IPC Hand Soldering Competition Winner Crowned at What’s New in Electronics Live 2018

IPC, in conjunction with What’s New in Electronics Live and ART– Advanced Rework Technology Ltd., conducted the IPC Hand Soldering Competition in Birmingham, United Kingdom, on 25-26 September 2018. Seventeen competitors went soldering iron to soldering iron, with the hope of winning the coveted hand soldering competition crown.

Participants were tasked with building a functional electronics assembly, within a 75-minute time limit. Of the 17 participants competing, only seven were able to complete a functional assembly.

Taking first place with a cash prize of £300 was Przemyslaw Marswalek from MSF Technologies Ltd (UK), who completed a functional new board in only 65 minutes, earning 435 points out of a possible 445. Marswalek is eligible to compete at the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship at IPC APEX EXPO 2019, in San Diego, Calif. In January.

Second place and a cash prize of £200 went to James Dean, Custom Interconnect Ltd. (UK), who also earned 435 points, but completed his board in 75 minutes. With a score of 427 points and completing her functional board in 71 minutes, Justina Mkolajczyk, Zettlex UK Ltd., took third place and a cash prize of £100.

Master Instructor Trainers from ART- Advanced Rework Technology Ltd. Served as independent judges and evaluated each assembly based on workmanship, overall functionality, compliance with IPC-A-610G Class 3 criteria and speed to complete the printed circuit board.

“It was evident that the best hand soldering talent in the United Kingdom came to compete at What’s New in Electronics Live,” said David Bergman, IPC vice president of standards and training. “The competition was tough, but each competitor rose to the challenge. We look forward to hosting more hand soldering competitions across the globe.”

Bergman added, “IPC would like to thank hand soldering competition sponsors: PM Tech, Pace Worldwide, Bofa, Menkel, Somerset Solders and ART- Advanced Rework Technology Ltd. for their support.”

All 2018 regional winners will take their hand soldering skills to the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship which will be held at IPC APEX EXPO 2019 in San Diego, Calif. In January. For more information on IPC events visit, www.ipc.org/events.