In last week's newsletter, I commented on the size of NEPCON World 2010 in terms of floor space and visitor numbers. Surprisingly, the number of vendors, manufacturing reps, manufacturers and other exhibitors that reserved booths, as well as the number of attendees, did not change compared to previous years. A big change occurred in the organizations represented at the show this year. Most of the companies that booked space in previous years did not reserve any this year. Raw material suppliers for copper foil and PCB manufacturers, especially flexible circuit manufacturers, were absent. These same companies reserved the lion's share of space in the past and were considered the major exhibitors of the show.

Many new material and circuit manufacturers made a showing this year. Their booths were not very large, but they did a great job in promoting specialty items. I also noticed many of new faces from the Asian region; mostly Korea, Taiwan, China and Thailand. These companies did not display very innovative technologies or products, but they were very active during the show in trying to drum up new business from Japan. Their main competitors are Korean companies that offer similar products with equivalent quality, but with slightly lower prices. These Korean manufacturers (mostly material suppliers) have the upper hand in offering lower prices due, in part, to the Korean won dipping to its lowest level compared to the Japanese yen. Companies from other countries did not provide details about the quality of their products and focused mainly on their lower prices and manufacturing capacities.

Manufacturers of optical fibers and related products and technologies occupied relatively large spaces at the exhibition. Most of their sales pitches centered on splicing and connectors, and many companies introduced new compact-sized splicing machines that are very easy to operate. None of them discussed pricing in detail...I am not sure why. Fiber laser products were also featured in this section of the show. Several laser manufacturers displayed the latest models for fiber laser drilling and one manufacturer claimed that its new fiber laser is capable of drilling holes smaller than 10 microns on plastic films. The results look finer and the drilling seems more powerful than carbon dioxide lasers. Most of these companies featured new equipment for use with fiber lasers and pointed out the cost competitiveness with fiber lasers and their equipment.

Much of space was devoted to companies associated with automobile electronics and related technologies. Most presentations and discussions centered on vehicle electronics, especially automotive ecology (everything concerning fuel saving technologies). Most companies steered their conversations towards hybrid cars and related electronics. Navigation systems with unique applications are still a hot topic this year and traditional bulbs may soon be replaced with LED light sources. Historically, when consumer electronic markets are in retreat and money is tight, most electronics and device companies pursue new business opportunities in the automobile industry.

Dominique K. Numakura
DKN Research, www.dknresearch.com