The D-Code Podcast

Jeff Leal from Axxon-Mycronic swings by the set to dispense some knowledge 😉 An interesting talk unfolded as we discussed precision dispensing and coating solutions. The cast found particular value in learning about "right sized" platforms that can allow low volume outfits an entrance into automation via desktop dispensing robots! Sean and Elias took a stroll over to the Axxon booth after this on...

The Podfather 🎤 Our friend Mike Konrad from Aqueous Technologies and the host of The Reliability Matters Podcast, takes an unfamiliar seat as a guest during IPC Apex 2025! Mike's humility won't allow him to accept the credit due to him for mentoring and helping us up on this journey. We converse about podcasting, collaboration, and even a bit about cleaning! Elias , Producer Paul , Sean , and Dan...

⚙️ “It’s not about CPH—it’s about what you get out the door.” At IPC APEX 2025, we sat down with Tim Kang from Hanwha to talk about next-gen automation, and let’s just say—Hanwha isn’t playing catch-up… they’re setting the pace. From dual-lane ovens that run lead and lead-free at the same time, to pick-and-place systems that run two independent jobs simultaneously—we’re seeing innovation that’s pu...

🌎 “It’s not about borders—it’s about building together.” Live from the IPC APEX 2025 show floor, we caught up with Jason Wahba of JW Corporation, who crossed the border (legally 😄) from Canada to talk all things automation, global manufacturing insights, and the future of lean electronics. 🇨🇦🇺🇸 Big thanks to Jason for the Unity Pins—combining the US and Canadian flags—and for sharing some sharp...

You don't last 30 years in this industry unless you do things right!   Don Dennison grabs the mic in a show floor interview with Elias , Sean , and Daniel at Apex 2025. Don is in the elite camp of folks who have attended all 25 IPC Apex Expos!   We converse about the important role Technical Reps play as a conduit between their regional clients and national brands. We also had a bit of a laugh tal...

"Nothing we design, nothing we make, is worth anything if no one buys it" Enter Jessica Molloy from Asteria Sales & Marketing ! We chat about two key points that may resonate with you: Breaking Down Barriers: It's great to see younger professionals in electronics confidently approaching senior figures. This willingness to connect, ask questions, and learn from experience is a major cheat code...

Who do you call when you need root cause analysis due to PCBA related failures? Your clean chemicals provide, naturally... Denis Barbini from ZESTRON Americas mans the interview seat aside Daniel , Elias , and Sean at IPC Apex 2025! Denis shines a light on some surprising support Zestron is providing its partners, the cast was genuinely in awe of the unexpected role Denis and Co. are playing in th...

Mr. IPC himself, John W Mitchell joined The D-Code Podcast at APEX 2025. Right off the bat, he flipped the script and started the interview asking questions of us. (We got our chance to ask him questions too!) Topics like apprenticeship, which is an exciting program the IPC is sponsoring to help foster the next generation of electronics manufacturing talent. There are apprentice and pre-apprentice...

How smart is your storage? Inovaxe extraordinaire David Ly joined us to talk about the solutions they have for the PCB assembly world. And let me tell you- They have a lot! 🎧Listen to learn about the smart racks and integration into your ERP/MRP software 🎧 This was another interview where it was hard for the guest to try and talk about their own product because the hosts could not keep their exc...

Gayle Towell brings the education. Seriously, between two (2!) Masters degrees, teaching, and scientific journalism, she is an explaining machine! If you are newer to surface mount and want to learn more about the miniaturization of solder paste and stencil thickness, this interview really gives a great overview. Learn how solder balls are made, how they interact with stencils and the process of s...

The Father of Surface Mount Technology.... Let that sink in for a moment. Phil Marcoux was gracious enough to join Elias , Daniel , and Sean for an amazing conversation starting with the contested beginnings of SMT and working up to AI and it's applications in the EMS world. Phil makes a fascinating comparison between the introduction of SMT into PCBA and where we are currently with AI He also giv...

Daniel Stanphill friend, Debbie Carboni , joined us to talk about the science they are working on at KYZEN Corporation to help people in the PCBA space. Do you use IPA in your under stencil cleaning process? Do you always use a wet pass or do you sometimes use a dry pass? She can tell you how to stabilize your processes through chemistry. They can monitor processes in real time and help you detect...

