Best Pcea Podcasts (2025)

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RM 177: Humidity: Small Cause, Huge Reliability Risk with Viktoria Rawinski 48:22

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2h ago48:22

48:22

Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview 02:12 Meet Victoria Rawinsky: Expertise & Industry Impact 05:09 Social Media Challenge & Making Science Accessible 09:09 Humidity in Electronics: The Science & Risks 15:12 Types of Humidity & Effects on Materials 20:04 Manufacturing Shortcuts & Hidden Failures 25:30 Real-World Reliability Failures & C…

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PCB Chat 146 - Stephen Chavez on PCB Design Trends and Needs 49:21

5h ago49:21

49:21

Stephen Chavez is principal technical product marketing manager with Siemens, but he’s best known for his three decades as a printed circuit designer and instructor. He’s a regular contributor to various industry publications and host of the Printed Circuit Podcast. He also coauthored and teaches the PCEA Training Certified Printed Circuit Designer…

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Humidity: Small Cause, Huge Reliability Risk with Viktoria Rawinski - Episode 177 48:23

3h ago48:23

48:23

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 fail…

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RM 175 - SMT War Stories with Phil Zarrow and Jim Hall 58:14

11d ago58:14

58:14

Mike Konrad is 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. Hall and Zarrow are the driving forces behind ITM Consulting, where they help manufacturers aro…

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War Stories from the Line: Phil Zarrow & Jim Hall Talk Reliability - Episode 175 58:15

16d ago58:15

58:15

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…

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AI in PCB Design - It's Already Here! With David Wiens & Stephen Chavez, Siemens EDA. Episode 174 1:03:09

28d ago1:03:09

1:03:09

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. Joinin…

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RM 173: Reliability as a Service: How ChargerHelp! Keeps EV Charging Running 47:49

2M ago47:49

47:49

As the electric vehicle market accelerates, the reliability of the charging infrastructure becomes increasingly vital. Chargers that are down or malfunctioning can hinder adoption and erode consumer confidence. But who ensures these chargers stay up and running? This episode of Reliability Matters dives into that very topic with a trailblazer in th…

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Improving the Reliability of Public EV Chargers with ChargerHelp! Co-Founder & CEO, Kamale Terry 47:50

2M ago47:50

47:50

As the electric vehicle market accelerates, the reliability of the charging infrastructure becomes increasingly vital. Chargers that are down or malfunctioning can hinder adoption and erode consumer confidence. But who ensures these chargers stay up and running? Today, we're diving into that very topic with a trailblazer in the EV service space. My…

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PCB Chat 145: David Schild on Congress Priorities 34:33

2M ago34:33

34:33

On this episode of PCB Chat, David Schild of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America and Mike Buetow discuss the current legislative environment for supporting the PCB industry. We discuss the organization's latest annual meeting, the changing political environment, competition with China, and potential incentives. Also covered: The expand…

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PCB Chat 144: The Latest PCB Design Software Market Trends 12:40

2M ago12:40

12:40

Wally Rhines, spokesperson for the ESD Alliance, joins Mike Buetow to discuss the first quarter electronic design automation market results. The good news: sales of PCB/MCM design software were up 5.5% to $399.8 million for the quarter, the 17th straight period of growth. Strength in Asia-Pacific offset slower results in some other regions. The fou…

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RM 172: Steering ERP Projects Back on Track with Chintan Sutaria 46:40

2M ago46:40

46:40

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 Mike Konrad is someone who knows this space inside and out—Chintan Sutaria. Sutaria grew up working in an EMS …

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Cofactr on Supply Chain Execution 17:30

2M ago17:30

17:30

Cofactr is a supply chain execution platform that includes source-to-pay and 3PL solutions for electronics hardware developers. Live from the show floor at PCB East in May, cofounder Phil Gulley and VP of marketing Libby Melton join Matt Leary, Geoffrey Hazelett and Mike Buetow to discuss the company's procurement process tools and software integra…

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Episode 172: From Chaos to Control: Steering ERP Projects Back on Track with Chintan Sutaria 46:41

2M ago46:41

46:41

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 bus…

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RM 171: Pick & Place Machine Selection and Optimization 52:37

3M ago52:37

52:37

Today we're turning our attention to a cornerstone of modern electronics manufacturing: pick-and-place technology. Joining Mike Konrad 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 …

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RM 169: On the Road - Soldering 29:32

