The D-Code Podcast

IPC Apex Series, Day 1, Interview 2 - Michael Sivigny

🦊 “We're the foxes in the henhouse.” That’s how Michael Civigny from C-TAC described their role in the electronics manufacturing world—and honestly, it’s perfect. On this episode of The D Code: IPC APEX 2025 Edition, we dug into how C-TAC is redefining machine performance validation across the board. No bias. No fluff. Just data that tells the truth. 📏 Here’s what we covered: How C-TAC performs vendor-agnostic measurement and validation—from stencil lasers to printers to pick-and-place machines Why 90% of printers they test fail spec, and how stroke-dependent offsets are quietly wrecking your yield What to do if you don’t have SPI—and how to validate your process anyway How they empower OEMs and manufacturers to baseline, adjust, and validate equipment before it causes problems Why “If you don’t measure, you don’t know” isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a survival strategy Michael also shared a killer tip: you can bring C-TAC before you buy used equipment—think of it like taking a mechanic with you to inspect the car before signing the check. This conversation was packed with insights—and one that our producer Paul (data nerd #1) definitely wishes he was on camera for.

IPC Apex Series, Day 1, Interview 1 - Chrys Shea

Welcome to The D Code: IPC APEX 2025 Edition! We kicked things off live from the show floor with none other than Chrys Shea and it was everything we hoped for. From miniaturization trends to workforce development, and from solder paste testing to balancing fun and technical mastery in the shop, Chrys brought insight and laughs. Here's a taste of what we covered: Why she believes we're bringing the fun back to circuit board manufacturing The talent gap in process engineering and what she's doing to fix it. Her framework for guiding new engineers based on mindset and personality (hands-on vs. keyboard, rule-follower vs. rule-breaker). A sneak peek at the Ultra HDI test board for the SMTA designed to challenge even the most seasoned process engineers Oh, and if you're into quizzes that match your personality to your perfect PCB process role... she's got that too. Thanks again to Chrys for not just showing up but providing the sweet shades at our booth. You're one of a kind!

Rev 2.3 - SPI Data Review with Jeremy Orbach

Are you wondering what insights you can get from an SPI? Have you been told about problems with "false calls" and difficulty getting boards to pass inspection? Wish you could identify issues not just before boards are shipped, but before they've proceeded down the production line? Are you desperate to learn the difference between a squircle, an octagon, and an arch?
If you said yes to any of these, or just want to learn more about SPI while also getting to hear Sean invite people to call him an idiot, watch this one!
Jeremy Orbach of Omron Automation Center is incredibly patient while explaining and demonstrating a sample run of a single A/B board run with a simple 1:1 aperture stencil and an optimized stencil with the effects of aperture size and shape and paste type are reviewed. In typical D-Code fashion, the conversation does wander along the way.
Enjoy!

Rev 2.2 - The Art of Print Parameters (or Who Needs Board Supports?)

If you ever had questions about print parameters, we have an episode for you! While it does get specific to equipment both Daniel and Sean own at portions, this means you get to see the more of the "into the weeds" than a typical episode. Watch to the end or you'll miss our surprise SME guest! 

Rev 2.1 Ft. Robert Feranec

PCB Designer and YouTube sensation Robert Feranec, helps kick of Rev 2 of The D-Code Podcast in a BIG WAY!
Along with Daniel, Elias, and Sean, Robert chronicles his journey from an hourly employee through the formation of his acclaimed learning platform, FEDEVEL. Chew on some technical bites while you enjoy Robert's fascinating story! 

Rev 1.19 - Gratitude and a Look Ahead

This episode is short but sweet. Join Daniel, Elias, and Sean as they look back over 2024 and Rev 1 of The D-Code Podcast. Considering the whole gang (including Producer Paul!) has full time jobs that come first, we are proud of what we have attained, the content we've put out, and the path forward into 2025!
You won't want to miss out on our favorite parts of Rev 1 and our goals and plans for the future. Special thanks to all our guests and organizations such as SMTA and IPC who have already shown themselves to be excellent partners. Best wishes and enjoy your final days of 2024 while you can!

Rev. 1.18 Ft. Tony Kelbert

Join Daniel, Elias, and Sean as they discuss high-level #smt concepts with Tony Kelbert ranging from comparing and contrasting #3dprinting with laser etching to his favorite parts of his job. This is a fun, imagery heavy episode with lots of material beneficial to people on the fringes of SMT - like Cathy Rinne from Flex-line Automation who comes up this episode - and it is a nice, light-hearted episode that has a lot of laughs.Watch now!Tony Kelbert: www.linkedin.com/in/tonykelbert/

Rev 1.17 (Ft. Bill Capen)

Back to back process conversations! Bill Capen from  @honeywell  has 37 years of experience, and it shows through this conversation. From the effects of solder paste selection for environment and process to European sparrows, Bill guides Daniel, Elias, and Sean through an informative conversation.Maybe it is all a big coincidence, (Narrator: It wasn't) but Bill is working with Chrys Shea on trainings right now and is in full brainstorming mode on "what the people want and need".Because we like to support American manufacturing, the *Oregon* made vacuum ovens Bill referenced can be found here: www.cascadetek.com
 
 

Rev 1.16 (Ft. Chrys Shea)

Prepare to summit the peak of D-Code Podcast Entertainment! We've arrived, in that Chrys Shea honored us with her presence! For only being her 3rd appearance on a podcast, she sure delivered! Chrys is a barrel of laughs, and as much fun as we had, we sure hope you like it, too!
Where to begin? Up for conversation is Chrys Shea's current passion, #uhdi, and the struggle of finalizing the design for a UHDI miniaturization test vehicle (#mtv) only to have the next smallest component announced by the time you present at #smtai. Oh, and did you know? Chrys was there working on the project that published discovery of the stencil area ratio rule. No big deal.
You'll want to listen to the full episode, because not only does Chrys Shea drop constant knowledge throughout about process and continuous improvement, she also drops a couple cool announcements! Don't get it twisted - you heard it here first people!

Rev 1.15 (David K, X-ray Special)

Successfully, it seems! In all seriousness, the whole crew learned a lot in this great conversation with David Kruidhof from Comet about how #smt only increases reliance on x-ray as size of components decreases. While the conversation flows and the group has fun as usual, this episode is more question and answer as David shares his impressive knowledge.
Don't bow out early, or you'll miss David's great summary of how different commonly used metals and materials show up in x-rays and how miniaturization is even impacting the creators of advanced imaging systems.