IPC Releases Three PCB Studies

Jan. 23, 2008

IPC announced the release of three annual printed-circuit-board (PCB) studies: the 2006-2007 Industry Analysis and Forecast for Flexible Circuits in North America, the 2006-2007 Industry Analysis and Forecast for Rigid PCBs and Laminates in North America, and Technology Trends for Printed Circuit Boards for the Year 2006. The first provides data and analysis on trends in the North American flexible circuit industry; according to this report, flex circuit production in North America has declined, but companies in the region are growing due to worldwide sales. The second report estimates the US rigid PCB market in 2006 at about $4.3 billion. The technology trends report notes that 21 percent of all laminates used were halogen-free, with an emerging market for halogen-free laminates, particularly in consumer electronics. With this technology in use, the market demand will continue to drive production growth. The flexible circuits and rigid PCB studies cost $475 for IPC members and $950 for nonmembers. The technology trends study costs $250 for members and $500 for nonmembers. For additional information, contact Sreekala Bhagwat, IPC market research manager, at (330) 677-5563 or e-mail at [email protected]

IPC (www.ipg.org)

About the Author

Jack Browne

Technical Contributor

Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.