PODCAST · technology
Reliability Matters
by Mike Konrad
Reliability Matters is a podcast on the subject of reliability of circuit assemblies. Reliability "best practices" and success stories are discussed. This podcast features interviews with experts in the electronic assembly industry. All electronic production segments which effect product reliability are on the table. This includes contamination, coating, cleanliness assessment, inspection, building for harsh environments, reflow, printing, failure analysis, board fabrication, and much more. Your Host: Mike Konrad began his career in the electronic assembly equipment industry in 1985. Mike founded Aqueous Technologies in 1992 in response to the Montreal Protocol and the resulting international treaty banning most popular cleaning/defluxing solvents. Mike is an internationally known speaker on the subject of increasing reliability through contamination removal and cleanliness quantification techniques and procedures. Mike was awarded “Distinguish Sp
Episodes
-
Reliability Matters at 200: The Conversations, Lessons, and People Behind the Podcast - Episode 200
Reliability Matters at 200: The Conversations, Lessons, and People Behind the Podcast Reliability Matters has reached its 200th episode! In this special solo episode, host Mike Konrad looks back at the conversations, ideas, and people who have helped shape the podcast. Rather than focusing on a...
-
Good Adhesive, Bad Bond: David Dworak on the Hidden Causes of Adhesion Failure - Episode 199
Adhesive failures can be frustrating because the problem isn’t always obvious. The adhesive may have been properly selected, the part may look clean, and the process may seem under control. But weeks or months later, a coating lifts, an encapsulant separates, or a bond fails in the field. So what...
-
Why Your Al Training Isn't Sticking: Sean Patterson on Making Al Useful in Manufacturing - Ep. 198
Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now. It’s in the headlines, it’s being built into software tools, and it’s showing up in more and more conversations about engineering, manufacturing, quality, and process improvement. But here’s the problem. A company can buy the software. A team can...
-
Closing the Gap Between Validation and Reality with Dr. Nishith Kumar Reddy Gorla - Episode 197
What if passing the test is not enough? In reliability engineering, we often place a great deal of confidence in laboratory validation. We test, measure, analyze, and document. And when the product passes, we naturally assume it is ready for the field. But what happens when a product passes the…
more -
If We Don't Shape Al, Al Will Shape Us - Dr. James Maisiri on Responsible Technology Adoption # 196
Today, we’re going to explore a topic that seems to be touching nearly every industry, every workplace, and increasingly every part of our daily lives: artificial intelligence. But this conversation is not just about what AI can do. It’s about what AI assumes, what it values, what it misses, and...
-
The Return of Cleaning: Why Post-Reflow Cleaning Is Becoming Mainstream Again (Part 2) - Episode 194
This is part two of a two-part series. In Part One, we explored how the electronics industry transitioned from a clean-everything approach to one where cleaning became optional. But what happens when the assumptions behind “no-clean” collide with modern electronics design? In this episode of...
-
The Return of Cleaning: Why Post-Reflow Cleaning Is Becoming Mainstream Again - Episode 193
This is the first of a two part series. For decades, cleaning circuit assemblies after soldering was not optional. It was standard practice across the electronics manufacturing industry. Then, almost overnight, that changed. In this episode of Reliability Matters, Mike Konrad takes you back to…
more -
Why PCB Revision Errors Are a Hidden Reliability Risk With Mehdi Nahali - Episode 192
Today, we’re going to explore a topic that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but has a direct impact on product quality and long-term reliability. I’m joined by Mehdi Nahali, founder of PCB Revision Control PRO. His platform is designed to replace spreadsheets, emails, and…
more -
Why Maintenance Is Finally Getting a Seat at the Table With Limble's Paul Ross - Episode 191
Today’s episode is going to resonate with anyone responsible for uptime, efficiency, and ultimately, product reliability. Because whether we’re talking about circuit assemblies, manufacturing lines, or entire facilities, reliability doesn’t start at inspection. It starts with maintenance. My…
more -
Predict, Prevent, Produce: RoviSys' Bryan DeBois on Manufacturing's Al Future Episode 190
What if your factory could predict failures before they happen, capture decades of human expertise, and make better decisions than ever before—without replacing the people who run it? Today’s guest sits right at the intersection of innovation and industry. Bryan DeBois, Director of Industrial AI…
more -
From the Factory Floor to System Design: Why Women in STEM Matter with Kristen Eckart - Episode 189
When we talk about reliability, we usually focus on materials, processes, test methods, and standards. But what if one of the most overlooked reliability risks is who is not at the table when engineering decisions are made? Today’s episode focuses on women in STEM, Science technology engineering...
