Looking back on 2025, I have a few thoughts and reflections, and in context, it’s been a wild ride. Not as wild as the “COVID Years,” but noteworthy, nevertheless. My keywords for 2025 are tariffs, AI, metals markets, and “low temp” solder.
Supply Chain Disruption
Let’s start with tariffs. The new administration has wielded tariffs in new and unprecedented ways. The effects, positive or negative, are still evolving, but there have been a few developments that are undeniable. The Electronics Assembly markets function on very tight profit margins, and any added costs are not easily absorbed. As a result, shifting production to low-tariff markets for both material suppliers and end users is underway. This represents significant challenges and new opportunities.
AIM products are both massive (heavy) and perishable. What that translates to is simply this – we need to be both a global and local supplier. We need global reach and to be close to the end user.
With good planning, good management, and a bit of luck, we have been in the right place at the right time. Whether North America, Asia, Europe, or India, AIM has wholly owned manufacturing sites in each region, providing supply chain flexibility that benefits our multinational clients. No other solder and chemical supplier is as well positioned as AIM to be nimble and provide the same quality products anywhere in the world.
Artificial Intelligence
I half-kiddingly refer to myself as an AI evangelist. I see the benefits in my day-to-day life and the limitless possibilities.
AIM has made significant capital investments to produce the solder materials necessary to construct the tools of the future. We are poised to release several new products that will improve manufacturability, affordability, and functionality of current and future AI systems.
AI is here, and we are ready. Keep an eye on our social media, subscribe to our blogs, and get on the email lists. AI tech is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and we can be a valuable resource for educating yourself on the materials and process developments necessary to remain competitive.
Metals Markets
At the time of this writing, silver—a significant element in most Pb-Free luts—is at all-time highs. AIM REL61 was developed as a low-silver alternative to SAC305 that provides equal or better reliability, reduced process temperature, and ease of use. It is a superior alloy in every respect to other low/no-silver alternatives.
If you’re not investigating REL61 for your process and products, you’re either leaving money on the table or using a less reliable or harder-to-process alloy. It’s that simple.
Low-Temperature Alloys
These have been talked about ad nauseam at every industry event for the past 5+ years. But adoption rates are very low. Until now… Low Temp has fractured into two categories:
- Sn/Bi <170°C peak reflow temperature
- Reduced Temp alloys with <230°C peak reflow temperature requirements.
All of these alloys contain bismuth, which introduces reliability concerns. AIM metallurgists have developed reduced-temperature alloys that incorporate alloy additives that significantly improve thermal cycling performance and mechanical reliability.
These “designer alloys” are often application-specific and require guidance from solder experts like AIM to assist you in making a material selection that meets the mission profile of the assembly while maintaining ease of manufacturing. AIM’s Sales Engineers and Technical Staff are best in class. If you’re interested in these materials, you need to be in touch. You have problems; we offer solutions.
That’s 2025
And I can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store.
My hope is the economy stays strong, there’s peace in the world, and everyone stays healthy!
