IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
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94 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2026 T H E C H E M I CA L C O N N ECT I O N BY D O N BA L L , C H E M C U T T he PCB fabrication industry is constantly changing and throwing new challenges our way. Initially, these changes and evolutions can be frightening, but we've always managed to adapt, incorporate these them into our processes, and continue on. But what do some of us find frightening in the industry environment now and in the near future? Emerging technologies can be frightening, espe- cially since they represent the unknown. It usually means changing how we do things and finding new (and uncomfortable) ways of operating. That could mean spending more on new equipment and processes, which can also be frightening. This can be especially so for smaller shops that don't have the extra budget funds for new equip- ment. Some emerging technologies of the past seemed to threaten the importance of PCBs or even attempt to eliminate our industry. Yet somehow there has always been the need for interconnects, and the industry has survived and even thrived. Yes, some companies have failed. But others have embraced new technologies and grown. Such is the nature of the business. However, while there are things about new technologies to be afraid of, they also present new opportunities, and so far, this industry has successfully integrated them into its businesses. But to put things into perspective, let's take a quick look at some of the previous "emerging" technologies that raised concerns. New Technologies Can Be Scary The 1950s (before my time): What? You want to put thin sheets of copper on fiberglass and form circuits by removing unwanted copper by spraying it with hot acid? Don't you know that's what wires are for? The 1960s (still before my time): What? You want to put copper sheets on both sides of the panel, then drill holes through the panel and plate copper in- side the holes on fiberglass and epoxy to provide an electrical interconnect between the top and bot- tom of the panel, so you can use both sides for cir- cuits? Are you crazy? A Few Things That Still Scare Me