ROSENHEIM, GERMANY – Laird Thermal Systems, a global leader in active thermal management solutions with more than 60 years of application expertise, today announced its rebrand to Tark Thermal Solutions. This name change marks a significant new chapter for the company following the expiration of the previous Laird Name License Agreement. This was the perfect time for a new name and brand design that elevates our identity to match the excellence of our work.
With one of the most diverse product portfolios in the industry, including thermoelectric coolers and assemblies, temperature controllers, specialty pumps and liquid cooling systems, Tark Thermal Solutions leverages advanced thermal modeling techniques to solve complex challenges in heat and temperature control. The rebranding underscores the company’s expanded capabilities, sharpened mission, and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional thermal management solutions to customers worldwide.
A Vision for Innovation and Excellence
Tark Thermal Solutions remains firmly committed to its corporate purpose: Advancing technology for a protected and connected future. As a trusted partner in the development and production of innovative active thermal management solutions, the company serves a wide range of industries including medical, analytical, industrial, transportation, data center and telecommunications markets.
Core Values and Strategy
At the heart of Tark Thermal Solutions are the values of transparency, synergy, ambition, and adaptability. These principles shape both internal culture and external relationships with customers, partners, and communities. The company’s brand strategy provides clear direction and messaging, supporting the development of human-centered, relationship-driven technological solutions.
“We are excited about this new chapter and the opportunities it brings to strengthen our partnerships and make a lasting impact across the industries we serve," said Max Kley, CEO of Tark Thermal Solutions.
“Our rebranding to Tark Thermal Solutions represents a major milestone in our journey to redefine our identity," said Christoph Bauckhage, Chief Sales Officer at Tark Thermal Solutions. "By focusing on customer needs, we will continue to deliver innovative thermal solutions that enhance performance, reliability, and enable continuous operation — all while contributing to a sustainable future," he added.
Mulino, OR – April 15, 2025 – In a major step toward simplifying the PCB manufacturing and assembly process, ASC Sunstone Circuits and Screaming Circuits are proud to announce the launch of a new online assembly parts ordering feature, now available through Sunstone.com. This enhanced capability allows customers to source assembly components as part of their PCB order, creating a fully integrated experience from bare board fabrication to finished assembly.
By bringing together ASC Sunstone Circuits’ proven onshore PCB manufacturing with Screaming Circuits’ industry-leading assembly services, this partnership delivers a faster, more reliable path from design to production—all under one streamlined workflow.
“This integration makes it easier than ever for engineers and designers to move from a PCB layout to a fully assembled board with just a few clicks,” said Matt Stevenson, VP & General Manager at ASC Sunstone Circuits. “Together with Screaming Circuits, we’re eliminating complexity and giving customers the speed and flexibility they need to bring their ideas to life.”
“This is about building a true end-to-end solution,” added Jered Stoehr, CEO at Milwaukee Electronics/Screaming Circuits. “We’re combining our strengths to create a smarter, more intuitive process for every customer—whether you’re working on a prototype or ready for production.”
Key Benefits of the New Integration:
• Streamlined Ordering – Order parts for assembly directly during your PCB order on Sunstone.com.
• Accelerated Turnarounds – Speed up both prototyping and production with integrated services.
• Reliable Component Sourcing – Access high-quality components from trusted sources, managed within the ordering workflow.
• Complete PCB Solution – From fabrication to full assembly—now easier and more connected than ever.
This launch represents a continued commitment by both companies to simplify the design-to-assembly process and better serve engineers, startups, and manufacturers with time-sensitive and quality-critical projects. For more information, visit www.sunstone.com or www.screamingcircuits.com.
About ASC Sunstone Circuits
ASC Sunstone Circuits has been a reliable source for U.S.-based PCB manufacturing for over 55 years. The company offers a full range of PCB solutions—including rigid, flex, and assembly-ready options—tailored to meet the needs of engineers and product developers working on everything from quick-turn prototypes to full production runs. Known for its consistent lead times, responsive service, and long-standing commitment to innovation, ASC Sunstone plays a key role in the American electronics manufacturing landscape.
About Screaming Circuits
Screaming Circuits is a well-established provider of quick-turn prototype and low-volume PCB assembly services. Recognized for fast turnaround times, high-quality workmanship, and strong customer support, the company serves engineers and innovators looking for a streamlined path from design to assembled board. With a user-friendly online platform and U.S.-based operations, Screaming Circuits offers dependable, flexible assembly solutions for today’s fast-paced product development cycles.
