Today we're diving into a topic that keeps many executives awake at night—ERP implementations. More specifically, why so many of them fail and, perhaps more importantly, how to fix them midstream before they derail your operations. Joining me today is someone who knows this space inside and out—Chintan Sutaria. Chintan grew up working in an EMS business from a young age, gaining firsthand experience in the unique challenges of our industry. His career path took him into the world of business pro...
Jul 08, 2025•47 min
Today we're turning our attention to a cornerstone of modern electronics manufacturing: pick and place technology. Joining me is Tim Kang, CEO of Hanwha Semitech Americas. With nearly two decades of experience in the electronics manufacturing space—starting as a mechanical engineer and now leading one of the top pick and place equipment providers—Tim brings a wealth of insight into what it takes to build reliable assemblies. In this episode, we’re covering best practices for selecting the most a...
Jun 24, 2025•53 min
Today we're exploring a concept that has deep roots in process safety and infrastructure management, but also has meaningful applications in electronics manufacturing: Damage Mechanism Reviews, or DMRs. My guest today is Dheeraj Narang, a corrosion and reliability engineering specialist, process safety activist, and digital innovation researcher with an impressive track record across the energy sector. Dheeraj has spent his career developing and implementing asset integrity programs for more tha...
Jun 13, 2025•41 min
On this episode of the Reliability Matters podcast, I left my usual studio for the IPC APEX Expo in Anaheim California. I interviewed two subject matter experts on topics related to electronic assembly. My guests are: Gerald Gardner, Global Product Manager at Weller, a manufacturer of hand soldering equipment fume extraction systems, and precision tools. Mike Young – CEO OF SASinno Americas, a manufacturer of wave and selective soldering equipment. More information on my guest's companies is ava...
May 27, 2025•30 min
On this episode of the Reliability Matters podcast, I left my usual studio for the IPC APEX Expo in Anaheim California. I interviewed three subject matter experts on various topics related to electronic assembly. My guests are: Greg Beck, Director of Sales at Absolute EMS, a contract manufacturer. Brian Watson, Co-Founder OF HyRel Technologies, a global provider of quick turn semiconductor modification solutions. Keith Sweatman, Technical Advisor at Nihon Superior, a manufacturer of soldering ma...
May 13, 2025•35 min
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of electronics manufacturing from a unique vantage point—that of the press. My guest today is someone who has spent decades at the forefront of reporting on the electronics manufacturing industry. Mike Buetow, editor-in-chief of Circuits Assembly magazine, has covered everything from the latest technological advancements to the biggest challenges facing manufacturers today. If there’s a major trend shaping the industry, you can bet Mike has written about i...
Apr 22, 2025•56 min
This episode is a little different in two ways. First, I didn’t record it in my studio. I recorded it at the SMTA Pan Pacific strategic Electronics symposium, affectionately known as PanPac, in beautiful Maui Hawaii. Each year, I record a Reliability Matters podcast at PanPac. Normally, the format of the show is I ask questions, and my guests provide answers. On this episode however, I decided to let my guest do all of the talking. The theme of this episode is Electronics: Down Memory Lane and a...
Apr 08, 2025•40 min•Ep. 166
Today, we’re putting the spotlight on a critical component in surface mount technology, the stencil. These precision-engineered tools are the unsung heroes of electronic assembly, playing a pivotal role in ensuring accurate solder paste deposition and, ultimately, the reliability of your circuit assemblies. It's been long said that reliability begins at the solder print, and the print begins with the stencil. Joining us today is Elias Malfavon Jr, President of Metal Etch Services, Inc. a stencil...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr
Today, we're tackling a topic that has become increasingly vital in recent years: supply chain management. With global supply chains recently under immense pressure from disruptions, shortages, and growing complexity, the need for smarter, more efficient solutions has never been greater. And what better way to explore this than by discussing the cutting-edge role of AI-powered supply chain management software. My guest today is Sebastian Schaal, the founder and CEO of Luminovo, a company at the ...