Don Jeka Producer Paul here. This was a really fun one to witness. I get to see the guys geek out behind the scenes about SMT/PCBA technology frequently before and after recording regular episodes, but they do their best to keep the official podcast from ever feeling like a commercial. That said, we purposely bring on people who are doing cool things and it happens after we end the recording from...

Sharks with laser beams and pizza cutters, what are we talking about here?? Jake Benz (AKA runner up in the Best Mustache in the EMS world) Joins Sean , Elias , Daniel to discuss laser depaneling technologies and the benefits over the techniques of yesteryear. We also touch a bit on stencil lasers and assist gasses used in the cutting process! If frayed and delaminated FR4 is your problem, watch t...

73% of Engineers are listening to Podcasts 😳 Judy Warner dropped this nugget while chatting with Daniel , Elias , and Sean during hashtag#IPCAPEXEXPO2025 . Judy has been a great friend of our Podcast, freely sharing her know how and experiences gained through her 7 years behind the mic. We chat about Judy's storied career in our space and the "pre China" glory days of North American EMS. We also...

Gene Weiner , the legend himself, takes some time to discuss current challenges and opportunities in supply chain management, sourcing, cost changes coming from trade agreement changes, and as it is 2025, of course we discussed AI! Sean Kincaid , Daniel Stanphill , and Elias Malfavon Jr. were schooled in this one! Gene is at the top of his game, keeping on his toes and doing all he can to continue...

At least if you know how to use it, and that's what @Jeremy Orbach from @Omron is trying to help teach people. Don't turn your inspection equipment into just an expensive conveyor! He talks in this conversation about how to turn data into improved processes and realize results in days, not months or years. Do you have a desire to drive towards a zero defect process? If so, you should really get in...

D-Code veteran, and our network X-ray Guru, David K. sits down to talk all things X-rays! We discuss the X-ray applications within the PCBA space, and how the need for advanced 3d imaging is and will only continue to keep growing. And Because it's The D-Code Podcast, we take a detour and discuss non PCBA applications (Read chicken and bricks !?!)   Don't miss this one!

Our friend Mark Mankoura of AT&A joins us for a process related chat. We also discuss how EMS is often a generational trade, and how Mark has seized the opportunity his family's CM business has afforded him.  Enjoy this conversation with our buddy from the north!  

Watt a pleasure it was catching up with Fraser Shaw from Watt Laser ! Fraser joined The Cast at IPC Apex 2025 to chat stencil inspection, laser welding, and laser cutting. Watt's SMT Stencil focused quality control platforms are a quantum leap in ease of use and effective detection of not only defects, but also process variance! (Full disclosure, Elias is the happy owner of their SE12PRO platform!...

We actually called Matthew Argyris at Europlacer in the middle of a pod recording (at like 10 pm his time) and perhaps even crazier he answered and agreed to join the podcast impromptu and answer some of our printing questions. He was a little more prepared for this conversation at IPC Apex 2025 ;) Matt is an expert at communicating how the machine works and can teach anyone how to use it. Even re...

Sean's fellow Michigander, Jay Patel of Amtech, joins the Cast at IPC Apex 2025. The conversation revolves heavily around Vapor Phase reflows and its benefits and applications. Enjoy!

During the IPC APEX 2025 event, The D-Code Podcast hosted a compelling interview with Dr. Eric Bruner from Aculon, shedding light on the company's cutting-edge surface modification technologies. The conversation delved into Aculon's diverse range of hydrophobic, oleophobic, and other functional coatings, emphasizing their applications within the electronics manufacturing sector. Dr. Bruner highlig...

Timon Ruban joins The D-Code Podcast, the visionary founder behind Luminovo, a revolutionary platform transforming the electronics supply chain. He'll be diving deep into how Luminovo leverages AI to streamline procurement, automate quoting, and foster seamless collaboration among suppliers, designers, and manufacturers. With a mission to modernize an industry often plagued by inefficiencies, he'l...

How many people active in the SMT world can say they produced products for solder paste deposition when the best available technology was screen printing, with an actual woven mesh screen! Elias Sr. joins the younger model along with the rest of the cast to discuss the evolution of the SMT Stencil industry over his nearly 40 year career.