3M ago29:32

29:32

On this episode of the Reliability Matters podcast, Mike Konrad left his usual studio for the IPC Apex Expo trade show. He interviews two subject matter experts on topics related to electronics assembly. The guests are: Gerald Gardner, global product manager at Weller, a manufacturer of hand soldering equipment fume extraction systems, and precisio…

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RM 168: On the Road - Electronics Assembly 35:11

3M ago35:11

35:11

Mike Konrad interviews three subject matter experts on various topics related to electronics assembly. The guests are: Greg Beck, director of sales at Absolute EMS, a contract manufacturer. Brian Watson, cofounder of HyRel Technologies, a global provider of quickturn semiconductor modification solutions. Keith Sweatman, technical advisor at Nihon S…

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Pick & Place Machine Selection and Optimization with Hanwha Semitech Americas CEO, Tim Kang - Episode #171 52:38

3M ago52:38

52:38

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—T…

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Chris Banton of EMA Design Automation on Board Optimization 9:48

3M ago9:48

9:48

Chris Banton of EMA Design Automation joins Matt Leary, Geoffrey Hazelett and Mike Buetow to talk about how the EDA vendor's helps printed circuit board designers optimize their designs. Recorded live on the show floor at PCB East 2025.By PCEA

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Episode 170: Reliability, Safety, and Human Impact: The DMR Approach with Dheeraj Narang 40:45

3M ago40:45

40:45

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 wi…

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PCB Chat 143: Frank Mullaney and Emma Hudson of iNEMI 33:40

3M ago33:40

33:40

For early 30 years, the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (INEMI), has been the go-to consortium for many leading OEMs companies and their suppliers to identify and develop next-generation technology, and then help deploy it for high-volume manufacturing. Frank Mullaney, director of roadmapping, and Emma Hudson, new project manager…

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Reliability Matters on the Road in Anaheim California at the IPC APEX Expo - Episode 169 29:33

4M ago29:33

29:33

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 …

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Tom Britton and Nataliia Matsiuk on an AI Solution for PCB Manufacturing 11:45

4M ago11:45

11:45

Tom Britton and Nataliia Matsiuk join Geoffrey Hazelett of FreedomCAD, Matt Leary of Newgrange Design and Mike Buetow of PCEA to share work on a Department of Energy program that pair scientists with real-world industry problems. In particular, Britton and Matsiuk are focused on developing an AI solution for the PCB manufacturing industry. Among th…

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Robert Byrne of Allspice 9:10

4M ago9:10

9:10

Robert Bryne, director of marketing at Allspice.io, joins Geoffrey Hazelett of FreedomCAD, Matt Leary of Newgrange Design and Mike Buetow of PCEA to talk about the five-year-old company's GIT hardware platform that helps hardware and electrical engineers streamline hardware design reviews. We discuss the ECAD formats that Allspice engages with, the…

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Reliability Matters on the Road in Anaheim California at the IPC APEX Expo - Episode 168 35:12

4M ago35:12

35:12

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 g…

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RM 167: Meet the Press: A Conversation with PCEA President Mike Buetow 56:18

5M ago56:18

56:18

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of electronics manufacturing from a unique vantage point—that of the press. Mike Konrad's guest is someone who has spent decades at the forefront of reporting on the electronics manufacturing industry. Mike Buetow, president of the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA), has covered everything from th…

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Episode 167: Meet the Press: A Conversation with Journalist and PCEA President, Mike Buetow 56:19

5M ago56:19

56:19

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 …

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PCB Chat 142: The Latest PCB Design Software Market Trends 12:27

5M ago12:27

12:27

Wally Rhines, spokesperson for the ESD Alliance, which is part of Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International, joins Mike Buetow to share the latest electronic design automation data. Rhines details highlights from the fourth quarter 2024, which was another record-setting period for PCB design tool sales as well as the other major EDA segme…

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RM 166: Electronics: Down Memory Lane and a Vision for the Future 39:38

5M ago39:38

39:38

This episode is a little different in two ways. First, host Mike Konrad recorded it not in his studio but at the SMTA Pan Pacific Strategic Electronics Symposium, affectionately known as PanPac, in beautiful Maui, Hawaii. Each year, Mike records a Reliability Matters podcast at PanPac. Normally, the format of the show is to ask questions and the gu…

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Electronics: Down Memory Lane and a Vision for the Future - Episode 166 39:39

6M ago39:39

39:39

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 provi…

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PCB Chat 141: Integrated Library Management and Component Procurement 28:42

