Reliability Matters

Predict, Prevent, Produce: RoviSys' Bryan DeBois on Manufacturing's Al Future Episode 190

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What if your factory could predict failures before they happen, capture decades of human expertise, and make better decisions than ever before—witho...

From the Factory Floor to System Design: Why Women in STEM Matter with Kristen Eckart - Episode 189

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When we talk about reliability, we usually focus on materials, processes, test methods, and standards. But what if one of the most overlooked reliabi...

An Academic Look at Al in Electronics Manufacturing: Where It Works, Fails, & Why It Matters - # 187

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Artificial intelligence is being promoted as the next revolution in electronics manufacturing, but what happens when the people evaluating it aren’t...

Readiness Through Repair: How the U.S Military is Strengthening Capabilities with Right to Repair - Episode 186

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If a $26,000 drone repair can be done in the field—but policy says it has to be shipped back to the manufacturer, do you really have a reliability p...

Electronics Manufacturing Today: Pressures, Priorities, and the Path Forward With Trevor Galbraith - Episode 186

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When you talk to one manufacturer, you hear a story. When you talk to hundreds, patterns emerge. Today, we step back and examine what those patterns t...

How Accuracy & Force Compliance Contribute to Better Quality & Reliability with Michael Sivigny

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In electronics manufacturing, defects don’t usually announce themselves. They happen in milliseconds, far faster than human perception, and often lo...

Advances in Dispensing Automation and Thermal Management with PVA’s Jon Urquhart - Episode 184

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m joined by someone who has spent more than three decades at the intersection of materials science, automation, and high-reliability manufa...

Preserving Knowledge,Advancing Reliability: A Reliability Matters Podcast Year-End Reflection - #183

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Since 2018, Reliability Matters has been building a knowledge vault, capturing the wisdom of industry experts for engineers everywhere. In this speci...

Getting it Right: How to Work Effectively with your CM - With Daniel Stanphill & Sean Kincaid

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re continuing our dive into the world of contract manufacturing—a vital piece of the electronics ecosystem.Joining me are two industry l...

What Every OEM Should Know About Working with Contract Manufacturers - With Raymond Novara

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The next two episodes will be all about contract manufacturing, an area that can make or break the reliability and success of a product. My guest on ...

Cooler Connections: Low Temp Soldering for a High-Reliability World With Indium’s Dr. Hongwen Zhang

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is the fourth of four episodes on the subject of soldering materials.Today, we're diving into a topic that's reshaping how we think about thermal...

Building Reliability from the Inside Out: Indium's CEO’s on Innovation & Reliability with Ross Berntson

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is the third of four episodes on the subject of soldering materials.Today, we’re continuing our deep dive into the world of soldering materials...

Behind the Alloy: Soldering Materials, Process Control, & Reliability Shantanu Joshi & Greg Starrett

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is the second of four episodes on the subject of soldering materials.In today’s episode, continuing the subject of soldering materials, diving ...

SMTAI 2025 Conference & Event Preview - Special Episode

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is all about SMTAI, surface mount Technology International, taking place OCTOBER 19 - 23, 2025 at the DONALD E. STEPHENS CONVENTION CENTE...

The Chemistry of Reliability: Choosing the Right Solder and Flux: A Conversation with Chris Ward

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is the first of four episodes on the subject of soldering materials.In this episode, I’m joined by Chris Ward, founder and Managing Director of...

Humidity: Small Cause, Huge Reliability Risk with Viktoria Rawinski - Episode 177

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Reliability Matters, we’re diving into a deceptively simple but incredibly important topic, humidity, and the massive impact it c...

War Stories from the Line: Phil Zarrow & Jim Hall Talk Reliability - Episode 175

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m joined by two of the most respected names in the electronics manufacturing industry, Phil Zarrow and Jim Hall. Together, they bring decad...

AI in PCB Design - It's Already Here! With David Wiens & Stephen Chavez, Siemens EDA. Episode 174

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s rapidly reshaping our industry: Artificial Intelligence in PCB Design. Far from a futuristic con...

