Ever since the creation of the printed circuit board. Engineers and manufacturers required a way to ensure proper functionality as well as reliability. This is where IPC Standards comes in. Learning about them will ensure that your project is free of defects and will not fail in the field. PCB reliability is crucial as failures may result in bodily harm or damage to company reputation. Learning how to navigate IPC Standards helps mitigate that.
PCB Manufacturers Abide By IPC Assembly Standards To Ensure Excellence
Technological advances tend to come about through months, years and decades of research and experimentation, but only after the standards for the technology had been set. For new standards to be established and accepted, there was always a stepping stone for it to come about.
Printed circuit boards are a prime example of a technological advancement based on previously set standards. No doubt, the best contract manufacturer should be the ones building the circuit boards. They pride themselves on learning and understanding the industry standards in the development of circuit boards.
Many standards are ones the IPC, the Association Connecting Electronics Industries, have published. They provide in-depth information about the manufacturing of PCBs and how to document them. What IPC assembly standards should a contract manufacturer use to produce a circuit board? Should they implement them into every facet of their business?
What IPC Assembly Standards Do PCB Manufacturers Need To Follow?
There are several PCB manufacturing industry standards manufacturers tend to use:
IPC-A-610 or Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies
- This standard dictates how electronic assemblies should be handled, what the permissible soldering results, what the assemblies’ appropriate technical of hardware installation is and other circuit board manufacturing aspects.
IPC-J-STD-001G or Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronics Assemblies
- This lays out how a PCB is manufactured to ensure IPC-A-610 requirements are met.
There are several kinds of IPC applications that PCB manufacturers must adhere to to ensure proper assembly. However, the two above are ones CMs primarily use to create the printed circuit boards.
CMs Must Be Trained On IPC Standards
It’s not enough for contract manufacturers to know the IPC standards to create PCBs. After all, the standards change often and improved, which is why reputable manufacturers must remain on top of their industry. They must also ensure their personnel are well-aware and trained on the latest standards. Personnel who are kept aware of these changes can apply them to every job they do.
Contract manufacturers often conduct regular updates and training with multiple employees who are licensed as IPC trainers. This ensures the CM has employees who maintain their IPC credentials and don’t need a third-party trainer.
Since CITs are not employer-designated, CMs have the option to train others, including their customers or suppliers. This in-depth knowledge and training foster communication.
How A CM’s Businesses Is Touched By The IPC Standards
A CM, for total success, must go beyond focuses on certain IPC standard specifics to the job. The best of them will incorporate every standard to ensure the processes are solidly founded. This allows them to discover every manufacturing flaw, no matter how minute. They don’t just focus on meeting the standard details, overlooking such issues like:
- Work environment deliberations
- Personnel deliberations
- Appropriate PCBA handle to evade any electrostatic discharge
Contract manufacturer, Vinatronic, realizes the need for IPC standards – to ensure printed circuit boards are produced to surpass the standard of excellence. Vinatronic has been an IPC corporate member that chooses to be the best of the best with its incorporation of several processes, including but not limited to:
- Video certification resources
- Quick reference manuals
- Displayed applicable solder joints graphics to inspection teams
- Regularly take part in trade shows such as the IPC Expo to stay on top of the latest information
Vinatronic’s IPC Standard Experience
Since our inception, Vinatronic has ensured every board that leaves its facility is up to IPC Standards. Whether Class 2 or 3, you can relax knowing Vinatronic will take personal care in ensuring each board is perfect. Reach out to our staff for a free quote on your next project!
