Hardware Podcasts

Why Reshoring Electronics to the US is Harder Than You Think

OnTrack · 29 Jan 2025 · 46m · Episode 286

What this episode covers

Sean Kincaid, President of K & F Electronics, explains why reshoring US electronics manufacturing is hindered by a lack of domestic materials like copper foil and production equipment, noting that subsidizing IC fabrication alone does not solve the issue of boards being made in China. He details how K & F Electronics was forced to close its circuit board manufacturing division in 2021 due to inability to compete with low-cost overseas prototypes, pivoting instead to PCBA and acting as a third-party auditor for overseas boards. Kincaid highlights specific quality defects found in overseas manufacturing, such as flying probe damage causing shorts, and argues that true reshoring requires a complete ecosystem including materials, equipment, and subsidies to counter foreign state support.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
K & F Electronics, JLC
Tools
QuickFit, flying probe
Materials
copper foil
Also
D-Code Podcast

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