The D-Code Podcast

We sat down with Zach to explore everything from AI in PCB design to the reality of design reviews, miniaturization, and the impact of tariffs on manufacturing. 👨‍🏫 Zach shared how he transitioned from hobbyist to professional, why investing in quality tools matters, and how AI won’t replace designers—but will definitely transform the workflow. 🔥 Highlights:

Why design reviews are a goldmine for learning

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From waste to wealth behind the scenes of metal reclaiming.

Ever wondered how discarded solder dross transforms into high-purity metal? Tune in for the secrets!

Stan's known as the "solder guru" for good reason he's been deep in the trenches of solder recycling and reclaiming for over two decades.

We talked about how his family business was doing sustainable recycling long before it was trendy, turning solder dross and scrap paste....

Jeff Leal from Axxon-Mycronic swings by the set to dispense some knowledge 😉 An interesting talk unfolded as we discussed precision dispensing and coating solutions. The cast found particular value in learning about "right sized" platforms that can allow low volume outfits an entrance into automation via desktop dispensing robots! Sean and Elias took a stroll over to the Axxon booth after this one and got the chance to check ou...

The Podfather 🎤 Our friend Mike Konrad from Aqueous Technologies and the host of The Reliability Matters Podcast, takes an unfamiliar seat as a guest during IPC Apex 2025! Mike's humility won't allow him to accept the credit due to him for mentoring and helping us up on this journey. We converse about podcasting, collaboration, and even a bit about cleaning! Elias, Producer Paul, Sean, and Daniel send a heartfelt thank you to...

⚙️ “It’s not about CPH—it’s about what you get out the door.” At IPC APEX 2025, we sat down with Tim Kang from Hanwha to talk about next-gen automation, and let’s just say—Hanwha isn’t playing catch-up… they’re setting the pace. From dual-lane ovens that run lead and lead-free at the same time, to pick-and-place systems that run two independent jobs simultaneously—we’re seeing innovation that’s pushing the boundaries of what’s po...

🌎 “It’s not about borders—it’s about building together.” Live from the IPC APEX 2025 show floor, we caught up with Jason Wahba of JW Corporation, who crossed the border (legally 😄) from Canada to talk all things automation, global manufacturing insights, and the future of lean electronics. 🇨🇦🇺🇸 Big thanks to Jason for the Unity Pins—combining the US and Canadian flags—and for sharing some sharp insights from his recent trav...

You don't last 30 years in this industry unless you do things right!

Don Dennison grabs the mic in a show floor interview with Elias, Sean, and Daniel at Apex 2025.

Don is in the elite camp of folks who have attended all 25 IPC Apex Expos!

We converse about the important role Technical Reps play as a conduit between their regional clients and national brands. We also had a bit of a laugh talking about the evolution of sales tec...

"Nothing we design, nothing we make, is worth anything if no one buys it" Enter Jessica Molloy from Asteria Sales & Marketing! We chat about two key points that may resonate with you: Breaking Down Barriers: It's great to see younger professionals in electronics confidently approaching senior figures. This willingness to connect, ask questions, and learn from experience is a major cheat code for growth and innovation within ...

Who do you call when you need root cause analysis due to PCBA related failures? Your clean chemicals provide, naturally... Denis Barbini from ZESTRON Americas mans the interview seat aside Daniel, Elias, and Sean at IPC Apex 2025! Denis shines a light on some surprising support Zestron is providing its partners, the cast was genuinely in awe of the unexpected role Denis and Co. are playing in the field! Problems and solutions, l...

Mr. IPC himself, John W Mitchell joined The D-Code Podcast at APEX 2025. Right off the bat, he flipped the script and started the interview asking questions of us. (We got our chance to ask him questions too!) Topics like apprenticeship, which is an exciting program the IPC is sponsoring to help foster the next generation of electronics manufacturing talent. There are apprentice and pre-apprentice programs available. He also show...

How smart is your storage?

Inovaxe extraordinaire David Ly joined us to talk about the solutions they have for the PCB assembly world.

And let me tell you-

They have a lot!

🎧Listen to learn about the smart racks and integration into your ERP/MRP software 🎧

This was another interview where it was hard for the guest to try and talk about their own product because the hosts could not keep their excitement contained.

Can you imagine ...

Gayle Towell brings the education. Seriously, between two (2!) Masters degrees, teaching, and scientific journalism, she is an explaining machine! If you are newer to surface mount and want to learn more about the miniaturization of solder paste and stencil thickness, this interview really gives a great overview. Learn how solder balls are made, how they interact with stencils and the process of selecting what Type of paste to use....

Daniel Stanphill friend, Debbie Carboni, joined us to talk about the science they are working on at KYZEN Corporation to help people in the PCBA space. Do you use IPA in your under stencil cleaning process? Do you always use a wet pass or do you sometimes use a dry pass? She can tell you how to stabilize your processes through chemistry. They can monitor processes in real time and help you detect problems before they exist! Se...

Don Jeka Producer Paul here. This was a really fun one to witness. I get to see the guys geek out behind the scenes about SMT/PCBA technology frequently before and after recording regular episodes, but they do their best to keep the official podcast from ever feeling like a commercial. That said, we purposely bring on people who are doing cool things and it happens after we end the recording from time to time. This was so fun be...

73% of Engineers are listening to Podcasts 😳 Judy Warner dropped this nugget while chatting with Daniel, Elias, and Sean during hashtag#IPCAPEXEXPO2025. Judy has been a great friend of our Podcast, freely sharing her know how and experiences gained through her 7 years behind the mic. We chat about Judy's storied career in our space and the "pre China" glory days of North American EMS. We also touch on Judy's self proclaimed "acci...

Gene Weiner, the legend himself, takes some time to discuss current challenges and opportunities in supply chain management, sourcing, cost changes coming from trade agreement changes, and as it is 2025, of course we discussed AI! Sean Kincaid, Daniel Stanphill, and Elias Malfavon Jr. were schooled in this one! Gene is at the top of his game, keeping on his toes and doing all he can to continue his mission of improving our collect...

At least if you know how to use it, and that's what @Jeremy Orbach from @Omron is trying to help teach people.

Don't turn your inspection equipment into just an expensive conveyor!

He talks in this conversation about how to turn data into improved processes and realize results in days, not months or years.

Do you have a desire to drive towards a zero defect process?

If so, you should really get in touch with Jeremy!

Check out this ...