Mar 11, 2025•58 min
Today we’re diving into a critical yet sometimes overlooked component that powers so many of the devices we rely on: batteries. Batteries are the heartbeat of countless electronic products, from medical devices and electric vehicles to consumer gadgets and industrial systems. Choosing the right battery is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It requires a keen understanding of the application, performance needs, and environmental demands. The right selection can make the difference between a produc...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 2 min
On this episode, we’ll dive into the world of electronics testing with an expert within the electronics testing industry, Robert Boguski, President and Owner of Datest. Robert brings 44 years of experience in the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic systems. Under his leadership, Datest has become a premier provider of advanced, integrated PCBA testing and inspection services, serving both contract manufacturers and original equipment manufac...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 162
Today, we’re exploring a transformative topic: AI-based inspection technologies. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how we detect, analyze, and address defects in the electronics assembly process, combining precision with unparalleled speed to unlock new possibilities for efficiency and reliability. Our guest today is a leading innovator in this field. Priyansha Bagaria is the founder and CEO of Loopr AI, a company at the forefront of AI-powered solutions for manufacturing inspection. Pr...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Today, we’re diving into one of the most transformative innovations of our time: electric vehicles and the vast infrastructure needed to support their growth. Joining us is Brian O’Leary, Global Head of of e-Mobility & Infrastructure at Indium Corporation, a leading expert with deep insights into the electronic assembly industry and its critical role in the EV revolution. As electric vehicles continue to redefine the future of transportation, the reliability and scalability of the infrastruc...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Today we’re celebrating the end of another incredible year. This isn’t just any episode—it’s a time to reflect on the journey we’ve been on together, highlight some milestones, and share a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made this podcast such a success. Can you believe it? Reliability Matters has now released 159 episodes! It feels like just yesterday we started this podcast with the mission to explore how industry experts and their knowledge contribute to the reliability of electronics...
Dec 24, 2024•9 min
Today, I’m excited to introduce the hosts of the D-Code podcast, a dynamic trio of young professionals making waves in the electronics manufacturing industry. With experience rooted in contract manufacturing and stencil fabrication for electronic assemblies, they bring a fresh perspective to the table. Although they’re at the start of their podcasting journey, D-Code has already begun to attract attention, tackling industry insights with a unique lens that up-and-coming voices can uniquely offer...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 3 min
On today’s episode, we’ll be exploring the critical steps to avoid contamination on circuit assemblies during the rework process with our expert guest, Gayle Towell. Gayle is the Content Marketing Specialist at AIM Solder, a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials for the electronics industry. She holds master's degrees in both mathematics and physics from the University of Oregon and has nearly two decades of experience in higher education, technical writing, and creative writi...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 6 min
On today’s episode, we’re turning our focus to a pivotal innovation that has transformed design and manufacturing processes: flexible circuits. Flexible circuits have emerged as a game-changer in the manufacturing and design of electronic assemblies. With their unique ability to bend, twist, and conform to complex shapes, they offer unparalleled advantages in applications where space is at a premium and reliability is paramount. From wearable technology and medical devices to aerospace systems a...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Today, I’m in Rosemont Illinois at SMTAI, Surface Mount Technology International. I’m in the Ultra-HDI Pavilion on the trade show floor. And what are we going to talk about here in the Ultra-HDI pavilion? Ultra high density interconnects, of course. As the demand for smaller, faster, and more powerful devices grows, the need for innovative solutions in circuit design has never been greater. UHDI's represent a significant leap forward, allowing for more connections in a smaller space, pushing the...
Oct 29, 2024•42 min
One of the most critical aspects of manufacturing high-reliability circuit assemblies is thermal profiling during the reflow process. Whether you're designing, engineering, or troubleshooting circuit assemblies, understanding how temperatures during the reflow process influences the quality and performance of your assemblies is essential. In this episode, we’ll break down what thermal profiling is, why it’s important, and how it affects everything from solder joint integrity to component placeme...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min
If you're part of the electronics landscape, you've likely encountered the role contract manufacturers play — and it's a critical one. These specialized partners bridge the gap between design innovation and full-scale production, bringing efficiency, expertise, and flexibility to the table. As companies seek to meet growing demand for advanced electronic products, contract manufacturers are increasingly relied upon to provide cost-effective, high-quality assembly services. Whether it's managing ...
