Reliability Matters

Mike Konrad
  • 4.8 (9)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Reliability Matters is a podcast on the subject of reliability of circuit assemblies. Reliability "best practices" and success stories are discussed. This podcast features interviews with experts in the electronic assembly industry. All electronic production segments which effect product reliability are on the table. This includes contamination, coating, cleanliness assessment, inspection, building for harsh environments, reflow, printing, failure analysis, board fabrication, and much more. Your Host: Mike Konrad began his career in the electronic assembly equipment industry in 1985. Mike founded Aqueous Technologies in 1992 in response to the Montreal Protocol and the resulting international treaty banning most popular cleaning/defluxing solvents. Mike is an internationally known speaker on the subject of increasing reliability through contamination removal and cleanliness quantification techniques and procedures. Mike was awarded “Distinguish Speaker Status” with SMTA in 2018 and received the “Rich Freiberger Best of Conference Award” in 2019. Mike is a member of the SMTA Global Board of Directors where he is Vice President of Communications. Mike is also Vice President of Technical Programs for the Los Angeles / Orange County SMTA Chapter. Visit the Reliability Matters Podcast Website: https://www.reliabilitymatterspodcast.com

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

    6H AGO

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

    In electronics manufacturing, defects don’t usually announce themselves. They happen in milliseconds, far faster than human perception, and often long before anyone realizes a process has drifted out of control. By the time failures show up in test, inspection, or worse, in the field, the root cause may be buried deep inside machine behavior that no one thought to question. When machines are assumed to be accurate instead of proven to be accurate, and when force is set but not verified, hidden variation creeps in. That variation can translate directly into cracked components, misalignment, latent damage, and long-term reliability risk. My guest today is Michael Sivigny, SMT Productivity & Profit Strategist and owner and General Manager CeTaQ Americas, a company that has spent decades doing what most factories don’t, objectively measuring machine performance under real production conditions.  Michael’s work has repeatedly shown that even well-maintained, recently serviced equipment can operate outside of specification, quietly generating defects at high speed. In this conversation, we’ll dig into how accuracy validation and force measurement expose problems traditional troubleshooting misses, why OEM calibration alone is no longer enough for today’s miniaturized electronics, and how statistically sound measurement practices improve not only yield and uptime, but long-term product reliability. If you believe reliability starts long before functional test, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. CeTaQ Americas https://cetaq-americas.com msivigny@cetaq-americas.com

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

    JAN 13

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

    Today, I’m joined by someone who has spent more than three decades at the intersection of materials science, automation, and high-reliability manufacturing.  Jon Urquhart is the Director of Global Applications Engineering at Precision Valve and Automation — one of the world’s leading developers of dispensing, coating, and industrial motion-automation systems. Since joining PVA in 1993, Jon has become widely recognized for his expertise in fluid material processing, precision dispensing, and the engineering-to-manufacturing handoff that so often makes or breaks product reliability. Jon holds multiple patents and has helped shape advanced processes used in industries where the stakes couldn’t be higher — from aerospace and EV battery systems to semiconductor packaging, medical devices, and high-density electronics assembly. His work spans everything from protective coatings that safeguard electronics in extreme environments, to next-generation thermal interface material (TIM) deposition, to automation strategies that reduce human error, improve consistency, and dramatically scale production. We’ll discuss the real-world challenges of protecting critical electronics and batteries, the latest advances in TIM materials and deposition, sustainable precision-coating techniques, and the power of a strong collaboration model between vendors, manufacturers, and lab technicians. PVA Website: https://www.pva.net Jon Urquhart: jurquhart@pva.net

    50 min
  3. Preserving Knowledge,Advancing Reliability: A Reliability Matters Podcast Year-End Reflection - #183

    12/23/2025

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

    Since 2018, Reliability Matters has been building a knowledge vault, capturing the wisdom of industry experts for engineers everywhere.  In this special year-end episode, we celebrate the journey, the growth, and the community that made it possible.

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

    12/09/2025

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

    Today, we’re continuing our dive into the world of contract manufacturing—a vital piece of the electronics ecosystem. Joining me are two industry leaders who know this space inside and out. First, we have Daniel Stanphill, SMT Process Engineer at Aurora Boardworks, and alongside him, Sean Kincaid, President of K & F Electronics.  Both Daniel and Sean represent companies that provide contract manufacturing services to a wide range of customers, helping turn design concepts into dependable, production-ready circuit assemblies. In this conversation, we’ll explore what makes for a successful relationship between contract manufacturers and their customers. We’ll talk about the types of customers they look for, the challenges they face in today’s manufacturing environment, and the common mistakes that can derail a project if not addressed early on.  Most importantly, we’ll dig into best practices that can help customers and manufacturers work together more effectively. You may recognize Daniel and Sean. In addition to their day jobs, Daniel and Sean, along with Elias Malfavon Jr. are also co-hosts of the d-code podcast, where they share candid conversations and insights from across the electronics industry.  We’ll hear what inspired them to launch the show and how it ties into their mission of building stronger connections in this field. So whether you’re an engineer, a buyer, or anyone working with contract manufacturers, this episode is packed with advice to help you navigate the process with confidence.  Daniel is an SMT Process Engineer at: Aurora Boardworks https://auroraboardworks.com Sean is President of: K & F Electronics https://www.circuitboards.com

    1h 6m
  5. What Every OEM Should Know About Working with Contract Manufacturers - With Raymond Novara