Atlanta - ECIA is pleased to announce an enhanced educational initiative to help customers understand the current engineering data about date code restrictions. Recent studies have now conclusively determined that industry date code practices concerning obsolete components need to be updated to help customers improve profits and reduce e-waste. The first webinar, ‘Debunking the Myths Around Date Code Restrictions,’ will take place April 23, at 11 EDT.
ECIA’s Global Industry Practices Committee (GIPC) is leading the industry to address this important challenge. Working across the industry with other key players, including the IPC, JEDEC, and EMSNOW.com, ECIA has convened a consortium of experts to drive the consensus needed to bring about change.
“Date code restrictions are overdue for industry reform,” declared Don Elario, ECIA’s VP of Industry Practices. “With case studies and technical performancedata in the public record, it’s time for the industry to act.”
As silicon fabrication technology advances, older fab processes are being phased out. At the same time, package obsolescence is accelerating, which creates sourcing challenges for legacy and long-lifecycle systems.
Obsolete components can disrupt supply chains, which in turn affects production schedules and complicates the process of sourcing fully authorized replacements.
“Despite the growing consensus that restrictions based on date codes lack a factual foundation, some Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Contract Manufacturers continue to express concerns about soldering aged material onto printed circuit boards,” explained Dan Deisz, Vice President of Design Technology at Rochester Electronics, and presenter at the first webinar.
This webinar series will be moderated by EMSNOW.com’s publisher, Eric Miscoll, a leading publication serving the electronic manufacturing services (EMS) industry, and their OEM customers and suppliers. In addition, ECIA’s Global Industry Practices Committee (GIPC) will report on joint IPC-ECIA survey data regarding the EMS/OEM customer community’s attitudes and beliefs about this critical supply chain issue.
“This is an important issue that I suspect is currently not on the radar for most of the EMS/OEM community,” commented Eric Miscoll, EMSNOW Publisher. “I look forward to learning more about the supply chain, engineering, and business issues related to date code restrictions and bringing this information to our EMS executive audience.”
First Webinar: Debunking the Myths Around Date Code Restrictions:
In the first webinar, Dan Deisz presents compelling evidence that date code restrictions for electronic components are obsolete. Through extensive studies on long-term storage, the data reveals that components maintain their mechanical integrity and solderability even after many years.
Learn about the current semiconductor market trends, how component obsolescence affects long-term system markets, and the driving factors.
Learn how traditional solderability tests may over-reject acceptable aged material.
Explore how a long-term storage strategy can ensure a consistent supply chain, long-term component availability, and avoid unnecessary waste.
Other webinars planned for the near future include:
Webinar 2: The supply chain implications of date codes
Webinar 3: Next steps: where does the industry go from here
Register NOW for the first webinar, ‘Debunking the Myths about Date Code Restrictions’ on April 23 at 11 a.m. EDT.
DOVER, DE – Luminovo, the number one quoting, procurement and collaboration software for the electronics supply chain, is set to exhibit at PCB East 2025 on Wednesday, April 30 at the Boxboro Regency Hotel and Conference Center in Boxborough, MA. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience how Luminovo’s innovative platform is transforming PCB manufacturing and trading operations by automating workflows, enhancing decision‑making, and streamlining quoting and procurement.
Luminovo’s comprehensive supply chain platform is designed to help PCB suppliers, EMS providers, and distributors operate more efficiently. By eliminating inefficiencies, automating critical processes, and bridging data silos, Luminovo empowers companies to make faster, smarter decisions in procurement and production. The AI‑powered software simplifies and accelerates the quotation process, enabling businesses to digitize operations and gain a competitive edge in the evolving electronics industry.
With a strong focus on the U.S. electronics industry, Luminovo is committed to bringing its collaborative supply chain platform to North American manufacturers. By centralizing data, automating processes, and enabling seamless collaboration, Luminovo helps companies eliminate spreadsheet headaches, reduce miscommunication, and embrace a new standard of efficiency. For more information, meet the team at PCB East or visit www.luminovo.com.
AURORA, CO - AdvancedPCB is proud to announce the appointment of Gary Stoffer as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In this role, Stoffer will lead all sales, marketing, and commercial strategy initiatives as the company continues its mission to deliver cutting-edge PCB solutions to industries worldwide.
Stoffer brings over 20 years of global leadership experience across industries like Medical Technology, Aerospace & Defense, Semiconductor and a range of diversified industrials. He's known for building scalable growth strategies, nurturing strong customer partnerships, and leading with a people-first mindset.
Stoffer's previous roles include senior executive positions at Bal Seal Engineering (A Kaman Company) and Dover Corporation, where he helped drive commercial success in EMS-focused markets both in the U.S. and abroad.
