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is correctly aligned with the low- er guide, helping maintain accu- rate board positioning during separation.


Additional blade guards lo-


cated at the output side of the cutting area prevent operator ac- cess to the cutting blades, en- hancing workplace safety while reducing the likelihood of acci- dental contact.


Flexible Support The system’s linear guide


table incorporates adjustable support rails and an input-side board stop that can be config- ured to position panels quickly and accurately before cutting.


This setup enables repeatable processing of small boards while minimizing setup time between production runs. For manufacturers working


with unique board geometries, FKN Systek also offers custom nesting plates designed to cus- tomer specifications. These fixtures provide se-


cure board handling and addi- tional support during depanel- ing, helping to reduce mechani- cal stress on sensitive assem- blies.


Beyond standalone depanel-


izers, FKN Systek manufactures a range of depaneling solutions, including customizable tooling and fully integrated in-line sys-


the most overlooked — element in electronics manufacturing.


Technology Doesn’t Run Itself Manufacturing technology


has advanced dramatically over the past two decades. Modern pro- duction equipment can place tens of thousands of components per hour, inspect assemblies with mi- cron-level accuracy, and generate vast amounts of process data. Ar- tificial intelligence is increasingly helping manufacturers identify defects, optimize production schedules, and improve quality outcomes. However, technology alone does not guarantee success. Every automated system still


depends on people to select, imple- ment, program, maintain, and im- prove it. A poorly trained operator can undermine the benefits of even the most sophisticated


equipment. Likewise, an experi- enced engineer can often identify and resolve a production issue long before software recognizes a problem. The reality is that tech- nology amplifies human capabili- ty — it does not replace it.


July 2026


FKN Launches Depanelizer for Small PCBs... Continued from page 1


tems. Manufactured in the Unit- ed States, the company’s equip- ment is designed for long-term durability, featuring tool steel blades that can be resharpened to extend service life and reduce operating costs. For electronics manufactur-


ers seeking greater precision, safety, and repeatability when processing small V-scored PCBs, guided depaneling systems can play an important role in im- proving both product quality and production efficiency. Contact: FKN Systek, 115


Pleasant Street, Millis, MA 02054 % 508-376-2500 E-mail: fkn@fknsystek.com Web: www.fknsystek.com r


Critical Technology: The Human Factor... Continued from page 1


are long gone. Unfortunately, many organ-


The Growing Skills Challenge


The electronics manufactur-


ing industry faces a significant workforce challenge. Many expe- rienced engineers, technicians, and operators are approaching retirement, while fewer young professionals are entering manu- facturing careers. Modern manufacturing em-


ployees are expected to under- stand automation systems, data analytics, software interfaces, quality management practices, and complex production process- es. The days when manufactur- ing roles were primarily manual


izations continue to approach workforce development as a cost rather than an investment. Training budgets are often among the first areas reduced during economic uncertainty, de- spite the fact that employee knowledge directly affects pro- ductivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.


Companies that view train-


ing as a strategic priority will be far better positioned than those that treat it as an expense. Experienced operators know


how equipment behaves under real-world conditions. Process engineers understand the subtle variables that affect yield. Quali- ty professionals recognize pat- terns that may not be visible in production data alone.Yet many organizations fail to capture this expertise effectively. As veteran employees retire,


years of practical knowledge often leave with them. Documentation helps, but it rarely replaces the in-


Continued on page 8 Contents


Tech-Op-Ed ........................... 4 Tech Watch ...........................10 People......................................12 Business News......................14 Business Briefs.................... 15 Management......................... 16 EMS .......................................18 Electronic Mfg. Prods.............26 Production............................ 36 Partnering............................. 38 Distribution........................... 40 New Products........................50 High-Tech Events................ 60 2026 Editorial Calendar....... 60 Advertisers Index................... 62


Special Focus: Test and Inspection............... 42


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