A Fundamental Course on Hand Soldering and a Practical Workshop on Electro Static Discharge (ESD) and Electronic Assembly was held on 13th February 2024 at the Department of Electronic & Telecommunication Engineering, University of Moratuwa, in association with IPC India, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB), and Sri Lanka Electronic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (SLEMEA). This event was held for the second consecutive year.
IPC is a global organization that supports Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS), Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturers, Cable and Wire Harness Manufacturers and suppliers to the Electronics Industry. IPC members increase their bottom lines and deliver dependable, high-quality products through set standards, certification, education, training, thought leadership, advocacy, creative solutions, and industry knowledge.
Sixty (60) participants from Sri Lankan Electrical and Electronic companies attended the interactive lectures and hands-on practical soldering workshop during the Fundamental Course. IPC awarded a valuable certificate to the participants who successfully completed the program. The participants gained deeper understanding on IPC Standards' Requirements, Assembly Functionality, Proper Soldering Techniques, Assembly Procedure Adherence and Overall Product Quality Requirements. The hands-on soldering workshop gave the participants an opportunity to acquire good soldering techniques using cutting-edge tools.
The fundamental course comprised of the modules; Introduction and Overview of Hand Soldering, Safety and Handling, Hand Soldering techniques (Through Hole), Hand Soldering techniques (Surface-Mount Technology- SMT), Practical Session, Practical Evaluation, Technical Workshop on Electro Static Discharge (ESD) and presentations by Static Systems India Pvt Ltd and Ray-Q Interconnection Technogym India Pvt Ltd.
This event provided a platform for professionals and industry experts to connect, share knowledge, and discuss latest trends and advancements in Electronic Assembly. The Technical Workshop on Electronic Assembly featured insightful sessions by industry leaders, covering topics such as Emerging Technologies, Manufacturing Processes, Quality Standards, and Regulatory Compliance.
Mr. Gaurab Majumdar -Executive Director- IPC India, Mr. Vittal Vatar, Regional Manager South (Karnataka, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka) - IPC India, and Mr. B J Srinivas -Mater IPC Trainer, represented from IPC. Mr. Prakash Rukmaiah, CEO Ray-Q Interconnection Technology India Pvt Ltd, Mr. Sudeesh Mani - Asst. General Manager Sales - Static Systems India Pvt Ltd, Dr. Ajith Pasqual -President SLEMEA, Dr. Ranga Rodrigo - Head of the Department- Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering at the University of Moratuwa, Mr. Gihan Jayasinghe - CEO SIM Lanka, Mr. Lalith Bandara - Learning & Development Manager -GPV group, Mr. D.A.D De Zoysa- Deputy Director, SLEDB, and University Academia were present at the event.
The event was significant for Sri Lanka's Electronics Industry. The country's Electronics Industry has grown steadily thanks to the initiatives and support from the government, the skilled workforce and favorable business environment. Due to its advantageous geographic position and highly educated workforce, notably in engineering and technology, Sri Lanka has the potential to become a significant player in the global electronics market.
While continuing this endeavor, the SLEDB is planning to introduce short term Hand Soldering Courses for Vocational Educational Institutes in Sri Lanka with the help of IPC and SLEMEA in the near future.