Industry Insights

Industry Insights

How semiconductors are made

Semiconductors are at the heart of modern electronics, powering everything from smartphones and computers to electric vehicles and industrial machinery. Their production involves a highly sophisticated process that combines chemistry, physics, and engineering to create intricate devices capable of controlling electrical signals. Understanding how semiconductors are made provides insight into one of the most critical

Read More
Industry Insights

What are printed circuit boards made of?

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are essential components in modern electronics, providing the framework to connect and support electronic components through conductive pathways. These pathways are etched into a substrate, creating a reliable and organised system for electrical connections. Understanding what printed circuits are made of is crucial for comprehending their performance, durability, and applications across

Read More
Industry Insights Market Analysis

Driving the EV market forward

Reports of a slowing down in the sales of electric vehicles (EV) in some markets, the announcement of scrapping an electric vehicle grant scheme in the UK and seemingly a waning appetite for electric vehicles in some parts of the world have raised questions about the state of the EV market and its future. In

Read More
Industry Insights Market Analysis

Will we see another semiconductor shortage in 2025?

The global semiconductor shortage has persisted since 2020, with lingering effects in various industries. While the United Kingdom has largely recovered from COVID-era shipping disruptions and material scarcity, its supply woes are not over yet – another shortage may emerge in 2025. Zac Amos, Contributing Writer, further explores. Why another semiconductor shortage is likely Although

Read More
Industry Insights

Planning for the unplannable in the electronics components industry

By Grant Portman, Key Account Manager, Whistler Technology, a Milexia Company If there is one lesson that COVID-19 taught us, it is the importance of planning for the unexpected. For the electronics components industry, this means adopting a flexible supply chain sourcing model to respond quickly to unforeseen challenges. Following the global semiconductor shortage, governments

Read More
Industry Insights

Why are semiconductors important?

Semiconductors are integral to the functioning of virtually every piece of modern technology. As the foundation of electronics, they play a critical role in enabling advancements across industries, from consumer devices to industrial applications and cutting-edge research. What are semiconductors? Semiconductors are materials that possess electrical conductivity between that of conductors, like copper, and insulators,

Read More
Industry Insights

Navigating risk in sourcing cleaning fluids for PCB manufacturing

In printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, the selection of cleaning fluids and equipment is a critical decision that can significantly affect both the quality of the final product and the overall cost-effectiveness of the manufacturing operation. As procurement professionals, the responsibility of mitigating risks associated with these selections falls squarely on your shoulders. Elizabeth Norwood,

Read More
Industry Insights

Supplier Spotlight: Anglia Components

Anglia Components is a UK-based distributor of electronic components, offering a broad range of products. The company serves a variety of industries, providing technical support, inventory management, and tailored supply chain solutions. Anglia has built a reputation for its customer-centric approach, combining traditional telesales with online services to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

Read More
Industry Insights

Avnet insights: engineers outline opportunity for AI

For the fourth consecutive year, Avnet will release its Avnet Insights survey, which has been keeping a pulse on how engineers are responding to the market since 2021. This year’s survey examines technology’s new frontier: artificial intelligence, and the promise – and challenges – it presents for product design. Preliminary insights include: Engineers are optimistic

Read More
Industry Insights

End of year reflections from Solsta

Jon Baxter, Executive Director, Sales & Operations EMEA, Solsta reflects on the past 12 months and reveals his expectations for 2025. What have been the challenges? Looking back on 2024, the year has presented significant challenges and valuable learning experiences. While widespread optimism was that the market would recover in the second half of the

Read More