INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES
This study focuses on plastics usage in electronic components; however, it is not a review of the electronic industry but deals with development of resins and resin grades to meet requirements of these electronic products used in computers, telecommunications, automotive, and other major industries employing these electronic components.
SCOPE AND FORMAT
This study covers all electronic components where plastics are used to a significant extent in mostly molding electronic components and excludes fiber optics, wire and cable, enclosures, recording media, etc. This study covers single devices (e.g., connectors, capacitors, switches, bobbins), multiple-component devices (e.g., printed circuit boards, interconnects, etc.) and encapsulants.
In addition, key participants in the electronic components industry in terms of resin producers, and molders are identified along with inclusion of key technologies, and the competitive resin scenario.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
Resin consumption in electronic components had been growing at rates well above the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for many years. Aside from the recent “economic recovery,” there has been continued demand for electronic products, proliferation of new technologies, and “handling” of environmental pressures brought to bear on the industry has resulted in the need, in many instances, for higher performance plastics for many electronic components. Thus, it is appropriate for a new appraisal of this market at this time.
METHODOLOGY
A comprehensive review was undertaken of literature relating to resins used to produce electronic components, their applications, technology, markets and new developments. Included in the review were supplier trade literature, texts, and monographs. Unresolved issues were clarified by contact with those involved in the industry.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Research analyst Mel Schlechter has more than 40 years in the chemical industry, and specializes in plastics market research. He has been with BCC Research for more than 10 years and holds a B.S. in chemistry, an M.S. in organic chemistry, and an M.B.A. in marketing.
BCC ONLINE SERVICES
BCC offers an online information retrieval service. BCC’s home page, located at
www.bccresearch.com, enables readers to:
DISCLAIMER
The information developed in this report is intended to be as reliable as possible at the time of publication and to be of a professional nature. This information does not constitute managerial, legal, or accounting advice; nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide, laboratory manual, or an endorsement of any product, as much of the information is speculative in nature. The author assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or from its use.
