often, it was something they hadn't initially considered, yet realized it was important to the topic at hand. By the end of the meeting, the final action items were concluded. Later, the first work- ing draft was distributed for committee com- ments. It was a very exciting phase in the cre- ation process of a new standard, and I whole- heartedly wanted to become an active mem- ber of the committee. For the next meeting later in the year, I prepared and submitted 20 pages of com- ments, which took the com- mittee almost an entire day to review. I was quite embar- rassed! It was my first com- ment/voting experience in a standards committee, and I had no idea what to expect. However, the process was beautiful. The discussions were extensive, intricate, and awe-inspiring. I learned so much from the other members. These beneficial aspects remain part of our meetings to this day. In May 2020, IPC-9797 was published, finally providing an international standard on compliant press- fit testing and requirements for high-reliabil- ity applications, such as automotive, which must endure a wide variety of harsh environ- ments while still ensuring safety and func- tion—a person's life may depend on it. It was personally and professionally satisfying to have had such an intimate role in the process. Since then, we have created the Cold Joining Press-Fit Handbook task group and published IPC-HDBK-9798 as further detailed support and advisement for the standard. It was my first comment/ voting experience in a standards committee, and I had no idea what to expect. However, the process was beautiful. "