“EMPACT” – means working together

Citation

(2010), "“EMPACT” – means working together", Microelectronics International, Vol. 27 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/mi.2010.21827aab.001

“EMPACT” – means working together

Article Type: Industry news From: Microelectronics International, Volume 27, Issue 1

A new technology support initiative entitled “EMPACT,” has been launched as a web-based information vehicle for the microelectronic packaging and interconnection industries. It is intended to offer a business link (B2B) information network to companies and individuals requiring up to date industry news, an events calendar and associated company information pertaining to service providers and like-minded businesses.

EMPACT is based upon the need for engineering of micro (electronic) packaging and connection technology to address the sustainability issue for electronic systems now and in the future. The issues of design for disassembly, component reuse, and recycling will be the main emphasis for the network development. However, the foundation of the network is a knowledge base of technical information and articles relating to electronics manufacture involving chip packaging and interconnection issues. It is expected that network members will continue to add information as well as use EMPACT as a forum for problem solving. EMPACT will also develop regular networking events and conferences that will address the key issues of sustainable electronics design and manufacture.

EMPACT is currently a collaboration of three founder members; PandA Europe, a chip packaging technology company, KBTec Ltd, an electronics manufacturing Consultancy and TMT Associates, an electronics industry management and support group. These companies have been industry players for many years and bring a high level of experience to the network.

There are many organizations and groups promoting advanced technology and offering new ideas for research and development (R&D) but most businesses involved in the industry need access to information and technical detail that is available for “today” need. Andy Longford, Director of PandA Europe stated that “UK and Europe urgently needs a support mechanism to keep up with the fast moving and ever changing component assembly and packaging industry. We see the role of ‘EMPACT’ as being the key information source enabling industry to find immediate solutions to the challenges being imposed by emerging technology as it rapidly makes its way to market.”

In the past, there have been European Union (EU)-funded organizations, such as the Known Good die network, Encasit, Netpack, and Elfnet providing data for industry and Academia involved in microelectronics packaging. “As these networks no longer exist, ‘stated Ken Ball, Founder of KBTec,’ it has now become the job of industry to directly provide the information and support the development of sustainable electronic systems. We see ‘EMPACT’ being an industry led information network that can build upon the wealth of information previously developed. We expect it to become the key ‘on-line’ choice for industry to both advertise it's capabilities as well as source the right problem solving solution.”

Web-based networks are the new tool for groups of like-minded individuals to converse and communicate with one another. It is envisaged that “EMPACT” will become more than just a web-based information source. Business today needs to network both in the real world as well as the virtual world of the web. Face to face meetings and information exchange events are vitally important and “EMPACT” expects to develop a number of key meetings for the industry to provide the right shop window to show off its capabilities. Ian Blackman, CEO of TMT Associates, stated, “Properly constructed and well managed conferences benefit all concerned, and are one of the best ways to promote understanding of the emerging issues of sustainable electronics manufacturing. The ‘EMPACT’ network is the only organization that is looking at these issues and providing a means for industry to make itself aware of future manufacturing solutions.”

The mission of EMPACT is to provide the (UK) industry an organization that networks to support marketing and promotion of technology and offers an information centre for microelectronics packaging and interconnection. EMPACT means working together.

For further information, please visit the web site: www.empact.uk.com