The IPC, which recently changed its name to the Global Electronics Association, traditionally organize the regional qualification of Hand Soldering Competition in Hungary at the InnoElectro Exhibition. The competition task is to hand soldering a circuit board featuring highly complex, very small components within 60 minutes. We are becoming increasingly accustomed to tiny components in our daily lives. Time is a major challenge. Within the time limit, 10–15% of participants usually manage to complete a functional workpiece. This year was no different. At the same time, this year’s competition was not without some moments of drama.
Fotó: Polyák Attila @Innoelectro
Surprisingly, three French ladies also entered the Budapest competition. When asked why, their answer was simple: “We want to win!” they said. They hadn’t succeeded at the competition held in Paris last month, so they decided to try their luck here. And they succeeded! They took the top three places!
Péter Zsombok, a three-time Hungarian champion who placed third at last year’s world championships, was not on the top this time and couldn’t quite finish the job. His colleague, János Szebellédi, finished — at least he thought so. But it didn’t work! Why? It turned out a tiny resistor was missing! He should have had time for it! In the final seconds, he was just cleaning the board. An annoying, tiny lapse in attention! If the circuit doesn’t work, the work cannot be evaluated according to the rules.
Péter Püspöki was the only Hungarian competitor who successfully complete his assembly this year.
Final results:
- Laëtitia Trapani, Thales – 875 points, time: 56:55
- Eva Gobet, Thales – 872 points, time: 55:27
- Laure Ripert, Thales – 852 points, time: 60:00
- Péter Püspöki, BME-HVT – 845 points, time: 60:00
The maximum possible score was 887.
The ready assemblies were evaluated by IPC master trainers in accordance with the criteria of the IPC-A-610 standard.
We could see many talented competitors who weren’t quite fast enough this time. We hope there will be a competition next year as well, and then all of you will have another chance to prove yourselves!
