About the Author

Phil Zarrow has been involved with PCB fabrication and PCB assembly since 1975. His experience includes extensive work in PC Fabrication and PCB Assembly as well as equipment and process development. Mr. Zarrow is recognized throughout the world for his expertise in surface mount technology processes, equipment, materials, components and methodologies.. Phil is a popular speaker and workshop instructor. He has chaired and instructed at numerous industry seminars and conferences world-wide. He has published many technical papers and magazine articles as well as contributed a number of chapters to industry books. Mr. Zarrow holds two US Patents concerning PCB fabrication and assembly processes and audit methodologies. Phil is a member of SMTA, IPC, SME, and IMAPS, a co-founder of ITM Incorporated, and is a past national level officer and national director of the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA). He was also Chairman of the Reflow Committee for SMEMA. He was the recipient of the SMTA's Member of Distinction Award (1995) and Founders' Award (2000) and ITM has been honored with the Corporate Award. Mr. Zarrow has served on the Editorial Advisory Board for Circuits Assembly Magazine and won awards for his writings "On the Forefront" and "Better Manufacturing" columns. Jim Hall is a Principal Consultant and resident Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with ITM Consulting. His area of responsibility includes working with OEM's, Contract Assemblers, and Equipment Manufacturers to solve design and assembly problems, optimize facility operations, as well as teaching basic and new technologies throughout the industry, world-wide. Mr. Hall, one of the pioneers of reflow technology, has been actively involved in electronic assembly technology for over 40 years. Jim's expertise lies in process development and integration, fluid and thermodynamics, and computer control systems. As ITM's resident Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Jim is a strong proponent of in-process data capture and analysis for all assembly and related operations and other continuous improvement techniques. Jim is one of the authors of the highly acclaimed SMTA Process Certification Course, along with Dr. Ron Lasky and Phil Zarrow. He has delivered numerous papers and workshops on surface mount technology at technical seminars around the world including those for APEX, NEPCON, IMAPS and SMTA.

Reviews

A great reference book for anyone associated with the electronics assembly industry. The Assembly Brothers' compilation should be a starting point to answer those large and small questions that don't need to be guessed at in your manufacturing operation. Jim and Phil's wit and wisdom make it very readable (the wit) and valuable (the wisdom). - David Raby, STI Electronics
Board Talk has been an industry feature for ever. The Podcast version surfaced before Podcasts were the in thing so a book distilling the Best of The Best to a handy guide is bang on. Jim and Phil have stayed true to original philosophy helping industry understand defects and the root causes. - Bob Willis, Bobwillis.co.uk
This book serves as a "first place to start" reference covering the covering a huge bandwidth of critical topics in electronic assembly technology. The Assembly Brothers present key elements of electronic assembly in a humorous, knowledgeable manner allowing the reader to have an initial understanding of a topic and set a foundation for additional due diligence. -- Dave Hillman, Rockwell Collins
In today's rapid fire world of electronics assembly the process engineer will often find himself dealing with an issue and not being able to get immediate assistance. Phil and Jim have compiled a significant amount of the questions asked by those trying to manufacture the best quality and reliability products, and provided the answers to help deal with the issues. This book not only helps to resolve tough technical issues but does so in the folksy way that the Assembly Brothers spoke during their podcasts. Nice stuff guys. - Greg Caswell, Ansys Corporation
This is an outstanding book. BoardTalk has become a legend in our time dealing with the daily production issues and questions, now we get the book version. Can't wait for the movie! - Terry Munson, Foresite, Inc.
In this book Jim and Phil share a wealth of SMT knowledge and history intermixed with a down to earth sense of humor. They skillfully answer questions about new, emerging technologies in addition to providing sage advice for solving problems with older, more established technology. This compilation of informative and entertaining stories is a must read for anyone working with SMT. - Rob Rowland, Axiom Electronics