Improving the Reliability of Public EV Chargers with ChargerHelp! Co-Founder & CEO, Kamale Terry

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the electric vehicle market accelerates, the reliability of the charging infrastructure becomes increasingly vital. Chargers that are down or malfu...

Episode 172: From Chaos to Control: Steering ERP Projects Back on Track with Chintan Sutaria

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're diving into a topic that keeps many executives awake at night—ERP implementations. More specifically, why so many of them fail and, perh...

Pick & Place Machine Selection and Optimization with Hanwha Semitech Americas CEO, Tim Kang - Episode #171

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're turning our attention to a cornerstone of modern electronics manufacturing: pick and place technology.Joining me is Tim Kang, CEO of Hanwh...

Episode 170: Reliability, Safety, and Human Impact: The DMR Approach with Dheeraj Narang

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're exploring a concept that has deep roots in process safety and infrastructure management, but also has meaningful applications in electroni...

Reliability Matters on the Road in Anaheim California at the IPC APEX Expo - Episode 169

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Reliability Matters podcast, I left my usual studio for the IPC APEX Expo in Anaheim California.I interviewed two subject matte...

Reliability Matters on the Road in Anaheim California at the IPC APEX Expo - Episode 168

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Reliability Matters podcast, I left my usual studio for the IPC APEX Expo in Anaheim California.I interviewed three subject mat...

Episode 167: Meet the Press: A Conversation with Journalist and PCEA President, Mike Buetow

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of electronics manufacturing from a unique vantage point—that of the press.  My guest today is someone wh...

Electronics: Down Memory Lane and a Vision for the Future - Episode 166

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a little different in two ways. First, I didn’t record it in my studio. I recorded it at the SMTA Pan Pacific strategic Electronics ...

Stencil Design and Manufacturing Best Practices with Elias Malfavon Jr.

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re putting the spotlight on a critical component in surface mount technology, the stencil. These precision-engineered tools are the unsun...

AI Integrated Supply Chain Management Software with Sebastian Schaal

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're tackling a topic that has become increasingly vital in recent years: supply chain management. With global supply chains recently under i...

Battery Selection and Safety Best Practices with Alex Norman

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re diving into a critical yet sometimes overlooked component that powers so many of the devices we rely on: batteries. Batteries are the h...

Electronics Testing Best Practices with Robert Boguski- Episode 162

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, we’ll dive into the world of electronics testing with an expert within the electronics testing industry, Robert Boguski,  Presiden...

AI-Based Inspection Technologies with Priyansha Bagaria - Episode 161

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re exploring a transformative topic: AI-based inspection technologies.  Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how we detect, analy...

Opportunities and Challenges within the EV Industry - Episode 160

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re diving into one of the most transformative innovations of our time: electric vehicles and the vast infrastructure needed to support the...

2024 Season Wrap-Up of the Reliability Matters Podcast - Episode 159

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re celebrating the end of another incredible year. This isn’t just any episode—it’s a time to reflect on the journey we’ve been on...

Episode 158: The New Kids in Town - The Cast of the D-Code Podcast

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m excited to introduce the hosts of the D-Code podcast, a dynamic trio of young professionals making waves in the electronics manufacturing...

Episode 157: What's On Your Workbench? Critical Steps to Avoid Contamination of PCA's During the Rework Process

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode, we’ll be exploring the critical steps to avoid contamination on circuit assemblies during the rework process with our expert g...

Episode 156: An Introduction to Flexible Circuits with Joseph Fjelstad

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s episode, we’re turning our focus to a pivotal innovation that has transformed design and manufacturing processes: flexible circuits.Fle...

Episode 155: Ultra HDI Panel Discussion - Recorded Live at SMTAI

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m in Rosemont Illinois at SMTAI, Surface Mount Technology International. I’m in the Ultra-HDI Pavilion on the trade show floor. And what ...

Episode 154: Thermal Profiling Best Practices

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most critical aspects of manufacturing high-reliability circuit assemblies is thermal profiling during the reflow process. Whether you're ...

Episode 153: Contract Manufacturing Best Practices with Adrian Leal

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're part of the electronics landscape, you've likely encountered the role contract manufacturers play — and it's a critical one. These special...

