Chris and Melissa welcome Pete Staples, CEO & co-founder of Blue Clover Devices, for a deep dive into how to plan tests, capture evidence, and debug those mysterious boards that look perfect but don’t work. 

Topics include:

• Who is Blue Clover Devices & what’s the PLT? 
• Bed-of-nails, ICT, flying probe, and PLT
• What assemblers really need when a board fails
• Production test vs. validation
• Updates on the Stick It Up Your Tube movement
• Ben the Beaver

Links & resources

• Blue Clover Devices — Production Line Tool (PLT).
  Blue Clover Devices
• PLT Reference Docs (test plans, reports, hardware reference).
  docs.pltcloud.com+1
• Blue Clover — Design-for-Test (DFT) Guide (request the PDF).
  Blue Clover Devices

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After a long break (and a few listener wellness checks!), Chris and Melissa return to catch up on what’s kept them busy and share some updates from around the industry. Then, they dive into this episode’s big topic: who’s responsible for the inevitable fallout when it comes to quick-turn PCB assembly?

Topics include:

• Catching up after six months of growth, hiring, and training
• Andrew Seddon’s appearance on The Amp Hour — and how it ties back to the origins of this podcast
• IPC’s rebrand to the Global Electronics Association
• The ongoing saga of stuck parts in tubes (a.k.a. “Stick It Up Your Tube”)
• Quick-turn fallout:
  • Why some customers expect and accept a small percentage of failures
  • Why others demand 100% working boards
  • How assembly shops handle each scenario (good, bad, and ugly approaches)
  • Practical tips for managing fallout: thermal cycling, batch troubleshooting, and respectful customer–assembler relationships
• Pet Peeve of the Week: LinkedIn (and why it feels so weird)

Links & Resources

• Andrew Seddon on The Amp Hour: CircuitHub 12 Years Later
  
  
• IPC rebrand: Global Electronics Association announcement
  
  
• LinkedIn post – stuck part in a tube
  
  
• LinkedIn post – sustainability rant
  
  

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Chris will be in California and would love to meet up with anyone interested.

He will be in the San Francisco Bay Area March 11 - March 14 and the Los Angeles/Anaheim area March 16 - March 20. 

Email us at contact@pickplacepodcast.com and we'll try to make something happen! 

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In this insightful episode, we delve deep into the pressing issues of sustainability within the electronics manufacturing industry with IPC President and CEO, Dr. John W. Mitchell, and Dr. Kelly Scanlon, IPC's lead sustainability strategist. 

They offer expert insights into how IPC is leading the charge toward more sustainable practices, the importance of data and harmonization in policy-making, and the challenges facing the industry today. Our discussion also highlights practical steps manufacturers can take to contribute to a greener future and how IPC's resources can guide these efforts.

If you're interested in learning more about sustainability or getting involved with IPC's initiatives can visit IPC.org for further information and support.

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In this episode, join us as we continue our exploration into the high-speed world of motorsport sensor technology with Caleb Holloway, founder of Izze Racing. Caleb delves into the complexities of antenna design, the challenges of RF engineering in the demanding environment of racing, and the innovative solutions his team has developed to enhance data accuracy on the track. From whip antennas to the nuances of sensor integration on racing vehicles, learn how cutting-edge technology is driving performance and safety in motorsports. 

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After a bit of a break we are back with a new, exciting episode! This week we are joined by Caleb Holloway, founder and owner of Izze Racing. Izze Racing provides electronics sensors, with an emphasis on tire data collection, to the motorsport industry. In the first part of this conversation, we delve into Caleb's transition from academia to running his passion company full-time, what's it like designing a product for the motor racing industry, and some unique challenges he has faced. 

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In this episode, we continue our conversation from last episode with  Dave Wilcox, PCB CAM engineer at CircuitHub, to explore the intricacies of plugging and filling vias.

Topics Covered:

• The differences between plugging and filling vias, and when to use each method.
• The common challenges faced during the reflow process, including the infamous "popcorn effect" caused by trapped flux.
• Practical advice on preventing manufacturing issues related to via plugging.
• Cost considerations between tenting, plugging, and filling vias.
• Insights into using various materials for via filling, including epoxy and solder.
• A fascinating case study on using solder to plug vias for gas sensors.
• The importance of thoughtful PCB design and silkscreen placement to avoid manufacturing headaches.

