Nolan Johnson interviews Maurizio Bonati, VP of Sales at Pluritec, at APEX EXPO 2026. Bonati details Pluritec's three product divisions, covering a broad spectrum of PCB manufacturing. He discusses the current robust electronics market, driven by AI applications in Asia and technological investments in North America, while noting slower demand in Europe. The interview highlights key sectors like data centers, AI, and medical that benefit from advanced electronics.

APEX EXPO isn’t all business! To wrap up our last photo gallery, we’re sharing some of our favorites from the show—a walk on the lighter side. We’re highlighting those in-between moments: quick selfies, familiar faces reconnecting, robot dogs, booth-side laughs, and the kind of candid snapshots you only get when people are genuinely enjoying themselves. At the end of the day, it’s not just about what we do, it’s about the people we do it with.

Based in one of India’s premier manufacturing regions, Vasantha Advanced Systems is an EMS provider that has built a reputation for quality, reliability, and long-term customer partnerships, earning repeated recognition from the Indian government through its National MSME Awards. Now, with a full spectrum of capabilities spanning PCB assembly, box build, and wire harness, and a workforce of more than 500, Vasantha is expanding its presence into the U.S. market. At APEX EXPO, I met Dr. Chidambaranathan and learned how this rising global player is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of North American customers.

The first advanced electronics packaging conference at APEX EXPO 2026 was well-received this year with an engaged audience. Matt Kelly, CTO of the Global Electronics Association, says the expanded focus on component and system-level integration fosters unprecedented collaboration across the industry. Also new this year were the Design Pavilion and Technology Theater, which brought commercial value to technical discussions and highlighted the critical role of timely standards development in rapidly evolving sectors such as AI and automotive.

At APEX EXPO 2026, all4-PCB's booth stayed busy until the very end. In this interview, Managing Director Ralph Jacobo highlights what he sees as strong market momentum in North America driven by increased demand for advanced PCB manufacturing technologies. He emphasizes investments in multilayer lamination, propelled by AI infrastructure, aerospace, and HDI complexity, where precision and uniformity are critical.

Jason Schwartz discusses KYZEN's advanced cleaning solutions for PCB assembly with Dan Beaulieu at APEX EXPO 2026. KYZEN has a 35-year legacy in defluxing, innovative real-time process control, and commitment to ensuring electronic reliability. How KYZEN partners with manufacturers through process audits and lab testing to maintain optimal cleaning standards is part of this conversation.

At APEX EXPO 2026, the next generation of industry leadership was on full display with the introduction of Aubrey Smith, the Global Electronics Association’s newest Student Board Member. She’s a third-year electrical and electronics engineering student at the University of Georgia and a first-year participant in the Emerging Engineer Program. Aubrey represents the curiosity, initiative, and openness that define tomorrow’s innovators.

APEX EXPO receptions offer a chance to step away from the booth and connect in a more relaxed setting. From newcomer gatherings to the ice cream social, the show floor reception, and the Golden Gnomes, these events bring attendees together across roles and experience levels. Enjoy this photo gallery of social gatherings. You might find yourself and people you know! It’s a place to reconnect with colleagues, meet people you’ve only known by name, and discover new companies shaping the industry—strengthening relationships and building a sense of community.

Bill Solari of Photonics Systems USA outlines the advantages of laser depaneling for circuit board manufacturing. We learn that this advanced technology addresses rising material costs by increasing panel yield and improving edge quality. This process provides precision, suitability for medical applications, and cost-saving benefits, including the elimination of cleaning steps. There have been significant advancements in laser depaneling, offering a competitive and efficient solution for modern electronics production.

Explore the crucial role of squeegees in modern electronics manufacturing with insights from Mark Curtin of Transition Automation. This interview from APEX EXPO 2026 delves into advancements in squeegee technology, focusing on material innovation and automated systems for enhanced reliability. Learn how refined squeegee edges are vital for printing fine components and ensuring the integrity of solder joints in high-demand applications.

Marcy LaRont interviews Austin Addison from Blackfox Training at APEX EXPO 2026. Blackfox offers comprehensive IPC standards training, including J-Standard and specialized courses. Programs are tailored to individual needs, offering flexible training options and emphasizing the foundational knowledge required for certification.

I’m back from APEX EXPO 2026 in Anaheim, California, and it was another great year. Even amid significant global volatility, the industry is growing, innovating, and building partnerships. As I reflect on the experience, I want to share my top 7 takeaways and explain why each matters. First is this year’s Advanced Electronics Packaging Conference (AEPC) , which delivered outstanding, peer-reviewed content and strong participation, reflecting how central advanced electronics packaging has become across the industry.

In the new issue of SMT007 Magazine, explore what’s shaping wire harness manufacturing and how new solutions are helping companies streamline operations and better support EMS providers. Hear from experts at the Wire Harness Manufacturer’s Association, companies advancing automated quoting, and see how these shifts are influencing production in one of the world’s largest wire harness hubs: Mexico.

Explore LPMS USA's innovative low pressure molding process for LED circuits, demonstrated by Brian Betti at APEX EXPO 2026. Witness the KAPPA 1100H machine utilizing a low-viscosity polyamide resin to safely encapsulate sensitive components. This professional demonstration highlights advanced manufacturing techniques and the versatility of low-pressure molding for electronic applications.

Koki's innovative approach to customer-centric product development is highlighted in this show floor interview with Shantanu Joshi at APEX EXPO 2026. Learn how Koki collaborates with clients to create tailored silver and coating solutions, addressing challenges like voiding and enhancing reliability. The company's micro-alloying techniques and free analytical services designed to optimize performance and manage costs.

Technica USA, in collaboration with long-time partner WISE s.r.l., hosted an exciting and spirited team-building event during last week’s APEX Expo at K1 Speed Anaheim

APEX EXPO officially opens today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony welcoming attendees onto the sold-out show floor in Anaheim, California. Standards committee meetings and professional development courses have been underway since the weekend, but Tuesday marks the official opening of the exhibition as more than 400 exhibitors prepare to showcase their latest equipment, materials, and technologies across 140,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Indium Corporation® will showcase its proven solder solutions through live demonstrations at APEX Expo 2026,  March 17-19, in Anaheim, California.

Building on our tradition of delivering comprehensive coverage of APEX EXPO 2026, I-Connect007 will present a five-episode Show & Tell Newsletter series, arriving in subscribers’ inboxes each Friday, March 27 to April 24. The special series will highlight key moments from the Global Electronics Association’s annual trade show, offering readers an inside look at the people, companies, and ideas shaping the electronics manufacturing industry.

The APEX EXPO 2026 show floor has officially sold out, with 416 exhibitors occupying the Anaheim Convention Center.