January 04, 2022

PCB (Printed Circuit Boards) are being widely used in almost every piece of electronic equipment. So naturally, effective quality control is...

What are the various quality control methods used for sourcing PCBs?

PCB (Printed Circuit Boards) are being widely used in almost every piece of electronic equipment. So naturally, effective quality control is essential when sourcing PCBs as the quality of materials used for PCBs determines the high performance of the electronic device. During the manufacturing process of PCBs, X-ray inspection and many other quality control testings are done to ensure quality at each stage. But they usually have to pass several additional quality checks before being sold as buyers must ensure that the PCB development follows the relevant industry standards when sourcing PCBs for manufacturing electronics. 

Following are the standard quality control methods used for PCBs: 

Manual inspection 

The first phase is usually a non-invasive manual inspection by certified inspectors. The inspector will ensure that the component has no visible defects. They usually use a number of tools to ensure the product is manufactured adhering to the relevant design standards. In addition, they will refer to the design of the original product to ensure the design of the delivered PCBs is consistent.  

Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) 

Automated visual inspection or Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) of the printed circuit board (PCB) is considered a superior and more reliable method of inspection than manual inspection. It is conducted using advanced technology machines to scan the PCB and detect any quality defects such as inconsistency of fillet size, shape, component line width violations, etc. 

X-Ray Inspection 

When sourcing any electronic components, X-ray inspection is a widely used method in many industries, including the medical industry, commercial industry, military, and aerospace industry. X-ray inspection of components such as PCBs is conducted to identify hidden defects that may have escaped the visual inspection. It is a non-destructive technique that helps identify manufacturing errors. Most buyers either use in-house X-Ray inspection equipment or trust third-party independent suppliers which provide certified products.  

Electronic testing 

The true test of quality is definitely the final product performance. Thus, PCBs usually undergo electronic testing to ensure they perform up to the required standards. It involves an electronic test with multiple pins to contact test points on the PCB to ensure there are no problems. 

If you want to buy high-quality PCBs or other electronic components that meet the industry-required standards, get in touch with our team for expert assistance!