Bio

Phil Zarrow has been involved with PCB fabrication and assembly for more than forty years. His expertise includes the manufacture of equipment for circuit board fabrication and PCB Assembly of surface mount (SMT) and through-hole technologies. In addition to his background in automated assembly and cleaning, Mr. Zarrow is recognized for his expertise in surface mount reflow soldering technology and in the design and implementation of SMT equipment. Having held key technical and management positions with Vitronics Corporation, Excellon-Micronetics, Universal Instruments Corporation, and GSS Array Technologies he has extensive hands-on experience with set-up and troubleshooting through-hole and SMT processes throughout the world. Since forming ITM in 1992, Phil Zarrow has helped numerous clients in such areas as • SMT Implementation and Assembly facility set-up • SMT Assembly and Soldering Process Failure Analysis • EMS/Supplier Process and Quality Assessment Audits • Process Risk Assessment and Management • Manufacturing yield improvement • Equipment Evaluation and Selection • Solder paste evaluation and process implementation • SMT Manufacturing Process Audits and process improvement • On-site training for all levels of personnel • Design for Manufacturability (DFM) specification development • Reflow of Through-hole feasibility, development and implementation • Implementation of new component packages including QFN, BGA, CSP and Flip-Chip • SMT process equipment benchmark testing and evaluation • SMT product development • Lead-free Process Implementation and Optimization • Technical evaluations related to business acquisitions and mergers • Technical assistance in legal disputes Mr. Zarrow is a popular speaker and workshop instructor. He is co-author of the books, ”Troubleshooting Electronic Assembly” and ''SMT Glossary- Terms and Definitions''. Mr. Zarrow holds two US Patents concerning PCB fabrication and assembly processes and audit methodologies. Phil is a member of IPC, SME, IMAPS, a co-founder of ITM Incorporated, and is a past national level officer and national director of the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA). He was also Chairman of the Reflow Committee for SMEMA. He was the recipient of the SMTA's Member of Distinction Award (1995) and Founders’ Award (2000). Mr. Zarrow has served on the Editorial Advisory Board for Circuits Assembly Magazine and won awards for his writings ''On the Forefront'' and “Better Manufacturing” columns. He is currently producer and co-host of Circuit Insight’s “BoardTalk” audio program.