Reliability Matters

SMTAI 2025 Conference & Event Preview - Special Episode

This episode is all about SMTAI, surface mount Technology International, taking place OCTOBER 19 - 23, 2025 at the DONALD E. STEPHENS CONVENTION CENTER in ROSEMONT, ILLINOIS. SMTA International is the premier gathering for innovation and collaboration in electronics assembly, surface mount technology, and advanced manufacturing.This year, SMTAI is more than just a conference and expo. It’s an opportunity for experts, newcomers, industry leaders, and rising professionals to come together, exchange ideas, showcase breakthroughs, and shape the future of electronics manufacturing. Over several days, you’ll see deep-technical sessions, the latest research, hands-on exhibits, and, co-located with the assembly show, you can expect a bustling expo floor where solution providers and attendees connect on everything from process optimization to next-generation materials.To talk more about the technical conference, I’ve invited members of the conference committee to share some highlights of the conference.Tony Lentz from FCT AssemblyGayle Towell from Aim SolderTom Rovere from Lockheed MartinMaurice Dore from ValeoKelly Flanagan from RockwellAnd, although not a member of the Technical Committee but a member of the SMTA Global Board of Directors and Chair of the Students and Young Professionals committee, Dr. Adam Klett of Kyzen Corporation.More information on SMTAI is available here:https://www.smtai.org

The Chemistry of Reliability: Choosing the Right Solder and Flux: A Conversation with Chris Ward

In this episode, I’m joined by Chris Ward, founder and Managing Director of Solderking Assembly Materials Limited, a UK-based manufacturer of solders and chemical consumables for electronic, electrical, and engineered assemblies.Chris brings decades of experience in soldering materials and chemical formulations—and he’s built a company committed to performance, consistency, and innovation.Earlier this year, Chris and his company were honored with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, recognizing their exceptional export growth. That recognition earned him an invitation to Windsor Castle, where he had the distinct honor of meeting King Charles III.Today, we’ll explore the evolving world of soldering materials—from the realities behind “no-clean” flux, to reliability challenges in harsh environments, to innovations in solder chemistry that support today’s miniaturized and mission-critical electronics.Whether you're on the production floor, in the design lab, or managing quality and reliability, this is a conversation that brings valuable insight into the materials behind the mission.SolderKing:https://solderking.com

Humidity: Small Cause, Huge Reliability Risk with Viktoria Rawinski - Episode 177

On this episode of Reliability Matters, we’re diving into a deceptively simple but incredibly important topic, humidity, and the massive impact it can have on electronic assembly reliability.Joining me is Viktoria Rawinski, a seasoned expert in materials science and reliability engineering, whose career spans decades of hands-on experience in failure analysis, process optimization, and design-for-reliability practices. Viktoria is not only a respected voice in the industry, but also a passionate educator, known for breaking down complex technical issues into actionable insights.In her two-part LinkedIn technical series, “Humidity – A Small Cause with a Huge Effect,” Viktoria explores how environmental moisture, often overlooked or underestimated, can trigger serious failure mechanisms in circuit assemblies, especially as devices become smaller and more complex. From solder mask absorption to electrochemical migration, we'll unpack the hidden risks that can jeopardize product performance and long-term reliability.Whether you're in design, manufacturing, or quality assurance, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Viktoria's Websitewww.rawinski.de

War Stories from the Line: Phil Zarrow & Jim Hall Talk Reliability - Episode 175

Today, I’m joined by two of the most respected names in the electronics manufacturing industry, Phil Zarrow and Jim Hall. Together, they bring decades of hands-on experience and unparalleled insight into the challenges and solutions within our field.Jim and Phil are the driving forces behind ITM Consulting, where they help manufacturers around the world improve processes, solve complex problems, and build more reliable products. Whether it’s soldering, cleaning, reflow profiling, process control, or failure analysis, these two have seen it all, fixed it all, and taught it all.In this episode, we tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the industry today, from the challenges of miniaturization, the reality of voiding, to the rise of electronics deployed into harsh environments, to IPC standards, and the role of process control in ensuring long-term reliability.Whether you're a process engineer, a quality manager, or simply passionate about electronics manufacturing, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.ITM Consulting:https://itmconsulting.com 

AI in PCB Design - It's Already Here! With David Wiens & Stephen Chavez, Siemens EDA. Episode 174

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s rapidly reshaping our industry: Artificial Intelligence in PCB Design. Far from a futuristic concept, AI is already being integrated into advanced design tools—improving efficiency, reducing design iterations, and helping engineers tackle increasing design complexity with shrinking timelines.Joining me today are two thought leaders who are at the forefront of this transformation:First, we welcome back Stephen Chavez, a senior printed circuit engineer with more than 30 years of experience. Stephen serves as a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Siemens EDA, where he helps drive AI adoption in PCB design workflows. He’s also the Chairman of the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA) and a PCEA and IPC Certified Master Instructor Trainer. Stephen recently authored the article “AI in PCB Design: It’s Already Here”, which forms the foundation of today’s discussion.Also joining us is Dave Wiens, Product Marketing Manager for the Xpedition Enterprise portfolio at Siemens EDA. With decades of experience in electronic design automation, Dave is a recognized expert in digital transformation and design innovation. He brings deep insight into how AI-driven tools are streamlining everything from system-level design to manufacturability, while empowering engineers to focus on innovation rather than repetition.We’ll unpack the practical applications of AI in PCB workflows—covering predictive design, simulation acceleration, and how these advancements are improving both reliability and time-to-market.If you're wondering what AI really means for the future of design—and what it doesn’t—you’ll want listen to this episode!