It is very easy to overlook how important the Printed Circuit Board industry is, both domestically and worldwide.  Many designers, fabricators, and assembly shops have voiced their desires for greater recognition, and the IPC is even lobbying on Capitol Hill for increased federal notice and support.  And yet, I truly believe the greater danger is that WE (the designers, fabricators, and assemblers) might forget how important our role is.  Even more specifically, I want to challenge us as an industry to step back and remember who our real customers are… …

As the keys begin to stick on my Samsung Blackjack II, and I think about how the navigation wheel used to spin freely, I remember the days of my Siemens M56.  That little phone was built like a tiny brick, and it withstood the harshest abuse.  Whether we were swimming in saltwater or it was falling off the top of my moving car, my little phone never complained, remained tough, and always worked.  It was a sad day when, after three and a half years, I had to “upgrade” to …