Episode 152: High-Reliability Solder Paste Selection Best Practices

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As the demand for more durable and dependable electronics continues to rise across industries, the choice of soldering materials, such as solder paste...

Episode 151: Optical Inspection System Best Practices

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Two episodes ago, episode 149, we talked all about automated optical inspection. Today we're exploring the impact of less automated inspection Technol...

Episode 150: The Truth Behind Statistics

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Statistics, at its core, is the science of making sense of data. From predicting trends and making informed decisions to ensuring quality control and ...

Episode 149: AOI and X-Ray Best Practices

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, we're exploring automated optical inspection (AOI) and x-ray inspection technology within the electronic assembly industry.Joining...

Special episode: Surface Mount Technology International - 2024

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Just like the famous line from the 1984 film, The Terminator, “I’ll be back”, SMTAI is back. Back to the Chicago area.We’re back in Rosemont, ...

Episode 148: IPC Apex Special

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live in Anaheim California during the IPC Apex Expo.This episode features three interviews including:• Kimberly Fagan from PVA• Taylor Wa...

Episode 147: IPC Apex Special

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live in Anaheim California during the IPC Apex Expo.This episode features four interviews including:• David Chiu from Test Research, Inc.•...

Episode 146: IPC Apex Special (part 1 of 3)

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live in Anaheim California during the IPC Apex Expo.This episode features three interviews including:• Gus Mavrou from Seho• Mark Stansfi...

Episode 145: Designing Electronics to be Reliable in Harsh Environments

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The challenging world of electronics becomes even more challenging when the end product is destined for harsh environments. For high reliability produ...

Episode 144: A Conversation with Indium's Rick Short about Education-Based Marketing

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re the best, we’re number one, we’re better than them, we’ve won more awards than our competitors, we’ve all seen those ads. While this f...

Episode 143: A Candid Conversation with Industry Icon Doug Pauls

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve discussed the silver tsunami on the show numerous times, the unprecedented rate of which employees are retiring. When engineers and other empl...

Episode 142: Live from SMTA's Pan Pacific Strategic Electronics Symposium (PanPac)

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode was recorded at SMTA's Pan Pacific Strategic Electronics Symposium on the big island of Hawaii.My guests on this episode are Dr. Chuck Bo...

Episode 141: Component Tape Splicing Best Practices with Larry (The Professor) Welk

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Optimization has become an important goal within the electronic assembly industry. While modern electronic assembly techniques utilize a variety of eq...

Episode 140: Circuit Board Design and Acquisition Best Practices

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a little different from our usual episodes. First of all, it’s a dual-branded episode. It’s both a Reliability Matters Podcast and...

Episode 139: Environmentally Responsible Alternatives to Traditional PCB Fabrication

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we delve into an increasingly critical aspect of technology and electronics manufacturing - the pursuit of environmentally responsible electron...

Episode 138: Hand Soldering and Rework Best Practices with Debbie Wade

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're diving deep into the world of precision and craftsmanship—two crucial elements in the realm of hand soldering and rework of circuit asse...

Episode 137: Building a Sustainable Career with a Sustainable Impact

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we delve into the crucial aspects of maintaining well-being on this journey—how to sidestep the notorious burnout, and perhaps more important...

Episode 136: Environmentally Responsible/Sustainable Conformal Coating with Dr. Cassandra Zentner

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We covered the topic of ultrathin conformal coatings back in November. We covered various conformal coating materials from traditional acrylics and si...

Episode 135: A Conversation with Dr. Zach Peterson about Board Design Best Practices

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's increasingly connected and digital world, PCBs are the unsung heroes that power our devices, from smartphones to spacecraft. Yet, the art a...

Episode 134 - 2023 Podcast Season Wrap-Up

26 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, I have no guests as this is the final episode of the Reliability Matters Podcast for the 2023 season. Instead, let's review what happ...

Episode 133: Novel Wireless / Wearable ESD Monitoring

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are all aware of the damage electrostatic discharge can wreak on components and electronic products. We mitigate ESD damage through various forms o...

