IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
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4 6 C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E FA L L 2 0 2 5 Hot Topics for Standards Development One topic gaining sig- nificant momentum is liquid cooling. It's rap- idly becoming a critical focus for new standard development. Liquid cooling is transforming data cen- ter thermal manage- ment as power densities surge, especially with AI workloads. Industry leaders are seeing the need to define minimum viable process standards ad- dressing flush frequencies, biocide concentrations, and reuse criteria. This momentum is fueled by sus- tainability goals and manufacturing efficiency. Despite limited public operational standards, ongo- ing efforts aim to develop comprehensive guidelines based on best practices and cross-industry collabora- tion to ensure reliability and eco-responsibility. This topic exemplifies how emerging technologies neces- sitate agile, clear, and practical standards to support rapid innovation and scale. Other standards-related topics have also sparked dialogue. In sintering, discussions focus on silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) applications. We have been reviewing existing standards while identifying potential gaps, given the materials' grow- ing use in advanced semiconductors. Digital manufacturing innovations like Connected Factory Exchange (CFX) and Collaborative Robots (COBOTS) promise exciting opportunities for aligning standards to enhance interoperability and streamline processes. In my discussions, I've learned that our members are excited to learn about our Association's positive development with IPC-2591. The unique cleanliness challenges in optics assem- bly within cleanrooms brought attention to the need for tailored standards that go beyond current clean- liness protocols, accounting for optics' heightened sensitivity to microscopic contaminants. Debates about dispensing processes—thermal pastes, coatings, and potting—centered on defining practical limits for voids, defects, and cosmetic im- perfections, moving away from "zero tolerance" aims that challenge manufacturability. Battery packaging for industrial energy storage sys- tems is a critical safety concern. The lack of formal standards means a reliance on informal practices, raising questions about rework allowances, coat- ing specs, porosity limits, and overall consumer and operator safety considerations. If these topics spark your interest, please contact me directly to join the exploratory team. This is an opportunity to shape fu- ture guidelines and contribute your expertise. By Joe Schneider, Vice President, Global Electronics Association United States/Canada B I T S & B Y T E S Joe Schneider, vice president, Global Electronics Association United States/Canada, is somewhat new to the Association, and spent Q3 on the road getting acquainted with members. "I have enjoyed traveling to meet executives of our member companies and discussing innovation and standards," he says. "I have been asking questions about how our member companies apply our standards and receiving questions about innovation and what we are working on that is new." Engaging with our members, Joe says, has been "a dynamic and rewarding experience, marked by a shared commitment to advancing our industry." Member Meetups