    11/25/2025

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

    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 this episode is Raymond Novara, founder and owner of East End Assemblies, a U.S.-based contract manufacturer recognized for its focus on quality, customer service, and compliance with AS9100 and IPC standards. During our conversation, I’ll be asking Raymond some key questions that every OEM should be considering: What are the best practices for selecting a contract manufacturer?What common mistakes do companies make when working with a CM—especially in communication and hand-offs?How can design-for-manufacturability feedback prevent problems down the road?What should customers know about transitioning from prototypes to volume production?And how can contract manufacturers help ensure long-term product reliability, not just passing initial tests? If you’re an OEM evaluating partners, an engineer preparing to hand off a design, or someone interested in how contract manufacturers contribute to product reliability, this episode is packed with insights. Raymond Novara's Company: East End Assemblies https://eastendassemblies.com

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

    11/11/2025

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

    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 management, energy efficiency, and long-term performance in electronics manufacturing—low temperature soldering. Joining me is Dr. HongWen Zhang, Principal Metallurgist and R&D Manager of the Alloy Group at Indium Corporation.  Dr. Zhang is not only a seasoned materials scientist with a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering, a Master’s degree in materials science and engineering and in mechanical engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical physical chemistry he’s also the co-inventor of Durafuse, a groundbreaking family of solder alloys that are redefining what's possible at low reflow temperatures—which, reportedly, does not compromise reliability.  In this episode, we’ll explore how low temperature solders are helping manufacturers lower energy consumption, protect heat-sensitive components, and still meet the rigorous mechanical and environmental demands of today’s electronics—from wearables to wafer-level packaging. We’ll also talk about the challenges of brittleness, drop shock resistance, activation and encapsulation of no clean activators, and how cutting-edge materials research is solving problems that used to be considered trade-offs. Whether you’re a reliability engineer, a process expert, or just solder-curious, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Indium's Website: https://www.indium.com Durafuse ®: https://www.indium.com/products/alloys/solder-alloys/durafuse-lt/

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

    10/28/2025

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

    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, from advanced alloys and flux chemistries to global manufacturing strategy and materials innovation, with one of the industry’s most respected leaders.   Joining me is Ross Berntson, President and CEO of Indium Corporation. Ross has been with Indium Corporation for nearly 30 years, starting as a product specialist and rising through the ranks with leadership roles in product management, technical support, and international operations. He even spent time leading Indium’s Asia Holdings while based in Singapore, strengthening the company’s presence across Southeast Asia.   In his current role as CEO, Ross sets the strategic direction for a global materials powerhouse, one that’s known not only for its high-performance soldering products but for its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and engineering support through the company’s “One Engineer to Another” philosophy. Ross holds degrees in chemistry, teaching, and an MBA from Cornell University, where he earned several prestigious academic awards. He’s also deeply engaged in both the electronics industry and his community, serving on multiple boards and leading with a strong emphasis on culture, opportunity, and respect, the core of what Indium calls “The Indium Way.”   In this episode, we’ll discuss how soldering materials are evolving to meet the demands of modern electronics, from miniaturization and harsh environments to UHDI and advanced packaging.  We’ll also talk about Indium’s unique positioning in the industry, the challenges of global supply chains, and what the future of soldering looks like from the vantage point of a company that’s helped shape it. Indium Corporation: https://www.indium.com The book Ross recommended: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World Paperback  By David Epstein https://tinyurl.com/3tjvj34n

    1h 4m
  8. Behind the Alloy: Soldering Materials, Process Control, & Reliability Shantanu Joshi & Greg Starrett

    10/14/2025

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

    This is the second of four episodes on the subject of soldering materials. In today’s episode, continuing the subject of soldering materials, diving deep into the science, strategy, and subtleties behind one of the most foundational elements of electronic assembly: soldering materials.  Joining me are two experts from KOKI Solder—Shantanu Joshi, Head of Customer Solutions and Operational Excellence, and Greg Starrett, General Manager of North American Operations. Together, they bring decades of experience in solder chemistry, process engineering, and real-world reliability.   We’ll explore how soldering materials influence long-term performance, how material and process decisions interact, and what assemblers should consider when aiming for high-reliability outcomes. From surface finishes and flux residues to void mitigation and future trends in solder formulation, this episode offers practical insights that go well beyond the datasheet. So whether you’re on the factory floor, in the lab, or managing quality and reliability at scale—this conversation is for you. Shantanu Joshi Head of Customer Solutions shantanu@kokiamerica.com Greg Starrett National Sales Manager greg@kokiamerica.com

    58 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Reliability Matters is a podcast on the subject of reliability of circuit assemblies. Reliability "best practices" and success stories are discussed. This podcast features interviews with experts in the electronic assembly industry. All electronic production segments which effect product reliability are on the table. This includes contamination, coating, cleanliness assessment, inspection, building for harsh environments, reflow, printing, failure analysis, board fabrication, and much more. Your Host: Mike Konrad began his career in the electronic assembly equipment industry in 1985. Mike founded Aqueous Technologies in 1992 in response to the Montreal Protocol and the resulting international treaty banning most popular cleaning/defluxing solvents. Mike is an internationally known speaker on the subject of increasing reliability through contamination removal and cleanliness quantification techniques and procedures. Mike was awarded “Distinguish Speaker Status” with SMTA in 2018 and received the “Rich Freiberger Best of Conference Award” in 2019. Mike is a member of the SMTA Global Board of Directors where he is Vice President of Communications. Mike is also Vice President of Technical Programs for the Los Angeles / Orange County SMTA Chapter. Visit the Reliability Matters Podcast Website: https://www.reliabilitymatterspodcast.com

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Konrad
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    191
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Mike Konrad
  • Show Website
    Reliability Matters