The D-Code Podcast

IPC Apex Series, Day 2, Interview 4- Don Jeka

Don JekaProducer 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 time to time. This was so fun because @Don Jeka barely had a chance to discuss his "Solutions" here. @ESSEMTEC USA drives their innovation with dedicated work with actual users of their products. You can see the impact as well. @Sean Kincaid & @Daniel Stanphill from the process engineering perspective were so thrilled to discuss the features of these products, they stepped all over him explaining the "Problems" being solved by each new solution.Even during this interview, they learn new things about this already available equipment that seem so "next gen" they are surprised and break the 4th wall to talk to you, the viewer, about their genuine excitement! Come along and learn with them from Don about what is possible now with "current gen" equipment.Oh, @Elias Malfavon Jr. was there, too. He added some relevant stuff in about stencils and screenprinting. If that's what you are here for, you won't miss out in this one. ;)#smt #pcba #ems #problemsandsolutions

IPC Apex Series, Day 2, Interview 3- Jake Benz

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 this!

IPC Apex Series, Day 2, Interview 2- Judy Warner

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 touch on Judy's self proclaimed "accidental" entry into the Podcast space, if you ask us The EEcosystem is a pretty beautiful accident!Enjoy!hashtag#SMTA hashtag#PCB hashtag#PODCAST

IPC Apex Series, Day 2, Interview 1- Gene Weiner

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 his mission of improving our collective experience as manufacturers, here and abroad. If you are already familiar with Gene's career and think you don't need to watch this one... you are wrong! ☺️When asked about their careers, many people default straight to company names and positions held. Gene, excited as always by the industry, starts by sharing the first projects he worked on and the specific elements they were trying to achieve. It is fascinating.Don't forget to follow us and if you head over to the Apex Playlist on YouTube and subscribe, you will get notifications of new videos before we post them here! 😍

IPC Apex Series, Day 1, Interview 18- Jeremy Orbach

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 touch with Jeremy!
Check out this conversation along with all the others from APEX on our Youtube channel or anywhere you stream audio 🎧
#pcb #pcba #smt #AOI #SPI #pcbinspection #data

IPC Apex Series, Day 1, Interview 17- David Kruidhof

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!

IPC Apex Series, Day 1, Interview 16- Mark Mankoura

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!  

IPC Apex Series, Day 1, Interview 15- Fraser Shaw

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!)Watt is also leading the charge in purpose built stencil laser welding systems, if you haven't seen a Watt welded step, check out my profile for some recent posts highlighting this technology.

IPC Apex Series, Day 1, Interview 14- Matt Argyris

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 remotely he can walk you through anything you need from software through hardware, and also some best practices.Probably the single biggest reason I would endorse a screen printer from Europlacer is Matt Argyris.

IPC Apex Series, Day 1, Interview 13- Jay Patel

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!