Elon Musk has folded xAI into SpaceX to pursue space-based data centers ahead of a planned IPO, while construction has begun on India’s largest sustainable PCB factory, designed to supply up to 30 percent of domestic board demand by 2026.

Researchers have demonstrated fully autonomous tuning of a semiconductor spin qubit, using a combination of deep learning, Bayesian optimization and computer vision to take a device from zero bias to Rabi oscillations without human intervention.

Kurtz Ersa introduces VERSAFLEX 2.0 selective solder module.

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have demonstrated that bacterial cellulose produced as a waste byproduct of kombucha fermentation can be repurposed into mechanically stable, biodegradable materials for sustainable electronic components.

Kurtz Ersa releases HR 600 XL Heating Head rework system accessory.

According to research done by Fuji in January, Fuji achieved world-first placement of 016008 mm components using its NXTR SMT platform.

Count On Tools releases large-format vacuum nozzle.

Kurtz Ersa unveils i-CON TRACE networked soldering station.

Michael Sivigny explains how validating machine accuracy and force compliance uncovers hidden process variation that drives defects, yield loss and long-term reliability risks in modern electronics manufacturing.

Registration is now open for PCB East 2026, the electronics industry’s East Coast conference and exhibition.

PCB East 2026’s exhibition hall is more than 95 percent sold out, reflecting strong exhibitor demand ahead of the April event in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Wally Rhines reviews the latest ECAD market data, including sustained year-over-year growth, regional sales shifts and employment trends across design and semiconductor tools on the PCB Chat podcast.

Looking for networking opportunities? Join the PCEA Discord server, bringing together engineers and designers from around the world on a private channel for discussing technical questions and career opportunities.

SpaceX has acquired xAI, combining Elon Musk’s rocket and satellite operations with his artificial intelligence startup ahead of a planned IPO later this year.

Construction has started on a large-scale sustainable PCB plant in Sehore, India, targeting completion in October 2026 and supplying up to 30 percent of domestic demand.

Demcon has acquired Dutch electronics specialist Leap Development, rebranding it as Demcon Electronics.

AT&S returned to profit in the third quarter with $26M in net income as revenue climbed 18 percent year-over-year.

Fabrinet guided third-quarter revenue up to $1.2B after second-quarter sales jumped 36 percent year-over-year.

Silicon Mountain Contract Services has rebranded as SMCS.

ITW EAE has extended its agreement with IPP, adding Electrovert soldering and cleaning equipment to IPP’s UK and Ireland portfolio.

Element Solutions completed its acquisition of the Micromax conductive pastes and inks business.

Hyrel Technologies has appointed Horizon Sales as its Midwest and Florida representative.

Deswell Industries named Karen Chan Chi Yin as chief financial officer.

TTM Technologies has appointed Daniel G. Korte and Ryan D. McCarthy as independent directors, effective May 7, 2026.

Building Relationships with AI Technology
PCD&F/CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY

AI-Enhanced Sorting Enabling Direct, High-Purity Urban Mining of Tantalum: A Novel Pathway from E-Waste to Critical Materials
Resources, Conservation & Recycling

Quad-Band Metamaterial Absorber with High Shielding Effectiveness Using Bold X-Shaped Ring Resonator
Journal of Electronic Materials

EVENTS

PCB Update is a digital newsletter for PCB design, fabrication and assembly professionals, brought to you by Printed Circuit Engineering Association™. E-mail industry press releases or links to the editors of CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY or PCD&F: pr@pcea.net.