The competition got heated as 40 competitors from 14 well-known electronics companies in Southeast Asia competed at IPs Hand Soldering Competition at NEPCON Thailand 2014 in Bangkok. Taking first place and a cash prize of $400 (USD) was Yaowapa Kaewkong, Bluechips Microhouse. As the winner, Kaewkong qualified for the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship at IPC APEX EXPO 2015 in San Diego, Calif.
Second place and a cash prize of $200 went to Narit Boonhaijaroen, Vaam Co., Ltd., Suradet Parapun, MVTS Technologies, took third place and a cash prize of $100.
Participants in the hand soldering competition were tasked with building a functional electronics assembly within a 45-minute time limit. A panel of independent judges evaluated each assembly based on workmanship, overall functionality, compliance with IPC-A-610E Class 3 criteria and speed of completion.
The best-of-the-best hand soldering talent in Southeast Asia displayed their workmanship, quality and speed, said David Bergman, IPC vice president of international relations. Because of the vast popularity of these hand soldering competitions, we plan to continue with this highly popular event at locations across the globe in 2014 and beyond.
Bergman added, IPC thanks hand soldering Premier Sponsor Thermaltronics; Gold Sponsors Balver Zinn GmbH, Indium Corporation, Kyzen Corporation, and Nihon Superior; Co-Organizer Reed Exhibitions; and Supporting Partner ECEA, for their support of the IPC Hand Soldering Competition.
For information on upcoming IPC Hand Soldering Competitions, visit www.ipc.org/hsc.
