New products at APEX 2016 to showcase forward-thinking technology and innovation

New opportunities and answers to industry challenges will abound as leaders in the electronics manufacturing industry debut cutting-edge products and services at IPC Apex Expo, March, 15–17, 2016, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. In keeping with the event’s theme, “Forward Thinking for Tomorrow’s Technology,” a significant number of exhibitors will be introducing new products at the show. Exhibitors will also feature chemicals, materials, and equipment for PCB manufacturing, as well as design software and printed electronics.

“One of the most anticipated features at the show is the New Products Corridor,” said Alicia Balonek, IPC senior director of trade shows and events. “This year‘s show will feature nearly 350 new products from more than 400 exhibiting companies. As the largest electronics manufacturing exhibition in North America, the show provides companies throughout the industry supply chain with an ideal venue to show off new equipment, products and services. Attendees get one-stop shopping where they can talk face-to-face with exhibitors about their product needs.”

The following companies will be highlighted in the new products corridor:

“With such a large exhibition, it’s important to plan ahead, so we’re encouraging all attendees to take advantage of the interactive agenda planner,” added Balonek. “This free tool allows attendees to navigate and search all products that exhibitors will be showcasing at the show, in addition to a separate search function specifically for new products, to ensure that their experience at IPC Apex Expo is enriching.”

Exhibits-only registration is free to those who register in advance, and provides access to the exhibition and events on the show floor, including a show floor reception on Tuesday, March 15. Other events that are free to exhibits-only registrants include two keynote sessions, seven BUZZ sessions, technical poster presentations and numerous networking activities.Tackling the hot topics that have the electronics industry “buzzing,” seven free Buzz sessions will be offered. The industry’s top technical experts will provide information and insight on subjects ranging from conformal coating and lead-free solder alloys to R&D funding and a market outlook for the global electronics supply chain.

Addressing conformal coatings, session moderator Doug Pauls, Rockwell Collins, will discuss challenges and issues around application and use of this material on March 15. Later that afternoon, Ken Schramko, IPC government regulations, will moderate discussion on the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) and how it will leverage existing resources with industry, academia and government partners to nurture manufacturing innovation and accelerate commercialization.

On March 16, industry experts, Richard Coyle, Nokia; Karl Seelig, AIM Inc.; and Julie Silk, Keysight Technologies, will cover high reliability lead-free solder alloys and their life expectancies in assemblies. In the afternoon, IPC members are invited to attend a Town Hall Meeting to share their feedback on membership and get an update on IPC activities. Rounding out the afternoon, Randy Cherry, IPC, will provide an overview on IPC’s Validation Services and Standards Gap Analysis programs.

On March 17, Walter Custer, Custer Consulting Group, and Sharon Starr, IPC, will team up to share their latest data on global and regional market trends and provide an economic update and outlook for future growth. Rounding up the Buzz session lineup, Moderator Rick Bromm, Altex Engineered Electronic Solutions, will lead a panel of speakers as they discuss the soon-to-be-released Revision C of IPC/WHMA-620, Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies. The panel will detail the importance of this standard and how wire harness process equipment companies are incorporating it into the function of their equipment.