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 Episode 57: Ted Conrad of Fireboard Labs Discusses the Make/Buy Decision
PCB Chat Episode 56: Teresa Huber of Intervala Discusses EMS M&A and the Company's Strategy
Reliability Matters Episode 41: A Conversation with Better Board Buying's Greg Papandrew About Ways to Buy Boards Better
Reliability Matters Episode 40: A Return Conversation with SMT Guru Bob Willis
PCB Chat Episode 55: Sebastian Schaal of Luminovo Discusses Machine Learning and AI in Electronics Manufacturing
PCB Chat Episode 54: Dave Trail Jr. on MES and AR in Electronics Assembly
Reliability Matters Episode 39: A Conversation with Advanced Assembly's Mark Hughes and Greg Ziraldo about Producing Reliable Assemblies within a CM Environment
Reliability Matters Episode 38: A Special Covid-19 Episode - Conversation with Circuits Assembly Magazine's Editor in Chief Mike Buetow
PCB Chat Episode 53: Wally Rhines on the Q4 EDA Market
Reliability Matters Episode 37: A Conversation with IPC President and CEO John Mitchell
Reliability Matters Episode 36: A Conversation with Phil Zarrow and Jim Hall
PCB Chat Episode 51: Sreeram Srinivasan of Syrma Technology
PCB Chat Episode 52: Susan Mucha on Crisis Communication Strategies
Reliability Matters Episode 35: A Conversation with Dr. Darren Williams
Reliability Matters Episode 34: A Conversation with "The Cleaning Lady and the Rocket Scientist"
PCB Chat: The Screwups Episode 5
PCB Chat Episode 50: George Milad of Uyemura
Reliability Matters: Episode Episode 32: A Conversation with Greg Smith and Tony Lentz about Stencil Design and Void Reduction
PCB Chat Episode 49: Wally Rhines/Q3 2019 EDA Market Results
Reliability Matters: Episode 30: A Conversation about Reflow Technology with David Heller
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