6M ago28:42

28:42

Supply chain management looms over everything we do, but it has been more pronounced than ever over the past five years as the Covid pandemic steered so much attention to how we procure and inventory parts. About a month ago, DigiKey, one of the largest distributors of electronic components in the world, and EMA Design Automation announced the inte…

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Stencil Design and Manufacturing Best Practices with Elias Malfavon Jr. 59:45

6M ago59:45

59:45

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 begi…

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RM 163: Sebastian Schaal of Luminovo on Supply Chain Management 57:36

6M ago57:36

57:36

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 cu…

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AI Integrated Supply Chain Management Software with Sebastian Schaal 57:37

6M ago57:37

57:37

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 cu…

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RM 162: Battery Selection and Safety Best Practices with Alex Norman 1:02:08

7M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

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 requir…

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Battery Selection and Safety Best Practices with Alex Norman 1:02:09

7M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

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 requir…

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Electronics Testing Best Practices with Robert Boguski- Episode 162 1:09:36

7M ago1:09:36

1:09:36

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 beco…

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PCB Chat 140: Kenny McGee on Component Circularity 45:45

8M ago45:45

45:45

Today’s guest intersects two key areas for electronics manufacturers: circularity and inventory management. "The cost of a component isn't just the cost of a component. It's the cost to the planet." That's what Kenny McGee, chief executive of Component Sense, says. Component Sense is an Edinburgh, Scotland-based company that leads electronic manufa…

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RM 161: AI-Based Inspection Technologies with Priyansha Bagaria 1:03:45

8M ago1:03:45

1:03:45

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 …

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The Semiconductor/Packaging/PCB Technology Stack 17:10

8M ago17:10

17:10

This is Part 2 of a new podcast in which guest Geoffrey Leeds of Leeds AI joins Matt Leary (Newgrange Design), Geoffrey Hazelett (FreedomCAD) and Mike Buetow (PCEA) to discuss the semiconductor/packaging/PCB technology stack and what over the next two to five years will have the biggest impact on the industry at the board level. The conversation co…

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AI-Based Inspection Technologies with Priyansha Bagaria - Episode 161 1:03:46

8M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

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 …

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The Electronics Supply Chain and How Companies Can Adapt 20:37

8M ago20:37

20:37

Supply chain issues are rearing their ugly heads -- again -- with the latest blow the decision by Nippon Denkai to close and liquidate its copper foil manufacturing plant in Georgia, the last such factory in the United States. In Part 1 of a two part podcast, Geoffrey Leeds of Leeds AI joins Matt Leary (Newgrange Design), Geoffrey Hazelett (Freedom…

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RM 160: Opportunities and Challenges within the EV Industry 1:10:49

8M ago1:10:49

1:10:49

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 host Mike Konrad 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 i…

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PCB Chat 139: PCB Design Software Market Analysis with Wally Rhines 13:55

8M ago13:55

13:55

Sales of software for printed circuit board and multichip module design rose to a record $450 million in the third quarter ended in October, extending a growth streak that has seen only three down quarters in the past nine years, the ESD Alliance announced today. Our guest Wally Rhines offers the latest data and analysis of the electronic design ma…

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Opportunities and Challenges within the EV Industry - Episode 160 1:10:50

8M ago1:10:50

1:10:50

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 ro…

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2024 Season Wrap-Up of the Reliability Matters Podcast - Episode 159 8:41

9M ago8:41

8:41

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 ju…

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PCB Chat 138: A Look at PCB Industry Legislation in 2025 with David Schild of the PCBAA 30:39

9M ago30:39

30:39

Questions about over how the new administration and Congress coming in January will approach government investment in capital projects, workforce development and other incentives to build back the domestic electronics supply chain. David Schild, executive director of the Printed Circuit Board Association of America, joins Mike Buetow to discuss wha…

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RM 158: D-Code Podcast Interview 1:03:04

9M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

The hosts of the D-Code podcast are a dynamic trio of young professionals making waves in the electronics manufacturing industry. With experience rooted in contract manufacturing and stencil fabrication for electronics assemblies, they bring a fresh perspective to the table. Although they’re at the start of their podcasting journey, D-Code has alre…

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Episode 158: The New Kids in Town - The Cast of the D-Code Podcast 1:03:05

10M ago1:03:05

1:03:05

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 podcast…

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Episode 157: What's On Your Workbench? Critical Steps to Avoid Contamination of PCA's During the Rework Process 1:05:42

10M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

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 mat…

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RM 156: An Introduction to Flexible Circuits with Joseph Fjelstad 1:04:35

10M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

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 ad…