If there’s one thing I’ve learned over my 25+ years in this industry, it’s that the best innovations don’t start with a product—they start with a problem. Products must be built to solve problems.
At AIM, that’s how we approach everything we do. Whether we’re developing a new alloy, optimizing a flux system, or refining a fine-pitch solder paste, our first question is always: What challenge are we solving for the customer?
How We Build What’s Next
We don’t develop products just to say we did. We do it because something’s not working as well as it should.
When we created REL61™, for example, it was because customers needed an alternative to SAC305 that was more cost-effective, more reliable, and easier to integrate into existing operations.
So we built an alloy from the ground up to reduce thermal fatigue, improve wetting, and lower voiding, without requiring a process overhaul. A decade later, REL61™ is running in SMT, wave, selective, and robotic soldering lines around the world—not because it’s different, but because it works.
That same approach is what drives our response to miniaturization. As components shrink and board density increases, traditional solder pastes are hitting their limits. We’re helping customers solve this problem with significant investments in ultrafine powder production and advanced formulations like NC259FPA, using Type 6 and 7 powders for ultra-fine pitch printing.
And there’s a lot more cooking behind the scenes. New flux systems. Process-specific pastes. Alloy tweaks with big implications. We roadmap every six months because the industry’s moving that fast, and we intend to stay ahead of the curve.
Collaboration and Culture Drive Solutions
One of the things I always say is that R&D doesn’t just happen in a lab or in a beaker. It happens in conversations. On production floors. Through collaboration.
At AIM, we’re fortunate to partner with organizations like iNEMI, IPC, SMTA, and several universities worldwide. These collaborators help us see farther, test faster, and solve bigger problems.
But it’s our internal culture that really makes innovation stick. We’ve got world-class engineers, production staff, logistics pros, and customer service teams who care about getting it right.
I’ve said before, the key ingredient at AIM is the “give a &^$ factor,” and I stand by that. It’s a culture of ownership, excellence, and follow-through.
Closing Thoughts: Built to Solve, Ready to Support
The electronics industry moves fast. Designs change, specs tighten, expectations rise, and soldering materials have to keep up. At AIM, our goal is to lead, to solve, and to support.
Our materials are engineered for purpose. Our service teams know your process. And we’re ready—not just for what’s now, but for what’s next.
If you’ve worked with AIM, you’ve probably already experienced that mindset. If you haven’t, I invite you to connect with us. Ask questions. Challenge us. Let us show you what it means to work with a company that’s built not just to sell but to solve.
— Timothy O’Neill
Director of Product Management
