The D-Code Podcast

Rev 2.14 - Chris Hunrath - PCB SME

In this conversation, Chris Hunrath, Vice President of Technology at Inselectro, shares his extensive experience in the PCB industry, discussing the importance of knowledge transfer to the next generation, the challenges and innovations in PCB manufacturing, and the significance of thermal properties in design. He also delves into issues like electrochemical migration, dendritic growth, and the evolution of PCB processes and materials, highlighting the future of manufacturing and material science.
 

Rev 2.13 - The Rise and Grind Crew

Courtesy of the @EMAC Bright Manufacturing Challenge, the University of Minnesota's "Rise and Grind Crew" has already won $1000 and proceed to the next round for their Creative Design for their Line-following Robot. Next stage: actually build the robot and test it out at SMTAI 2025 in Chicago for a chance at $2500!Ethan Chung and Alexander Wan represent the team of 5 from @universityofminnesota who decided to take their design to the next level. While all teams start with the same basic PCB requirements, the same motors and wheels, they have to create their own hardware, firmware, assemble the robot, and have it perform in the line-following contest autonomously. Watch the episode to see their design and watch them impress Elias, Sean, and Daniel with their solution and show off favorite features in Altium.The D-Code Podcast and the SMT industry at large regularly discuss how to get the next generation of college students coming up to actively enter the SMT/PCB space. Why keep talking about it back and forth with other people experienced in the industry when we can get it direct from students actively studying to become EEs? Special thanks to EMAC and the @SMTAorg for creating this opportunity!Bright Manufacturing Challenge: electronicsworkforce.com/thechallengeSMTAI Event Description: smta.org/event/challenge2025#pcbdesign #altiumdesigner #smtai #electronicsmanufacturing #robotics #universityofminnesota #soldering

Rev 2.12 - Matthew "Argy" Argyris of Europlacer Loves Talking Screenprinting

Rev 2.12 - Matthew "Argy" Argyris of Europlacer Loves Talking Screenprinting...and as you'll see, so do we! Welcome to the 4th uh that is FIRST try at getting Matt Argyris, famous inventor of the "Closed Loop Pressure Feedback System for Squeegee Pressure Microadjustment" (we are testing something, watch to find out), onto the podcast.For what it is worth, that is almost entirely Elias' fault. (Trust me on this one.)Oh yeah, the episode. Check out the chapter list below to get a better idea of the episode topics we "espouse":00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:32 Matt's Journey into Screen Printing04:04 Evolution of Screen Printing Technology06:23 Exploring the Placement Side of PCB Assembly09:20 Continuous Learning in Screen Printing11:07 Q from Last Episode: Printing Flux Only?12:37 Innovations in PCB Manufacturing14:42 Equipment Maintaining Accuracy Over Time17:08 PSA 01005s are small, folks17:41 Comparing Old and New Screen Printing Technologies20:39 AI FACT Matt Argyris Invented Closed Loop Squeegee Pressure Feedback Mechanism24:15 Field Experiences and Troubleshooting28:19 The Customers Improve The Product31:46 Tell The Expert How It Really Is Though35:07 Vocabulary: Sean's Favorite Word (After Lexicon)36:24 Jet Printing: The Future of Manufacturing?39:59 The Role of Stencils in Modern Printing44:31 Long Board Printing: Challenges and Innovations46:07 Long Board Stencil & Reflow Strategies49:52 Industry Extremes: Small vs. Large PCB Designs51:40 Let's Get Sean On Board53:15 Matt - A Lifeline in Times of Need53:58 Closing Thoughts and Future Connections#pcba #smtstencil #screenprinter #electronicsmanufacturing #01005

Rev 2.11 - Analyzing an ⁨@Apple⁩ Watch 10 with Trevor Yancey and Comet Yxlon

YouTube is highly recommended for this episode, as it is all visual! Join Trevor Yancey from TechSearch International as we take a look at a few non-destructive imaging techniques with the Comet Yxlon guys, David Kruidhof and Vineeth Bastin. Join as we learn about CT scanning and laminography alongside Trevor who describes the modules we see and demonstrates a number of technologies present in the Apple Watch 10 series with cellular. Trevor and TechSearch International have been breaking down advanced technology devices and creating reports on what's found inside, and we had a blast learning about how these are used in combination.
Watch, like, subscribe, and comment!