Key Takeaways:

• Plugging vias can prevent air and flux entrapment, but must be carefully specified in the design.
• There’s a delicate balance between cost and functionality when choosing how to handle vias.
• Thoughtful design and clear communication with manufacturers can lead to smoother production and better results.

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In this episode, Chris and Melissa we are focused on the topic of tenting vias. Joined by our favorite PCB guru, Dave Wilcox, we dive into the thrilling question: is it "via" or "v-eye-a"?  We discuss the technical details behind different types of vias, tenting methods, and the potential manufacturing challenges that arise from improper designs such as why covering one side of a via might just lead to a tiny PCB firework show. Make sure to look out for part 2 of this episode where we continue on to learn about plugging and filling vias. 

Reference Links

https://resources.altium.com/p/IPC-vias

https://www.wellpcb.com/blog/pcb-manufacturing/non-conductive/

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In this episode, Chris and Melissa continue their conversation with Kenny McGee, founder of Component Sense. We explore the environmental impact of electronics manufacturing and discuss how companies like Component Sense work to redistribute unused parts, reducing waste in the industry. Kenny shares insights on sustainability challenges for small businesses, his personal passion for reducing waste, and the global issues around recycling and electronic component reuse. 

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In this episode Chris and Melissa sit down with Kenny McGee, founder of Component Sense, to dive into the intricacies of the electronics supply chain. Kenny shares his journey from working in electronics manufacturing to founding Component Sense, a company focused on capital recovery from excess inventory while promoting sustainability. Tune in to learn about the environmental impact of excess electronic components, the importance of redistributing stock, and the challenges of reducing waste in the industry.

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In this episode of the PickPlace Podcast, Chris and Melissa discuss the challenges and intricacies of working with RGB LEDs, specifically the popular surface-mount DotStar LEDs from Adafruit. They dive into issues like handling cut strips versus continuous reels, the importance of sourcing directly from original manufacturers, and the need for moisture control when using these components in manufacturing. They also provide practical tips for engineers on cost-saving and quality assurance strategies when sourcing these parts for large-scale production.

Show Links:
https://www.adafruit.com/product/2343

https://www.lcsc.com/product-detail/RGB-LEDs-Built-in-IC_OPSCO-Optoelectronics-SK9822-A_C5378730.html

https://docs.circuithub.com/en/articles/3350195-consigning-cut-strips

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/adafruit-industries-llc/2343/5761204

http://www.normandled.com/product/view/id/876.html

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In this episode we  delve into the topic of RF (Radio Frequency) shields. . Chris explains the different types of RF shields—open top, closed top, and clip-based—detailing their applications, advantages, and challenges. We also explore the processes involved in placing these shields on circuit boards, emphasizing the importance of inspection and the complexities of manual versus automated methods, and discuss how to choose the best type of shields for your project. More importantly, Chris shares a detailed story about a poorly designed bathroom he recently experienced and realizes that one of his big pet peeves is thoughtlessness.

Show Links:

Two Piece Shield

• Snap on, top piece: BMI-S-201-C https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/laird-technologies-emi/BMI-S-201-C/2175914
• Solder on, bottom piece: BMI-S-201-F https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/laird-technologies-emi/BMI-S-201-F/2175888?s=N4IgTCBcDaIEIFkCSBaAyisAGAjCgYiALoC%2BQA

One Piece Shield

• BMI-S-101 https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/laird-technologies-emi/BMI-S-101/2175907

Clip Style

• S1811-46R https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/harwin-inc/S1811-46R/19200427

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In this episode Chris and Melissa continue their deep dive into the critical role of stencils in electronics assembly, with expert insights from Brett Babilonia. We discuss advanced techniques for stencil design, including custom reductions, step stencils, and nano coatings to ensure optimal solder paste application. The episode also highlights the importance of thoughtful PCB design to manage costs and improve manufacturing efficiency. 

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In this episode, we dive into the crucial role of stencils in electronics manufacturing. Joined by Brett Babilonia, we explore the complexities of stencil design, including handling missing data, determining foil thickness, and ensuring optimal solder paste application. We discuss common issues, such as SMT standoffs and hybrid components. Stay tuned for for more of an in-depth continuation in Part Two. 

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In this slightly random catchup episode Chris and Melissa discuss Chris' recent trip to California where he attended IPC APEX EXPO and hosted out first Pick, Place, Podcast meetup! Huge thanks to everyone who was able to come say hi, the wonderful conversations and show suggestions! 

