Bench 2 Bench Interview with Ira Rosenberg, Operations Manager
Created in 2008 and headquartered in Fullerton, CA, Bench 2 Bench is part of a three-plant organization that specializes in providing a variety of printed circuit board solutions to a broad customer base. The company provides ultra-high density interconnect (UHDI) flexible circuits, and is built around the idea that custom, UHDI flex circuits require special expertise and handling, unique engineering considerations using a variety of materials, and a close working relationship between customer and provider. We recently spoke with Ira Rosenberg, operations manager, to find out more about Bench 2 Bench and what it provides to customers.
Can you please give our readers some background about Bench 2 Bench? What industry need was it designed to meet?
Bench 2 Bench was created in 2008 to meet the needs of the medical device industry, specifically, ultrasound transducers FPCs and other related flexible printed circuits.
Ira, we understand that 2021 celebrates your 10-year anniversary with Bench 2 Bench. Congratulations! How has the company changed over the past decade?
We have gone from a 13 man, less than $1 million a year organization to a 40 man, $8 million a year major player in the ultrasound/medical Device arena. We are proud to say that we are now one of the top suppliers to the best-selling producers of ultrasound transducers in the industry.
How does having Winonics as a sister company benefit Bench 2 Bench? Does it make Bench 2 Bench a stronger company? Why?
The re-joining of the two companies definitely makes Bench 2 Bench and Winonics/ACT stronger. Both organizations can bounce off of each other in regard to backup and support in many areas including but not limited to front end engineering, IT, maintenance, process support, and backup for many production operations.
Earlier you mentioned UHDIs. How are they different from HDIs?
High-density interconnects (HDIs) typically are rigid boards with line/space definitions down to the 2-3 mil (50-75 µm) level, where UHDI flexible FPCs generally are (line/space) 1-2 mil (25-50 µm level). Most of the product we make is in the 1-2 mil range.
Why do UHDIs require special expertise and handling? What makes them unique?
The thin material is subject to damage in all areas of processing. Additionally, the fine lines make it a major challenge for the typical rigid or flex board shop who are not used to the special handling and cleanliness required during the process.
You also mentioned that ultra-thin materials and fine features mean more real estate on the flexible circuit. Can you explain what you mean to our readers?
Simply put, the customer is able to put more circuitry into a smaller area. The advantage is that there are fewer raw materials required to make the circuit as you can put more parts within a production panel. This can lead to an overall lower cost. The initial cost is higher, but the long–term reliability and quality gives the customer positive payback.
It sounds like Bench 2 Bench’s flex circuits have the most application in the medical device manufacturing industry, especially since quality is beyond important and customers are understandably demanding. How does the company meet customers’ needs, especially for traceability?We operate our QMS system under strict ISO-AS9100 guidelines. Under these guidelines we have complete traceability of the entire process and its related materials.
Besides medical device manufacturing, are there additional markets that Bench 2 Bench technology benefits?
We are capable of doing a variety of flexible printed circuits and have done parts for general commercial and aerospace applications under our AS9100 certification.
What types of finishes and value-added services does Bench 2 Bench provide?
For final finish, we offer the following:
1. Electrolytic Ni-Au
2. Electrolytic Ni
3. Electrolytic Matte or Brite Tin
4. ENiG (Electroless Nickel/Immersion Gold)
5. EPiG (Electroless Palladium/Immersion Gold)
6. Immersion Silver
7. ISiG (Immersion Silver/Immersion Gold)
In regard to added value, we offer component hand or SMT soldering services
What would you most like the industry to know about Bench 2 Bench today?
That we exist, and we are growing and expanding our capabilities with the support of the new ownership.Most people know of Bench 2 Bench through word of mouth. New ownership has committed an initial investment approaching $2 million including funding for marketing efforts.Our team is excited to take advantage of what this will do for customers, the organization and our capabilities going into the future.