When procuring Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) from international sources, one can encounter a variety of challenges and risks. These may range from suppliers compromising quality to meet strict timelines, varying standards of production quality, or even deceitful suppliers.
To address these concerns, many businesses opt to hire a neutral third-party inspection service to examine goods at the manufacturing site before they are shipped. In this article, we'll offer an insider's perspective on key focus areas during these inspections.
What to Expect from a Third-Party PCB Inspection: Key PointsFirst of all, it's important to note that inspection checklists may vary based on applicable standards, criteria, and design specifications.
Using the sampling plan ISO 2859 for guidance, we underline primary areas of focus: verifying quantity, assessing workmanship, evaluating style and color, reviewing documentation, conducting field tests and measurements, and examining shipping marks and packaging.
1. Quantity Verification
PCBs are intricate components, often accompanied by high production costs. Receiving a smaller quantity than ordered can trigger a domino effect, potentially halting or disrupting assembly lines and leading to significant losses.
2. WorkmanshipThe overall workmanship of the PCB is crucial, as even minor flaws can result in product malfunctions, a shortened lifespan for the device, or even safety concerns.
During this phase, the inspector assesses the PCB's craftsmanship. This evaluation consists of several tests, such as:
• Visual Inspection : This involves a thorough check of the PCB layout, its components to identify any visible defects. Such defects might include missing or wrongly placed components.
• Function Check : A sequence of tests is performed to validate that the PCB operates according to its design and specifications. While some tests display results on a computer, others may simply activate a light or present a display screen.
3. Style, Color, and Documentation
Maintaining consistency with the order is paramount. Even a minor deviation from the specified design or specifications can result in operational challenges due to the intricate nature of electronic assemblies.
To uphold this consistency, inspectors will:
• Cross-check the products against the purchase order and specific product details to ensure alignment.
• Confirm that the PCB's dimensions precisely match the specifications outlined in the order using a dimension check.
4. Field Test and Measurement
Field tests and measurements are essential to PCBs. They not only verify the board's physical attributes but also its operational performance in different scenarios. Considering the vital function PCBs serve in electronic devices, it’s imperative to consistently maintain their functionality.
To verify the PCB's optimal performance, a series of tests and checks are conducted:
• Voltage Checks : Monitoring the voltage levels at key PCB points to ensure they align with the specified range and assessing the stability.
• Carton Gross Weight : Ensuring the carton's weight matches the specifications.
• Odor Inspection : Identifying any unusual smells, which could indicate issues like burning or production mishaps.
• Barcode Verification: Evaluating the clarity and legibility of barcodes on the product.
• Product Weight : Measuring the weight of the PCB and comparing it against specified standards.
• Quantity Per Carton : Checking that the number of PCBs in a carton matches the order.
5. Shipping Marks and Packaging
Proper labeling is crucial to ensure products reach their correct destinations and to avoid losses or misdeliveries. Given PCBs' sensitive and intricate nature, it's essential to use protective packaging to ward off any transportation-related damage.
As a concluding step, the inspector verifies the product's shipping marks and labels. This process includes:
• Evaluating the clarity and correctness of shipping marks.
• Comparing the provided shipping details with the purchase documentation to ensure consistency.
• Confirming that the manufacturer has used sufficient protective materials in the packaging to mitigate any damage risks during transportation.
Conclusion
From checking the ordered quantities and evaluating the craftsmanship to confirming precise shipping marks, the inspection of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) encompasses various crucial stages. These steps are essential, not only to ensure the PCB's integrity but also to guarantee the optimal performance and durability of the electronic devices in which they are incorporated.
At HQTS , we are an accredited third-party inspection company and a proud member of The Association of Electronic Industries in Singapore (AEIS). With over 25 years of experience, we assist businesses with product inspections, testing, and factory audits. We can inspect your PCB at your manufacturer or supplier throughout Asia, supported by a network of technical experts in more than 40 countries. Contact HQTS at www.hqts.com for a quotation on your next inspection.