Episode 132: A Conversation about Ultra-Thin Conformal Coating with HZO's Lisa Rizzo

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’ll dive deep into the world of conformal coating. More and more assemblies are being subjected to conformal coating to protect the assembly...

Episode 131: A Conversation with Industry Icon Bob Willis

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are all aware of the supply chain issues our industry has faced. Beginning with electronic components, it has spread to so many other types of part...

Episode 130: Human-Centered Approaches to Innovation with Dr. Alexis Abramson

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Some of you may recall episode 121 where I spoke with Dr. John Mitchell, president and CEO of IPC about his new book “fire your hiring habits”. Du...

Episode 129: Network Reliability - Avoiding Cyber-Security Threats

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk almost exclusively about reliability on this show. Specifically, reliability of circuit assemblies. We discuss production best practices, desi...

Episode 128: Industry Standards Explained with Leo Lambert

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Those of us in the electronic assembly space are no doubt aware of standards. In the simplest terms, standards tell us how to build products correctly...

Episode 127: Ask the Experts - A Conversation with Phil Zarrow & Jim Hall

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to another episode of the Reliability Matters podcast. For those of you keeping track, this is episode number 127.In recent episodes, we’ve ...

Episode 126: Moisture Mitigation Strategies with Dan Jenkins and Rob Lowery

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Moisture. The industrial world has been fighting moisture since the beginning of the industrial world. From a general point of view, moisture leads to...

Episode 125: DFM Best Practices with Pride Industries' Engineering Manager Andrew Williams

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As all of you are well aware, this show is all about reliability, specifically reliability of circuit assemblies. One challenge that seems to be persi...

Episode 124: Industry Icon Dave Hillman's Amazing 3,600 Mile Kayak Journey Down the Missouri River

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Industry icon Dave Hillman completed a 3,600 mile solo kayak journey down the Missouri River. I spoke with Dave about the inspiration for the journey,...

Episode #123: Introduction to HALT – Highly Accelerated Life Testing with Dr. Christopher Jackson

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We all strive to build products that are reliable. If you’re listening to our watching this podcast, chances are you are concerned about or at least...

Episode 122: The Integration of AI Into Inspection Systems

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to circuit assemblies, there are defects, which result in one of two situations. The preferred result of a defect is to capture it on yo...

Episode 121: Dr. John Mitchell discusses his new book "Fire Your Hiring Habits"

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Most of us are well aware of the supply chain shortages, both within our industry and well beyond. Some of us are also keenly aware of labor shortages...

Episode 120: Making Reliability Training Entertaining and Effective

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can reliability training the both entertaining and effective? The Manufacturing Game's Michelle Ledet Henley has a different approach to traditional t...

Episode 119: Quantum Mechanics Explained

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I first met my guest at the SMTA Pan Pacific Symposium in Hawaii this past January. He was presenting a paper entitled Quantum Technology, A Theoretic...

Episode 118: Making "Big Data" Useful with Intraratio's Ryan Gamble

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The subjects of Industry 4.0 and Big Data have been widely discussed on this podcast. What is Industry 4.0? What data is our industry collecting? And,...

Episode 117: When Residues Cause Circuit Assemblies to Fail

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My guest, Eric Camden (Lead Investigator with Foresite) and I discuss electrochemical migration (ECM) and other failure modes caused by residues on ci...

Episode 116: Supply Chain Musings

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, I speak with Mark Goodwin, COO of Ventec Europe, a supplier of copper clad laminates and prepreg bonding materials for the circuit bo...

Episode 115: Making Sense of "Big Data"

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You don't have to be in the tech industry you understand importance and value of data. Industries have always collected various sets of data, first ma...

Episode 114: The Remarkable Return of the Post-Reflow Cleaning Process

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this show, we’ve discussed many aspects of the Electronics assembly process. We talked about reflow, thermal management, printing, soldering mate...

Episode 113: A Conversation about Counterfeit Component Detection with Dr. Eyal Weiss

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 113: A Conversation about Counterfeit Component Detection with Dr. Eyal WeissWe are all aware of the “oldest profession in the world”. Per...

