CHANDLER, AZ – Isola has opened an R&D and analytical services laboratory at the laminate company's new global headquarters here.

Known as the Johann Schumacher Laboratories, the facility is named for an Isola technical fellow and engineer, who throughout his 35 years with the company has developed numerous innovations.

The testing facility is nearly doubled in the size and capacity, for product development, material qualification, application engineering, and technical support. The Arizona operations also include a 118,000 sq. ft. quickturn manufacturing facility.

In the R&D and analytical lab, Isola incorporated an optimized workflow with dedicated space for each testing process. The lab's team conducts electrical, thermal, and mechanical characterizations of resin components and PCB laminate materials used in the production of PCBs and uses test equipment to achieve accurate results in a rapid response environment.

"The North American PCB market is all about quick turnaround and high complexity. Isola's investment in local testing and analysis complements the investments our customers have made to meet the growing complexity of the products designed by OEMs," said Travis Kelly, president and CEO, Isola. "The expanded R&D and analytical services laboratory furthers our ability to both improve analytical capability and maintain quick turnaround times."

The lab includes a variety of testing equipment, including FTIR and SEM analysis for identification of contaminants and microsection equipment used for evaluation of PCB integrity after thermal excursions. The thermal analysis area consists of 17 instruments that measure thermal properties as a function of temperature, while specimens are subject to a controlled temperature program.

"While thermal analysis is one of the lab's most in-demand services, the global Johann Schumacher Laboratories network, with locations in the US, Singapore, and Germany, helps customers work through various challenges related to their products," said Jenny Inocencio, senior manager, global JSL, Isola. "Our cross-trained professionals – many of whom also have experience in the manufacturing environment – understand the full process of how materials are assembled, bring keen insights to identifying problems, and confidently consider different approaches. Customers have the advantage of leveraging our global network as their business needs change and during unexpected market events."

Joining Inocencio in leading Isola's global R&D and analytical laboratory team are Ed Kelley, CTO, Phil Whalen, chief new product development and strategy officer, Drew Rocha, R&D manager.

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