29 March 2023Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
By David Gray, Mycronic.
There are many trends impacting the future of the electronics industry. These include personalisation, digitalisation, miniaturisation, Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things, and Big Data. But what are the key trends impacting manufacturers like Mycronic – and maybe even your business?
As makers of automation technologies, it’s no surprise to see automation as the number-one driver in the industry. What is interesting, however, is the speed, impact, and far-reaching implications of this global megatrend. Companies that hesitate to get onboard risk being left behind.
Key trend 2: 5G technology fuels connectivity and innovation
For years, the industry has been hearing, “5G is coming and it’s going to transform our world!”.
Is this just hype? According to Mycronic experts, no. New 5G technology, with up to 100 times faster speeds than today’s 4G, will open exciting new possibilities for consumers and businesses. And it’s already placing tough demands on manufacturers as well.
Key trend 3: East and West – two ecosystems emerge
What’s going on in this rapidly changing world? Does the rise of populism, protectionism and polarisation mean the end of multilateralism and globalisation? The answer is mainly ‘no’ for the electronics industry. Mycronic sees a continued trend towards global, interconnected ecosystems, but there will be a clearer division between East and West.
Key trend 4: Cars are becoming smart phones on wheels – is industry ready?
According to McKinsey, the tipping point in electric vehicle (EV) sales occurred in Spring of 2020, during the midst of the pandemic. Then, despite all the lockdowns, adoption edged up to 10% in some European countries. This signalled a clear shift in consumer behaviour to sustainable mobility – further fuelling the amount of electronic content required in cars.
Key trend 5: AI is the secret weapon for higher productivity
There is nothing artificial about Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to Mycronic experts. This global megatrend is real, it’s sweeping across all industries, and it has the power to solve key manufacturing challenges. AI tools allow for more precise manufacturing, removal of defects, and predictive intelligence. And they keep on learning and getting better at their tasks.
Key trend 6: Growth of edge computing gives birth to regional data centres
When cloud-based services arrived, they were supposed to free us from the tyranny of rigid and inflexible premises-based IT solutions. And to a large extent they did, adding flexibility and driving down costs. But recently, due to the high volume of data and challenges with latency, security and privacy, many companies are realising they need regional data centres, too.
Key trend 7: Sustainability moves up the priority list
For years, the electronics industry has received something of a ‘green pass’ on the topic of sustainability. Digital transformation, new electronic devices, and services were praised as the path to efficient, eco-friendly work patterns, particularly during the pandemic. This is now changing, Mycronic experts say.
Outscale your competition
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Attendees will be able to explore the benefits of AMD Kintex UltraScale+ Gen 2 FPGAs in high-performance Pro AV, test & measurement, industrial, and medical applications.
Read more...MTN SA Foundation drives youth pathways into the digital economy
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The MTN SA Foundation, in partnership with Helios Towers and Datacomb Development Hub, has launched the MTN–Helios Towers 12-month ICT Learnership Programme, a pathway that takes young South Africans from digital training into real workplace experience.
Read more...The impact of harsh environments and ionic contamination on post-reflow circuit assemblies MyKay Tronics
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
There is well documented historical proof that post-reflow circuit assemblies, when subjected to harsh environments, are particularly vulnerable to failure mechanisms, but modern electronic assemblies are far more susceptible to this phenomenon.
Read more...Engineering copper grain structure for high-yield hybrid bonding in 3D packaging Testerion
Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The way copper grains are sized and distributed forms the metallurgical foundation of hybrid bonding, enabling lower bonding temperatures, greater reliability, and stable grain structures throughout integration.
Read more...Understanding solder dross: causes and control strategies Truth Electronic Manufacturing
Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Dross formation is an inevitable consequence of wave soldering. It occurs when molten solder comes into contact with oxygen, forming metal oxides that float on the surface of the solder bath. Over time, this oxidation byproduct accumulates and must be removed to maintain solder quality and process consistency.
Read more...Implications of using Pb-free solders on X-ray inspection of flip chips and BGAs MyKay Tronics
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
With the move to Pb-free soldering, most of the attention has been paid to reflow temperatures, component compatibility, and reliability concerns, but the implications for inspection, particularly X-ray inspection, are equally important and often underestimated.
Read more...The causes of solder balls in robotic soldering
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Solder balls (also known as solder splatter) are a major concern in many production sites as they may potentially cause shorts, leading to long-term impacts on product reliability.
Read more...Material challenges for superconducting quantum chips
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
To achieve the scalable and repeatable production of superconducting circuits for quantum technology products, players in the industry are leveraging semiconductor fabrication techniques.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
Photo: Oleksiy Maksymenko Photography / Alamy stock photo
printer friendly version