During the Nurnberg SMT 34 contestants from 17 companies took part in the hand-soldering world championship. Many came from Germany, but other European countries were also well represented.
Within 60 minutes the contestants had to create a well-functioning electronic assembly to IPC-A- 610F guidelines. Doing so could earn them a maximum of 437 points. The assessment was done by IPC A-610 Master Trainers, and PIEK’s Rob Walls was on the jury. Rob Walls said: ‘It was an exciting competition, as all the contestants really had a drive to
win.’
The winner was Ms Eliane Chesnais who scored 433 out of 437 points and who was awarded the prize money of €300. Incidentally, last year Eliane came second in the same contest. The rewards for second and third place were €200 and €100, respectively. Ms Aurélie Buret came second with 424 points, and Ms Ekatarina Stahlmann came third with 401 points. It
was Ekatarina who had ended up as the winner of the contest in the last two years in a row.
Women are standing tall in this competition. Not only do the top three spots all go to women, but the top 10 features only two male contestants.
By winning in Nurnberg Ms Eliane Chesnais has qualified for the hand-soldering world championship. This will be held in Munich. IPC will pay for her travel expenses and her hotel there. We already wish Eliane the best of luck.
