Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1517668
56 PCB007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2024 thickness of 1.6 mm. is has long been a stan- dard, and much of the hardware to deal with PCBs is built for this 1.6 mm thickness. In our discussion, we suggested reducing that stan- dard 1.6 mm thickness to 1.0 or even thinner when possible. Benefits include reducing the amount of raw material required, easing pro- cessing, reducing energy consumption, and it will be less expensive to ship due to lighter weights. is will reduce the CO 2 footprint quite significantly. Of course, there are argu- ments to stay with 1.6 mm or even greater thicknesses for some designs, but honestly, the biggest volume of PCBs are still simple designs and could easily be made thinner. ere are things we can do now. It is not per- fect, but it's a start. But the biggest green shi in electronics is still ahead of us. Is reliability affected by decreasing board thickness from 1.6 mm to 1.0 mm? It should be better for the reliability of plated through-holes. We plan to measure the differ- ence in the reliability of a 1.6 mm vs. a 1.0 mm board. We can't just say, "I think it is." We need the data. How is NCAB working with IPC to advance the idea of circularity and recycling in PCB produc- tion? What are the next logical steps? Honestly, this is a diffi- cult question to answer. Although I have a fantas- tic and supportive envi- ronment in NCAB, it is another story when you work with an organiza- tion like IPC and other global players. I see good initiative for meeting regulatory requirements, such as how to report and ensure you meet local and international rules. I feel that NCAB is pushing this at an early stage. ose who work for the development of solu- tions instead of just reporting to meet govern- ment regulations are few. At NCAB, we hold a yearly sustainability webinar and last year it attracted more than 400 people from the industry. We also speak at conferences and directly to our customers, and I sense more attention from IPC on our prac- tical work. On the other side, standards must come because of industrialization, so maybe it is the nature of what we do here, being in front and creating a path, or at least exposing the horizon for those who want to create a better world. You really are the pioneers. Jan, it has truly been a pleasure talking with you. This is exciting and fascinating work. ank you, Marcy, for giving me the oppor- tunity to spread the word about what we are doing to a bigger audience. ere is a future with PCB recycling and circularity, but it will take some time to get there. PCB007