Special Episode: A Conversation about Business Challenges with STI Electronics' President David Raby

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

David Raby is President of Madison Alabama-based STI Electronics, a contract manufacturer for the EMS industry. David worked at the family business si...

Episode 112: A Conversation about ESD Mitigation with ESD Expert Christopher Almeras

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Electricity is the life blood for all circuit assemblies. It can also afflict significant damage via electrostatic discharge. My guest, Christopher Al...

Episode 111: Liquid Metal’s Potential Future in Electronics

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Historically, circuit assemblies are rigid devices. IoT (Internet of Things) has opened up the opportunity to embed electronics into a near limitless ...

Episode 110: A Wrap-Up of the Reliability Matters 2022 Season

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, there are no guests, and no specific topics. I would like to use this opportunity to thank my guests, our syndication partners, and, ...

Episode 109: A Decade of Industry 4.0 - What it Was - What it Wasn't

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution. Beyond the buzzwords, what does this mean? My guest today is David Graham, Chief Technology Officer of...

Episode 108: A Preview of the Upcoming SMTA Pan Pacific Microelectronics Symposium

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to another episode of the reliability matters podcast. For those who are counting, this is episode number 108. SMTA is well known for pro...

Episode 107: IPC Validation Services & the Trusted Supplier Program

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Like most manufacturers, the electronic manufacturing industry relies on countless suppliers to fulfill its manufacturing needs. I'm quite certain the...

Episode 106: A Conversation about Production Automation

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's been said, on this show, that one key factor to international competitiveness is automation. While labor rates vary widely across the world, auto...

Episode 105: Conformal Coating Material Selection Best Practices

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A new episode of the Reliability Matters Podcast is now available.Episode 105: Conformal Coating Material Selection Best PracticesToday, we’re divin...

Special Episode: A Sneak Peak at the SMTAI Technical Conference with the Technical Committee

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Surface Mount Technology International 2022 is quickly approaching. My guests today are SMTA President Dr. Martin Anselm, a Professor at Rochester Ins...

Episode 104: A Conversation about ESD Flooring with Thomas Ricciardelli

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Modern electronics assembly has seen so many changes over the years. In today’s era of IOT, the electrification of vehicles, the explosion in the us...

Episode 103: SMT Assembly Equipment for Low Volume Applications

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're going to talk about low-volume electronic assembly. We all know who the “big players” are when it comes to solder paste printers, pic...

Episode 102: Contract Manufacturer Selection Process Best Practices

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're going to talk about contract manufacturing. Do you have a circuit assembly that needs to be built? Don’t have the equipment in-house or...

Episode 101: Forging the Future of US Manufacturing with IPC's Matt Kelly

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It seems today, the entire world is experiencing supply chain challenges in nearly all product categories. In the electronic assembly industry, the fo...

Episode 100: A 100th Episode Special (Recorded Live)

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 100: A 100th Episode Special (Recorded Live)This is the 100th episode of the Reliability Matters podcast! Hear clips from past episodes and me...

Episode 99: A Conversation about the IPC Cleanliness Standard & How to Comply with Graham Naisbitt

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're going to talk about cleanliness testing of post-reflowed circuit assemblies. In late 2018, IPC shocked the electronic assembly community ...

Episode 98: A Conversation with AIM Solder's Jen Fijalkowski About Advances in Solder Pastes

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jen Fijalkowski works for Aim Solder. Jen obtained her B.S. from the University of Rhode Island in Chemical Engineering and is a certified Lean Six Si...

Episode 97: Best Practices for Purchasing X Ray Equipment

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I speak with four experts about best practices for purchasing X ray equipment.There are numerous manufacturers of X ray equipment each...

Episode 96: A Conversation with Industry Gurus Phil Zarrow af Jim Hall about their New Book

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 96: A Conversation with Industry Gurus Phil Zarrow and Jim Hall about their New BookA couple of episodes ago, I talked to Dr. and Professor Ro...

Episode 95: A Conversation with SMTA SMT Certification Course Authors Dr. Ron Lasky and Jim Hall

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I spoke with Dr. Ron Lasky and Jim Hall, authors of the SMTA SMT Certification Courses (along with Phil Zarrow) about the content of these courses. I ...