-
An Academic Look at Al in Electronics Manufacturing: Where It Works, Fails, & Why It Matters - # 187
Artificial intelligence is being promoted as the next revolution in electronics manufacturing, but what happens when the people evaluating it aren’t traditional AI experts, aren’t software vendors, and aren’t selling anything? Today’s conversation brings together engineers and professors who live...
-
Readiness Through Repair: How the U.S Military is Strengthening Capabilities with Right to Repair - Episode 186
If a $26,000 drone repair can be done in the field—but policy says it has to be shipped back to the manufacturer, do you really have a reliability problem… or a repair access problem? Today on the show, I’m joined by William Santos, International Sales Manager at ABI Electronics and a global...
-
Electronics Manufacturing Today: Pressures, Priorities, and the Path Forward With Trevor Galbraith - Episode 186
When you talk to one manufacturer, you hear a story. When you talk to hundreds, patterns emerge. Today, we step back and examine what those patterns tell us about the real state of electronics manufacturing. Today’s episode takes a step back from individual processes and technologies to look at…
more -
How Accuracy & Force Compliance Contribute to Better Quality & Reliability with Michael Sivigny
In electronics manufacturing, defects don’t usually announce themselves. They happen in milliseconds, far faster than human perception, and often long before anyone realizes a process has drifted out of control. By the time failures show up in test, inspection, or worse, in the field, the root...
-
Advances in Dispensing Automation and Thermal Management with PVA’s Jon Urquhart - Episode 184
Today, I’m joined by someone who has spent more than three decades at the intersection of materials science, automation, and high-reliability manufacturing. Jon Urquhart is the Director of Global Applications Engineering at Precision Valve and Automation — one of the world’s leading developers of...
-
Preserving Knowledge,Advancing Reliability: A Reliability Matters Podcast Year-End Reflection - #183
Since 2018, Reliability Matters has been building a knowledge vault, capturing the wisdom of industry experts for engineers everywhere. In this special year-end episode, we celebrate the journey, the growth, and the community that made it possible.
-
Getting it Right: How to Work Effectively with your CM - With Daniel Stanphill & Sean Kincaid
Today, we’re continuing our dive into the world of contract manufacturing—a vital piece of the electronics ecosystem. Joining me are two industry leaders who know this space inside and out. First, we have Daniel Stanphill, SMT Process Engineer at Aurora Boardworks, and alongside him, Sean…
more -
What Every OEM Should Know About Working with Contract Manufacturers - With Raymond Novara
The next two episodes will be all about contract manufacturing, an area that can make or break the reliability and success of a product. My guest on this episode is Raymond Novara, founder and owner of East End Assemblies, a U.S.-based contract manufacturer recognized for its focus on quality,...
-
Cooler Connections: Low Temp Soldering for a High-Reliability World With Indium’s Dr. Hongwen Zhang
This is the fourth of four episodes on the subject of soldering materials. Today, we're diving into a topic that's reshaping how we think about thermal management, energy efficiency, and long-term performance in electronics manufacturing—low temperature soldering. Joining me is Dr. HongWen Zhang,...
-
Building Reliability from the Inside Out: Indium's CEO’s on Innovation & Reliability with Ross Berntson
This is the third of four episodes on the subject of soldering materials. Today, we’re continuing our deep dive into the world of soldering materials, from advanced alloys and flux chemistries to global manufacturing strategy and materials innovation, with one of the industry’s most respected...
-
Behind the Alloy: Soldering Materials, Process Control, & Reliability Shantanu Joshi & Greg Starrett
This is the second of four episodes on the subject of soldering materials. In today’s episode, continuing the subject of soldering materials, diving deep into the science, strategy, and subtleties behind one of the most foundational elements of electronic assembly: soldering materials. Joining me...
-
SMTAI 2025 Conference & Event Preview - Special Episode
This episode is all about SMTAI, surface mount Technology International, taking place OCTOBER 19 - 23, 2025 at the DONALD E. STEPHENS CONVENTION CENTER in ROSEMONT, ILLINOIS. SMTA International is the premier gathering for innovation and collaboration in electronics assembly, surface mount...
-
The Chemistry of Reliability: Choosing the Right Solder and Flux: A Conversation with Chris Ward
This is the first of four episodes on the subject of soldering materials. In this episode, I’m joined by Chris Ward, founder and Managing Director of Solderking Assembly Materials Limited, a UK-based manufacturer of solders and chemical consumables for electronic, electrical, and engineered...
-
Humidity: Small Cause, Huge Reliability Risk with Viktoria Rawinski - Episode 177
On this episode of Reliability Matters, we’re diving into a deceptively simple but incredibly important topic, humidity, and the massive impact it can have on electronic assembly reliability. Joining me is Viktoria Rawinski, a seasoned expert in materials science and reliability engineering…
more -
War Stories from the Line: Phil Zarrow & Jim Hall Talk Reliability - Episode 175
Today, I’m joined by two of the most respected names in the electronics manufacturing industry, Phil Zarrow and Jim Hall. Together, they bring decades of hands-on experience and unparalleled insight into the challenges and solutions within our field. Jim and Phil are the driving forces behind ITM...
