Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/609948
22 SMT Magazine • December 2015 A: Our focus is solely to serve the people within the electronics industry. We are open and enjoy partnering with other associations and already do so with several educational events through- out the year. If there is an occasion where we can combine strengths with another organiza- tion that would benefit the industry, the SMTA is excited to be a part of it. We currently offer a cleaning and coating conference with IPC, a counterfeit parts and LED symposium with CALCE/University of Maryland, a medical symposium with MEPTEC and iNEMI, and, of course, SMTA International is co-located with IPC's Fall Standards Development Committee meetings. We recently partnered with iNEMI to host an automotive workshop in Dresden, Germany, and with HDPug to deliver a webinar from leading experts on the tin whiskers defect. Q: What upcoming standard/certifications do you feel people should be aware of? A: Our association is not focused on standards. Much of the research and experiences we share help to either create or update the workman- ship standards. We help the industry stay edu- cated on the technology of electronics assem- bly from the leading edge to fundamental good practices as offered in our training program and epitomized in our certification program. Manufacturing companies should be aware that they can add value to their business by en- suring their manufacturing and process engi- neers are SMTA certified for SMT assembly pro- cesses. Ours is the only program that recognizes and certifies the entire SMT assembly process at an engineering level. Q: how does smtA assist members in dealing with government agencies? A: SMTA is not focused on lobbying. Certainly there are numerous other associations that can aid in this area. We are committed to provide education to assist in building skills, sharing practical experience and developing solutions. At some of our conferences, such as the Sympo- sium on Counterfeit Parts and Materials, we ad- dress issues raised by governmental restrictions. Our topics attract specialists from governmen- We offer many channels to spotlight evolving technologies. Most recently, during our Evolv- ing Technologies Summit at SMTA Interna- tional conference, there were sessions focused on 3D packaging technology, 3D printing, low- temperature alloys, optics and photonics, wear- able electronics, and embedded technologies. Q: What types of committees/teams are currently active? A: Our technical committee is split into many sub-committees to focus on each area of tech- nology that is important to the success of our members, including: soldering, reliability, ad- vanced packaging, cleaning and coating, miti- gating counterfeit parts and materials, medical device needs, harsh environment applications, lead-free soldering technology, inspection tech- nology, evolving technologies like wearables, and substrates and PCB technology. We also have active committees dedicated to develop- ing low-cost and basic-level training, certifying engineers in the electronics assembly processes, membership, chapter leadership, exhibition and tradeshows, students and young professionals, marketing and communications, and more. Q: how does smtA cooperate with other associa- tions? A cLoSer LooK AT SmTA FeATureD Q&A