4 Steps To Ensure Quality of PCBA Manufacturing

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Engineers must examine PCB gerber files and BOM lists prior to beginning PCBA manufacture in order to identify crucial elements of the SMT assembly and PCB manufacturing processes, such as copper plating, exposure, surface finish, solder paste printing, oven temperature curve, etc. We are now going to discuss the quality control techniques in detail.

Implementing good quality control procedures can ensure that all PCBA boards meet expected quality standards. This can include rigorous quality control at different stages, from PCB manufacturing to component procurement and assembly.

1. Gerber files

The specifics of PCB fabrication, such as laminate thickness and dimensions, copper thickness, surface finish, line spacing and breadth, additional special requirements for impedance, blind via, buried via, etc., must be confirmed by the engineer. The consistency of the circuit printing and copper plating are crucial components in ensuring the quality of standard PCBs. The engineer should determine the impedance and communicate the corresponding manufacturing requirements to the production team.

2. BOM List

We must identify the most important components—ICs, displays, connectors, etc.—as well as their packaging technique using the BOM list. Advanced SMT mounters need to be configured to assemble 0201 chips. Confirming the purchase timeframe is crucial for the PCBA production process as a whole in the interim. Some should be imported from abroad, and some are out of stock.

3. SMT Assembly Process

Before SMT assembly process, we have to inspect all incoming materials before they are placed onto production lines. Through checks of shape, dimension, value and brand, we can ensure all components are in compliance with the BOM list. Regarding some replacement component, we have to raise conversation with customer design engineers before making purchase decision. At stage of solder paste, engineer has to make sure of the laser stencil is OK and solder paste on PCB pads is in uniformity and good shape for first test board. High precision advanced SMT mounter is also a key to guarantee the quality. Subsequently, we have to set right oven temperature curve and use AOI to make online test. At last phase, ICT or FCT is necessary before delivery. We can find problems of soldering, vibration or test under severe conditions.

4. Team Management

Machine is one thing, man is the other. Perfect team management almost does everything for quality control of PCBA manufacturing process. We have to implant corporate culture into minds of everybody and the internal acceptance would impulse the team to take care of every job. Also, to make appropriate incentives is crucial.

PCBA manufacturing process is not so easy as above mentioned. It involves many technical aspects and professional operations. This article is mainly aimed to offer a rough sketch of whole PCBA manufacturing process.