PCB material shortages intensify as AI infrastructure absorbs laminate capacity
While the semiconductor supply chain has dominated industry attention in recent years, a parallel bottleneck has been building in PCB base materials. AI data centre expansion is absorbing large quantities of high-grade laminates, leaving less capacity available for traditional industrial and automotive applications, according to a joint market analysis by STARTEAM GLOBAL and Würth Elektronik.
Confidee recertified to AS9120 for aviation, space and defence supply chains
Norwegian PCB supplier Confidee has completed its AS9120 recertification, confirming that its quality management system continues to meet the strict requirements of the aviation, space and defence industries. Confidee was originally certified in 2023.
PCB material shortage spreads to standard FR-4 as structural shift deepens
The PCB industry's material shortage is no longer confined to advanced laminates. According to a market update from Norwegian PCB supplier Confidee, the shortage has now spread to standard FR-4 and thicker copper-clad laminates – and conditions are not expected to ease through 2026 or into 2027.
Sponsored content by Elemaster Group
In rail safety, the AI bottleneck isn't the algorithm: it's the evidence
Railway electronics are becoming more complex and software-defined, and suppliers are exploring where AI can help. But rail certification runs on determinism and verifiability, while AI is statistical by nature. At InnoTrans 2026, international group Elemaster argues the real gap isn't the algorithm, it's the testing infrastructure needed to prove AI actually works. And that is why owning the physical chain of verification is critical.
Confidee's answer to shortages: full transparency and the freedom to cancel orders
As material shortages push lead times for advanced printed circuit boards towards 2028, four-year-old PCB supplier Confidee has built its strategy around the opposite of locking customers into rigid commitments: complete transparency and a clear policy allowing customers to cancel or rebalance production without damaging the relationship. That is according to board member Didrik Bech.
FR 4 base materials: shortages, price increasing and allocations
Why PCB procurement strategies should be reviewed?
AT&S expands Kulim with up to €2 billion investment
Austrian PCB and IC substrate manufacturer AT&S is expanding its Kulim manufacturing site in Malaysia, backed by agreements with AMD and another unnamed technology company.
Somacis completes acquisition of Group ACB
PCB manufacturer Somacis Group has completed the acquisition of Group ACB, a PCB manufacturer with two sites in France and one in Belgium.
Kingboard sells stake in subsidiary to ramp up PCB capacity
Kingboard Holdings has sold a 4.92% stake in its laminates subsidiary, Kingboard Laminates Holdings, raising net proceeds of approximately HKD 11.8 billion – roughly EUR 1.4 billion. The capital is earmarked for PCB capacity expansion and multi-layer and HDI capabilities.
Schweizer Electronic and Ascent Circuits plan PCB cooperation in India
German PCB manufacturer Schweizer Electronic and Indian PCB maker Ascent Circuits – part of the Amber Group – have announced plans for a strategic cooperation in PCBs. The partnership targets automotive and industrial applications and is framed around supply chain resilience for customers in Europe and the United States.
NCAB acquires Board Shark PCB in the United States
NCAB has acquired PCB solutions provider Board Shark LLC, based in Florida in the United States. The company generated USD 17 million in net sales during 2025, with profitability exceeding NCAB's own margins.
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Koh Young Europe Highlights Smart AI Solutions at EFX Stuttgart
Koh Young, the industry leader in True 3D™ measurement-based inspection solutions, will participate in the initial EFX, Expo for Electronics Manufacturing, from October 6 to 8, 2026, at Messe Stuttgart. The new industry event will bring together experts, manufacturers, and suppliers to explore innovations, exchange ideas, and build partnerships across the electronics manufacturing process chain.
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