OnTrack: The PCB Design Podcast

PCB assembly mistakes rarely start on the factory floor; they start in layout, and in this OnTrack Podcast episode three assembly-side veterans explain exactly which ones keep showing up. Zach Peterson talks with Mike Buetow (PCEA), Chrys Shea (Shea Engineering), and Daniel Stanphill (Aurora Boardworks) about padstacks pulled off the internet, QFN footprints with no room for solder, datasheets that were never validated on a line, and why the designer-to-assembler conversation so often never happens. 

You'll also get a preview of the new PCB West 2026 circuit assembly track: solder paste types, stencil design, pick-and-place at both extremes (2 kg parts and 006003 passives), and the SMTA Ultra HDI test vehicle. Whether you design boards, source parts, or run an SMT line, this is the design-for-assembly reality check to watch before your next board goes to the CM.

📚 More from this Episode:
- PCB West 2026 (Sept. 29 – Oct. 2, Santa Clara; free exhibition day Sept. 30): https://pcbwest.com 
- Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA): https://pcea.net 
- Shea Engineering Services: https://sheasmt.com
- Aurora Boardworks: https://auroraboardworks.com
- The D-Code Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@The-D-Code 
- PCB West 2026 circuit assembly program (session list): https://pcea.net/2026/08/12/a-day-of-assembly-classes-at-pcb-west-2026/ 
- SMTA Ultra HDI Miniaturized Test Vehicle: https://ultrahdi.net 
- IPC (IPC-SM-782 and land pattern standards): https://www.ipc.org 

💡 Stay Connected:

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth tutorials and tips from  @AltiumAcademy   Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

👉 Subscribe for more: https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy?sub_confirmation=1

Don't forget to follow us on social to stay up-to-date on the latest Altium Academy content.

👉 Follow Altium on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@altiumdesigner
👉 Follow Altium on Twitter: https://twitter.com/altium
👉 Follow Altium on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altium/
👉 Follow Altium on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltiumOfficial/

The Altium Academy is an online experience created to bring modern education to PCB Designers and Engineers all across the world. Here you can access a vast library of free training and educational content covering everything from basic design to advanced principles and step-by-step walkthroughs. Join industry legends as they share their career knowledge, review real-life design projects, or learn how to leverage one of Altium's leading design tools. No matter your level of experience, the Altium Academy can help you become a better Designer and Engineer!

About Altium LLC
Altium LLC (ASX:ALU), a global software company based in San Diego, California, is accelerating the pace of innovation through electronics. From individual inventors to multinational corporations, more PCB designers and engineers choose Altium software to design and realize electronics-based products.

#altium #pcbassembly #pcbwest