-
AI in PCB Design - It's Already Here! With David Wiens & Stephen Chavez, Siemens EDA. Episode 174
In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s rapidly reshaping our industry: Artificial Intelligence in PCB Design. Far from a futuristic concept, AI is already being integrated into advanced design tools—improving efficiency, reducing design iterations, and helping engineers tackle…
more -
Improving the Reliability of Public EV Chargers with ChargerHelp! Co-Founder & CEO, Kamale Terry
As the electric vehicle market accelerates, the reliability of the charging infrastructure becomes increasingly vital. Chargers that are down or malfunctioning can hinder adoption and erode consumer confidence. But who ensures these chargers stay up and running? Today, we're diving into that very...
-
Episode 172: From Chaos to Control: Steering ERP Projects Back on Track with Chintan Sutaria
Today we're diving into a topic that keeps many executives awake at night—ERP implementations. More specifically, why so many of them fail and, perhaps more importantly, how to fix them midstream before they derail your operations. Joining me today is someone who knows this space inside and...
-
Pick & Place Machine Selection and Optimization with Hanwha Semitech Americas CEO, Tim Kang - Episode #171
Today we're turning our attention to a cornerstone of modern electronics manufacturing: pick and place technology. Joining me is Tim Kang, CEO of Hanwha Semitech Americas. With nearly two decades of experience in the electronics manufacturing space—starting as a mechanical engineer and now…
more -
Episode 170: Reliability, Safety, and Human Impact: The DMR Approach with Dheeraj Narang
Today we're exploring a concept that has deep roots in process safety and infrastructure management, but also has meaningful applications in electronics manufacturing: Damage Mechanism Reviews, or DMRs. My guest today is Dheeraj Narang, a corrosion and reliability engineering specialist, process...
-
Reliability Matters on the Road in Anaheim California at the IPC APEX Expo - Episode 169
On this episode of the Reliability Matters podcast, I left my usual studio for the IPC APEX Expo in Anaheim California. I interviewed two subject matter experts on topics related to electronic assembly. My guests are: Gerald Gardner, Global Product Manager at Weller, a manufacturer of hand...
-
Reliability Matters on the Road in Anaheim California at the IPC APEX Expo - Episode 168
On this episode of the Reliability Matters podcast, I left my usual studio for the IPC APEX Expo in Anaheim California. I interviewed three subject matter experts on various topics related to electronic assembly. My guests are: Greg Beck, Director of Sales at Absolute EMS, a contract…
more -
Episode 167: Meet the Press: A Conversation with Journalist and PCEA President, Mike Buetow
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of electronics manufacturing from a unique vantage point—that of the press. My guest today is someone who has spent decades at the forefront of reporting on the electronics manufacturing industry. Mike Buetow, editor-in-chief of Circuits Assembly magazine,...
-
Electronics: Down Memory Lane and a Vision for the Future - Episode 166
This episode is a little different in two ways. First, I didn’t record it in my studio. I recorded it at the SMTA Pan Pacific strategic Electronics symposium, affectionately known as PanPac, in beautiful Maui Hawaii. Each year, I record a Reliability Matters podcast at PanPac. Normally, the…
more -
Stencil Design and Manufacturing Best Practices with Elias Malfavon Jr.
Today, we’re putting the spotlight on a critical component in surface mount technology, the stencil. These precision-engineered tools are the unsung heroes of electronic assembly, playing a pivotal role in ensuring accurate solder paste deposition and, ultimately, the reliability of your circuit...
-
AI Integrated Supply Chain Management Software with Sebastian Schaal
Today, we're tackling a topic that has become increasingly vital in recent years: supply chain management. With global supply chains recently under immense pressure from disruptions, shortages, and growing complexity, the need for smarter, more efficient solutions has never been greater. And what...
-
Battery Selection and Safety Best Practices with Alex Norman
Today we’re diving into a critical yet sometimes overlooked component that powers so many of the devices we rely on: batteries. Batteries are the heartbeat of countless electronic products, from medical devices and electric vehicles to consumer gadgets and industrial systems. Choosing the right...
-
Electronics Testing Best Practices with Robert Boguski- Episode 162
On this episode, we’ll dive into the world of electronics testing with an expert within the electronics testing industry, Robert Boguski, President and Owner of Datest. Robert brings 44 years of experience in the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and...