Oct 08, 2024•52 min
As the demand for more durable and dependable electronics continues to rise across industries, the choice of soldering materials, such as solder paste, plays a pivotal role in determining the reliability of these devices. We'll discuss how selecting the right solder paste can influence performance and longevity, and we'll hear from an industry expert about the latest advancements and best practices in soldering material technology. I guest today is Ebad Rehman, Regional Product Manager at MacDer...
Sep 24, 2024•48 min
Two episodes ago, episode 149, we talked all about automated optical inspection. Today we're exploring the impact of less automated inspection Technology, that being optical microscopes. From commercial, class 1 electronics to high reliability class 3 electronics, the intricate electronic devices we rely on daily are assembled with astonishing precision. This precision wouldn't be possible without the aid of advanced optical microscopes. These remarkable instruments allow technicians and enginee...
Sep 10, 2024•58 min
Statistics, at its core, is the science of making sense of data. From predicting trends and making informed decisions to ensuring quality control and optimizing processes, the applications of statistics are vast and varied. In the electronic assembly industry, where precision and reliability are paramount, statistical techniques become indispensable tools for engineers, manufacturers, and quality assurance professionals alike. Join us as we unravel the complex yet captivating connections between...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr
In today's episode, we're exploring automated optical inspection (AOI) and x-ray inspection technology within the electronic assembly industry. Joining us are two experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Joel Scutchfield is the General Manager of SMT and Semicon Business Operations & Director of Sales at Koh Young, manufacturers of automated inspection and precise measurement systems with its headquarters in Seoul South Korea and R&D centers around the world. ...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 15 min
Just like the famous line from the 1984 film, The Terminator, “I’ll be back”, SMTAI is back. Back to the Chicago area. We’re back in Rosemont, co-located with the Assembly Show, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, October 20-24. Between SMTAI and the Assembly Show, there will be thousands of engineers and industry professionals in attendance. The exhibit floor features hundreds of exhibitors showing off the latest technology. But the topic we're discussing today is the Technical confere...
Jul 30, 2024•41 min
Recorded live in Anaheim California during the IPC Apex Expo. This episode features three interviews including: • Kimberly Fagan from PVA • Taylor Wagan from CETEC ERP • Neil Hubble from Akrometrix
Jul 23, 2024•31 min
Recorded live in Anaheim California during the IPC Apex Expo. This episode features four interviews including: • David Chiu from Test Research, Inc. • Michael Dolan from South-Tek • Dalton Dodge from Brooks Automation • Michelle Ogihara from Seka Machinery, Inc.
Jul 09, 2024•35 min
Recorded live in Anaheim California during the IPC Apex Expo. This episode features three interviews including: • Gus Mavrou from Seho • Mark Stansfield from Solderstar • Jesper Lykke from Viscom
Jun 25, 2024•30 min
The challenging world of electronics becomes even more challenging when the end product is destined for harsh environments. For high reliability products operating in a harsh environment, the quest for reliability is not just a goal—it's an imperative. These are not your everyday gadgets; often they're critical components of systems designed to operate under extreme conditions, where failure is not an option. From the scorching heat of desert landscapes to the unyielding cold of arctic tundras, ...
Jun 11, 2024•1 hr 6 min
We’re the best, we’re number one, we’re better than them, we’ve won more awards than our competitors, we’ve all seen those ads. While this form of advertising isn’t unique, when’s the last time it caused you to buy a product based on the ad. I think we all know that answer. There was a time when we relied heavily on print advertising to determine what products were available and from whom. The two primary methods to gain product awareness were print advertising and trade shows. While advertising...
May 28, 2024•1 hr