"We are excited to welcome Gary to the AdvancedPCB leadership team," said Greg Halvorson, CEO, AdvancedPCB. "His extensive global commercial experience, especially in medtech and advanced manufacturing, is a powerful asset as we scale operations and deepen relationships across key industries."
Stoffer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a marketing emphasis from the University of Southern California and is a graduate of Dover's Executive Leadership Academy. He's also a certified instructor in the Wilson Learning Consultative Sales Process and has spoken at leading electronics and medtech conferences globally. This appointment reflects AdvancedPCB's continued investment in industry expertise, customer alignment, and strategic growth as a trusted U.S.-based partner to Aerospace, Defense, Medtech, and Industrial innovators.
About AdvancedPCB:
AdvancedPCB is a leading U.S. manufacturer of comprehensive printed circuit board solutions— offering turnkey design, fabrication, and assembly solutions across six U.S.- based factories, consistently faster than the industry standard. Our full-service solutions meet the unique demands of innovative PCB customers while providing best-in-class technical service at every touchpoint. With broad certifications supporting commercial and military work, AdvancedPCB's capabilities include HDI/UHDI, flex & rigid-flex circuits, design services, and turnkey assembled solutions. For more information, please visit www.advancedpcb.com.
CHINA - OurPCB, a leading provider of PCB manufacturing and assembly services, has developed a new line of aluminium-based printed circuit boards (PCBs) aimed at addressing the growing need for efficient thermal management in electronic devices. These aluminium PCBs are designed to dissipate heat effectively, offering a solution for applications where temperature control is crucial. Industries such as automotive, telecommunications, and consumer electronics stand to benefit from these advancements, as the demand for devices capable of performing under high thermal stress continues to increase.
Hommer Zhao, Owner of OurPCB, shared insights on the development of aluminium PCBs: "As electronic devices become more powerful, managing heat dissipation has become increasingly important. Aluminium PCBs provide a practical solution for controlling thermal build-up in a variety of applications. Our focus on developing these PCBs reflects the growing need for high-performance, reliable thermal management solutions, particularly in sectors that rely on high-density power systems and compact electronic designs."
Aluminium PCBs are a preferred choice in applications where heat needs to be managed efficiently, such as in LED lighting, power supplies, automotive systems, and telecommunications equipment. The material’s thermal conductivity allows for better heat dissipation than standard FR4 boards, making it an ideal choice for devices that generate significant heat during operation. By using aluminium as a base material, these PCBs help maintain optimal operating temperatures, extending the lifespan and reliability of the components they support.
The new line of aluminium PCBs developed by OurPCB is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to providing innovative solutions for industries facing complex thermal challenges. These PCBs offer several key advantages, including better heat resistance, durability, and overall performance in high-temperature environments. Additionally, the ability to integrate thermal management directly into the PCB design helps reduce the need for external cooling components, further enhancing the overall efficiency of the system.
"Our focus on aluminium PCBs is a direct response to the increasing demand for better thermal management in electronic devices," said Zhao. "As the industry moves toward more compact and powerful electronics, efficient heat dissipation is essential for maintaining performance and reliability. These PCBs provide a simple yet effective solution for improving the thermal performance of critical components, allowing businesses to create more reliable and efficient products."
In addition to offering aluminium PCBs, OurPCB continues to provide a wide range of services that support clients throughout the PCB development lifecycle. These services include PCB design, rapid prototyping, and turnkey PCB assembly. The company’s comprehensive service offering ensures that clients receive the support they need from the initial concept phase through to the final product, optimizing the design and manufacturing process for each unique application.
Looking forward, OurPCB plans to expand its research and development efforts to further enhance the thermal performance of its PCBs. The company is committed to exploring new materials and technologies that can offer even greater heat resistance and durability. This continued investment in innovation is part of OurPCB’s strategy to stay ahead of the evolving demands of industries where thermal management is a critical factor.
Zhao commented, “The development of aluminium PCBs is just the beginning of a broader effort to address the growing need for better thermal solutions in electronic systems. As power density in electronics continues to increase, the company is committed to continuing its work in this area, with a focus on expanding its range of thermal management solutions. Future advancements will build upon this foundation, ensuring that OurPCB remains at the forefront of PCB innovation for industries that require both high performance and reliable thermal control."
The company’s focus on aluminium PCBs also supports its broader goal of providing high-quality, reliable solutions for industries with demanding requirements. By incorporating advanced materials and design features, OurPCB ensures that its products meet the high standards expected by clients in sectors where performance under stress is essential.
