PVA

Jon Urquhart

Jon Urquhar, bringing three decades of engineering expertise to the table, serves as the Director of Applications Engineering at PBA. He excels as a process and materials specialist, assisting customers in optimizing the application of conformal coatings, adhesives, pottings, underfill, bonding, gluing, and other solutions. He adeptly guides them in equipment configuration and adopts a collaborative approach to developing successful and efficient manufacturing processes.

In an interview with Manufacturing Technology Insights magazine, Jon Urquhart shares his insights on the challenges and emerging trends in the manufacturing industry and the experience he has gathered in the domain.

What, according to you, are the major challenges affecting the manufacturing industry lately?

As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the manufacturing world, every day brings new challenges. From medical devices to automotive sensors and aerospace components, we encounter a diverse range of products that are being designed and developed across industries. While some designs share similarities, each product is unique. Handling delicate, small pieces as well as large, heavy components poses a constant challenge. Moreover, we must address a wide variety of applications, such as applying protective coatings to electronics, gluing components together, or optically bond a touch screen or a sensor to a display that might be installed in an automobile.

Could you explain some of the emerging industry trends that help tackle these pain points?

The growing electrification trend is impacting various industries, from cars and airplanes to household devices and wearables. Advancements are seen not only in device development but also in the materials used for protection. For instance, in automobile battery manufacturing, lighter substances like foams and adhesives are used so that they're lighter and help your cars ride and run more efficiently.

“Every day brings diverse challenges to manufacture unique products by applying innovative tailor-made solutions for each customer.”

Similarly, coatings for electrical devices or circuit boards are being developed to provide the same level of robust protection while being applied in thinner layers to accommodate shrinking sizes of electrical devices and assemblies. Our work spans multiple industries, making it challengingand interesting at the same time.

How do you envision the future of the manufacturing industry with the new technology?

We observe promising developments in coatings that are allowing these thinner amounts of coatings to be used, benefiting the environment, end users, and the manufacturing process. Collaborating with chemical adhesive manufacturers, we focus on creating greener and safer products while enhancing processing efficiency with our equipment.

Would you like to talk about any successful project initiative that you were a part of?

Over the years, I have taken great pride in contributing to the development of our core conformal coating technology and applicators. Our innovative valve technology and equipment designs have empowered end users to perform tasks that were previously unachievable. Additionally, I find satisfaction in addressing various challenges daily and engaging with customers to guide them towards in finding the most effective solutions. Each day presents an opportunity to instill a sense of pride by helping others find a solution.

From your experience, what piece of advice would you like to share with aspiring professionals in manufacturing industry?

Listen, pay attention, and ask questions.That's the easiest way to boil it down. Don't be afraid to learn, don't be afraid to ask questions and pay attention to details.