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In this episode, we uncover the multifaceted persona of IPC President and CEO, Dr. John Mitchell, from his educational background to his Ironman pursuits. Learn about IPC alongside insights into John's acclaimed book, Fire Your Hiring Habits. John also talks about the history behind the IPC Apex Expo and what you can expect at the even if you participate.

Check out our other episode on IPC here.

Chris will be hosting a podcast meetup at IPC Apex Expo. We'd love it if you'd join him! 

• Date: Tuesday, April 9th
• Time: 3:15 PM to 5:00 PM
• Location: Room 209A, Anaheim Convention Center, CA

You can register for the event here. 

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In this episode we're happy to welcome back Brett Babilonia, who we spoke to way back in episode 3 and 4 on the show. In addition to purchasing, Brett also handles a lot of quoting at Worthington. We often get asked how we quote boards, is there a magical formula, and figured Brett is the perfect person to speak on this topic. 

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Parts packaged in tubes are awful and Chris has had enough. He's starting a movement to end the use of tubes once and for all. Why do they still exist? If anybody has an answer PLEASE write in to let us know. Join us on this hour long rant as we discuss all the reasons why tubes suck including their effect on the environment and how inefficient they are for pcb assembly. 

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Welcome to the first episode of 2024 (which was recorded in 2023)! In today's show we're joined by AIM Solder's Content Marketing Specialist, Gayle Towell. 

AIM is a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials for the electronics industry with manufacturing, distribution, and support facilities located throughout North and South America, EMEA, and Asia.

Gayle helps to walks us through topics like what exactly a soldering company like AIM does, how they make their products, who buys it, how they decide what product to design next, and more. 

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We like to talk to interesting people on this show so when Praxie reached out to us wondering if their CEO, Michael Lynch could come on the show we knew it would be a fun conversation. 

Michael is the former head of Internet of Things at SAP software and now CEO of Praxie (and believe it or not, former lead in Les Miserables on Broadway prior to that!). 
We talk about how Michael went from the acting/performance world to the internet of things and eventually wound up founding Praxie. 

Praxie provides a platform that allows organizations to transform their workflows with AI-powered processes, dashboards, and applications, without spending an arm and a leg and taking months to complete. This is especially relevant for manufacturing businesses who are stuck using Excel spreadsheets and software from the 80s. 

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Why would we dedicate an entire episode to conveyers, you ask? Because it just so happens to be Chris' favorite topic! Chris has an addiction to progress and conveyers are one of the best ways in a factory setting to achieve that (both literally and figuratively). We get an overview of the different types of conveyers typically used in a factory setting and get into the technical aspects of how to set conveyers up before venting about the end of daylight saving time.

Transfer inspection conveyer - https://vanstron.us/collections/transfer-inspection-conveyors/products/copy-of-ptb-460l-5m-20-long-pcb-transfer-inspection-conveyor

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At the end of our episodes we've been asking you to send in any questions you had...and we're finally answering them.  In this grab bag episode we discuss topics like what happens to excess parts, the ISO certification process,  the shrinking size of resistors, and more! In honor of spooky season, we also share some scary stories from production.

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In this episode we welcome back NCAB Group Field Application Engineer Ryan Miller. The first time we had him on the show he gave us a lesson on what impedance control is, in what situations is it necessary, and more.

This time we recorded a video demo going through how he would create a stackup the requires controlled impedance.

In order for this episode to make sense watch the video version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwsyTUTN1z0

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What's been going on at the factory while we've been away? Chris catches up Melissa and all of you listeners on all of the new people, machines, and processes that have been introduced during our break. 

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After a LONG hiatus, we're back! Our break was for a very good reason though. Listen to find out why!

In this episode, we welcome SelecTech CEO and co-founder Tom Ricciardelli. Tom is a technical flooring expert on static control or ESD flooring. He is also chairman of the committee formed by the ESD Association (www.esda.org).  His company, SelecTech, is a leader in the manufacture of innovative flooring products and has a very interesting story on how it came to be.

Tom gives us a quick recap on what ESD is (we also have a full overview episode on ESD) and discusses the importance of having an ESD-protected floor.  We also talk about what the ESDA is, LEED certification and sustainability, as well as a very meta pet peeve.

For more information on SelecTech's ESD flooring visit https://staticstop.com/

Side note: Worthington Assembly is currently selling their used MY100 pick and place machine. If interested contact Chris at cdenney@worthingtonassembly.com or visit https://www.worthingtonassembly.com/my100-sale for more information.

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