Today, we delve into an increasingly critical aspect of technology and electronics manufacturing - the pursuit of environmentally responsible electronics manufacturing. Our industry has witnessed many environmental revolutions.
The elimination of popular cleaning solvents brought on by the Montreal Protocol in 1989, soon followed by strict VOC regulations pertaining to cleaning chemicals.
The switch from lead-based solders to lead-free alloys, led by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, known as RoHS, implemented within the EU in 2003 and adopted nearly worldwide, regulations regarding the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) resulting in many countries mandating regulations and programs for the safe recycling and disposal of electronic products, and more.
These regulations and others have inspired some companies to seek eco-friendly alternatives to traditional printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication.
The combination of numerous environmental regulations has resulted in many companies’ implementation of sustainability programs.
As our world becomes more connected, the demand for electronic devices continues to rise, and with it, the importance of mitigating the environmental impact of their production.
On this episode of The Reliability Matters Podcast, Mike Konrad speaks with Mark S. Edwards. Mark wrote an article entitled “Environmentally Responsible Alternatives to Traditional PCB Fabrication.”
He works as a strategic account manager within MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, on the global Business Development team for Circuitry Solutions. Mark has been involved in electronics manufacturing since the late 1980s and brings a passion for process automation, circuit assembly, solders/fluxes, adhesives, coatings and PCB fabrication – all with a focus on repeatability and reliability.
Edwards holds a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering technology from Oklahoma State University and began his career at a defense electronics company in Dallas, Texas, that was later acquired by Raytheon.
He has uncovered trends and synthesized customer needs for electronic hardware in the telecommunications, defense, automotive, industrial controls segments in the Americas, and now globally, in his newest role.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - The Pursuit of Environmentally Responsible Electronics Manufacturing
00:02:23 - Uncovering Trends in Electronic Hardware
00:04:56 - Circuit Board Fabrication and Environmental Responsibility
00:07:25 - The Changing Priorities of the Manufacturing Industry
00:09:40 - Green Alternatives to Traditional Circuit Boards
00:11:59 - Sustainable Alternatives to PCB Fabrication
00:14:21 - Fabrication Performance and Reliability
00:16:43 - Green PCB Fabrication Challenges and Obstacles
00:18:58 - The Challenges of Adopting Greener Solutions
00:21:22 - Environmental Sustainability in the Supply Chain
00:23:43 - Environmental Impact of PCB Fabrication Methods
00:28:20 - The Disappointment of EV 85 Fuel
00:31:07 - The Cost Implication of Going Green
00:33:31 - Recycling and the Circular Economy
00:35:55 - Recycling Circuit Boards and Extracting Precious Metals
00:38:15 - Simplifying the PCB Fabrication Process
00:40:40 - The Importance of Standards and Regulations in the Electronics Industry
00:42:54 - Demand for Environmental Responsibility in PCB Fabrication
00:45:10 - The Importance of Sustainability in the Supply Chain
00:47:20 - The Importance of Sustainability in Circuit Assembly
00:49:49 - Environmental Impact of Board Fabrication
00:52:02 - The Green Movement in Business
PCB Chat 73: AJ Incorvaia on Desktop PCB Software
RM 60: Collins' Dave Hillman about Solder Voiding
PCB Chat 72: Matt Wrosch on Transient Liquid Phase Sintering
RM Episode 59: CMOS Inventor Dr. Eric Fossom
PCB Chat 71: Is the US Ready for Smart Manufacturing?
RM 58: 2020 Round-Up
PCB Chat 70: Kent Balius on Front-End Engineering
RM 57: A Conversation with CAF Expert Graham Naisbitt
PCB Chat 69: Manny Marcano on Changes in the Mainstream PCB CAD Market
RM 56: A Conversation about Solder Voiding with Solder Materials, Stencil, and Cleaning Experts
RM 55 - A Conversation with SMTA President Dr. Martin Anselm
PCB Chat Episode 68: The IPC-2581 Consortium on Electronics Data Transfer
PCB Chat Episode 67: Brad Griffin of Cadence on EMI Simulation Tools
Reliability Matters Episode 54: A Conversation with Michael Ford about Digital Twin
Reliability Matters Episode 53: Meet the Press - A Conversation with Industry Journalists about the State of the EMS Industry
PCB Chat Episode 66: Charles Hutchins Award Winner Andrew Daya on DfM and Mentoring
Reliability Matters Episode 52: A Conversation with Conformal Coating Expert Dr. Sean Clancy of HZO
Reliability Matters Episode 51: A Conversation with X-Ray Expert and Entrepreneur Dr. Bill Cardoso
PCB Chat Episode 65: Moriah Root of Z-Axis on Millennials in Manufacturing
Reliability Matters Episode 50 - A Conversation with IPC's Matt Kelly on Factory Modernization and Supply Chain of the Future
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