-
AI-Based Inspection Technologies with Priyansha Bagaria - Episode 161
Today, we’re exploring a transformative topic: AI-based inspection technologies. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how we detect, analyze, and address defects in the electronics assembly process, combining precision with unparalleled speed to unlock new possibilities for efficiency and...
-
Opportunities and Challenges within the EV Industry - Episode 160
Today, we’re diving into one of the most transformative innovations of our time: electric vehicles and the vast infrastructure needed to support their growth. Joining us is Brian O’Leary, Global Head of of e-Mobility & Infrastructure at Indium Corporation, a leading expert with deep insights into...
-
2024 Season Wrap-Up of the Reliability Matters Podcast - Episode 159
Today we’re celebrating the end of another incredible year. This isn’t just any episode—it’s a time to reflect on the journey we’ve been on together, highlight some milestones, and share a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made this podcast such a success. Can you believe it? Reliability...
-
Episode 158: The New Kids in Town - The Cast of the D-Code Podcast
Today, I’m excited to introduce the hosts of the D-Code podcast, a dynamic trio of young professionals making waves in the electronics manufacturing industry. With experience rooted in contract manufacturing and stencil fabrication for electronic assemblies, they bring a fresh perspective to the...
-
Episode 157: What's On Your Workbench? Critical Steps to Avoid Contamination of PCA's During the Rework Process
On today’s episode, we’ll be exploring the critical steps to avoid contamination on circuit assemblies during the rework process with our expert guest, Gayle Towell. Gayle is the Content Marketing Specialist at AIM Solder, a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials for the...
-
Episode 156: An Introduction to Flexible Circuits with Joseph Fjelstad
On today’s episode, we’re turning our focus to a pivotal innovation that has transformed design and manufacturing processes: flexible circuits. Flexible circuits have emerged as a game-changer in the manufacturing and design of electronic assemblies. With their unique ability to bend, twist, and...
-
Episode 155: Ultra HDI Panel Discussion - Recorded Live at SMTAI
Today, I’m in Rosemont Illinois at SMTAI, Surface Mount Technology International. I’m in the Ultra-HDI Pavilion on the trade show floor. And what are we going to talk about here in the Ultra-HDI pavilion? Ultra high density interconnects, of course. As the demand for smaller, faster, and more...
-
Episode 154: Thermal Profiling Best Practices
One of the most critical aspects of manufacturing high-reliability circuit assemblies is thermal profiling during the reflow process. Whether you're designing, engineering, or troubleshooting circuit assemblies, understanding how temperatures during the reflow process influences the quality and...
-
Episode 153: Contract Manufacturing Best Practices with Adrian Leal
If you're part of the electronics landscape, you've likely encountered the role contract manufacturers play — and it's a critical one. These specialized partners bridge the gap between design innovation and full-scale production, bringing efficiency, expertise, and flexibility to the table. As...
-
Episode 152: High-Reliability Solder Paste Selection Best Practices
As the demand for more durable and dependable electronics continues to rise across industries, the choice of soldering materials, such as solder paste, plays a pivotal role in determining the reliability of these devices. We'll discuss how selecting the right solder paste can influence…
more -
Episode 151: Optical Inspection System Best Practices
Two episodes ago, episode 149, we talked all about automated optical inspection. Today we're exploring the impact of less automated inspection Technology, that being optical microscopes. From commercial, class 1 electronics to high reliability class 3 electronics, the intricate electronic devices...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Reliability Matters is a podcast on the subject of reliability of circuit assemblies. Reliability "best practices" and success stories are discussed. This podcast features interviews with experts in the electronic assembly industry.
All electronic production segments which effect product reliability are on the table. This includes contamination, coating, cleanliness assessment, inspection, building for harsh environments, reflow, printing, failure analysis, board fabrication, and much more.
Your Host: Mike Konrad began his career in the electronic assembly equipment industry in 1985. Mike founded Aqueous Technologies in 1992 in response to the Montreal Protocol and the resulting international treaty banning most popular cleaning/defluxing solvents.
Mike is an internationally known speaker on the subject of increasing reliability through contamination removal and cleanliness quantification techniques and procedures. Mike was awarded “Distinguish Sp
HOSTED BY
Mike Konrad
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Reliability Matters have?
Reliability Matters currently has 205 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Reliability Matters about?
Reliability Matters is a podcast on the subject of reliability of circuit assemblies. Reliability "best practices" and success stories are discussed. This podcast features interviews with experts in the electronic assembly industry. All electronic production segments which effect product...
How often does Reliability Matters release new episodes?
Reliability Matters publishes regularly with 205 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Reliability Matters?
You can listen to Reliability Matters on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Reliability Matters?
Reliability Matters is created and hosted by Mike Konrad.
URL copied to clipboard!