Rev 2.10 - John Burke

In this episode of The D Code Podcast, hosts Sean Kincaid, Daniel Stanphill, and Elias Malfavon Jr. interview John Burke, a veteran of the electronics manufacturing industry with decades of hands-on experience in SMT, reliability, and high-stakes applications like Formula 1 and surgical robotics.
John shares insight into how manufacturing has changed over the years, why low-volume high-mix production is more complex than people think, and how technologies like laser soldering are reshaping what's possible.
What we cover:
Surface Mount Technology: from early days to modern lines
Six Sigma and how it's actually used in factories
High mix / low volume production and the unique challenges it brings
Design for Manufacturing: not optional if you care about yield
Real-world examples from F1, SSDs, and precision medical builds
Laser soldering and its expanding role in production environments

Rev 2.9 - Adrian Leal

New Episode Alert! The latest installment of The D Code Podcast featuring electronics industry veteran Adrian Leal. Whether you’re just starting out in PCB manufacturing or you’ve been around the block, Adrian’s insights on mentorship, networking, and ESD are pure gold.What You’ll Learn:How a mentor can accelerate your career growthWhy face-to-face networking still matters and how social media amplifies itThe critical role ESD plays in quality control (ESD is the silent killer)Real-world stories that prove personal connections lead to professional opportunitiesTakeaways to Act On:1. Seek out and be a mentor2. Build and nurture your network online and in person3. Master ESD best practices before it masters you4. Share what you know; ask why to unlock deeper insightsWatch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/Y_BhzxJBnPUListen on your favorite podcast platform:Join the conversation: What’s the best piece of mentorship advice you’ve ever received? Drop it below

Rev 2.8 - Sean Patterson

Rev 2.8 - Sean Patterson on AI - an excellent high level overview
When Sean Patterson "finally" decided to try out AI for a personal project, he was blown away by the time he saved. You'll hear this story and many more in this excellent brief of the power of AI for small to medium businesses.
Heck, he's so passionate about this topic, he founded his own company in between the time we scheduled his interview and when we recorded!
While Sean fully supports small to medium businesses in following a rough guideline of "AI First", he strongly cautions... well, let him tell you himself and just give this episode a go!

Rev 2.7 STAR Special - Dr. Adam & Mike Konrad

Special Edition of The D Code – Live from the SMTA StarEvent We had the rare opportunity to sit down with Dr. AdamKlett of Kaizen and Mike Konrad at the SMTA Star event in Kansas fora jam-packed roundtable episode of The D Code Podcast — and this onewent deep!Here are a few highlights you don’t want to miss:EIS > SIR?Dr. Klett introduced us to Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)— a powerful evolution of SIR testing that uses AC signals to gather far moredetailed cleanliness data from circuit boards. It's like the SIR test... withsuperpowers.Cleaning Isn’t OptionalAs Mike put it: "You can't be a little clean. You're either cleanor you're not." Partial cleaning? Even worse than not cleaning at all. IPC Standards Are ChangingIPC removed the “pass/fail” resistivity number now it’s on us to provecleanliness. That means more testing, more validation, and more data-drivendecisions.SMTA’s Future Focused MissionDr. Klett is leading initiatives to bridge the generational gap in our industrydeveloping young professionals, making technical knowledge more accessible, andbuilding the future of electronics manufacturing.From Fab to Assembly: It All MattersWe explored how everything from PCB fabrication chemistry to automated washsystems adds up in the fight against electrochemical migration, dendriticgrowth, and long-term field failures.This episode is PACKED with insight, especially if you workin PCBA, reliability engineering, or process validation.Tune in if you're curious about the future of boardcleanliness testing and what SMTA is doing to build the next generation ofindustry leaders.#SMTA #ElectronicsManufacturing #EIS #SIR #Kaizen #IPC #PCBA

Rev 2.6 Yash Sutariya

The Reality of PCB Manufacturing with Yash Sutariya
In this episode, we dive into the real challenges facing domestic PCB manufacturing with Yash from Saturn Electronics.We talk about cost-saving design strategies, common mistakes, chemical innovations, automotive applications, and why passion and adaptability are critical for success.From etching processes to the future of automation, this one’s packed with insights you don’t want to miss.
🔹 How to optimize panelization and save costs🔹 Why collaboration with your PCB shop matters🔹 What's really changing in flex materials and automation🔹 Why domestic PCB manufacturing needs your support
Listen now and d-code the future of PCB production!
#PCBManufacturing #SaturnElectronics #CostOptimization #Collaboration #DomesticManufacturing #Automation #DesignTips

Rev 2.5 Dr. Zachariah Peterson

We sat down with Zach to explore everything from AI in PCB design to the reality of design reviews, miniaturization, and the impact of tariffs on manufacturing.👨‍🏫 Zach shared how he transitioned from hobbyist to professional, why investing in quality tools matters, and how AI won’t replace designers—but will definitely transform the workflow.🔥 Highlights:
 
Why design reviews are a goldmine for learning
 
AI’s role in automating tedious PCB design tasks
 
How tariffs are shifting the global manufacturing map
 
The challenge of finding skilled labor in electronics
 
Why continuous education is non-negotiable
 
Inside stories from working with AltiumWhether you're an engineer, designer, or just passionate about electronics, this is one you don’t want to miss.