Standards and Processes for Printed Circuit Board Assembly
What You Need to Know
When it comes to your printed circuit board assembly, it’s natural to expect that it meets your own standards as well as all industry standards and specifications.
We are often asked what standards drive our design, development, production, and assembly processes. Many of our customers are interested in finding a partner who is certified to ISO 9001 or other specific standards.
What is ISO 9001?
ISO 9001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). Organizations typically use this standard to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. It is the most popular standard in the ISO 9000 series and the only standard in the series to which organizations can certify.
Of the many formal standards out there, ISO 9001 is probably the most widely known. However, it’s not the only standard to which quality management can be (or should be) measured against.
The highest quality is the focus.
While ISO 9001 standards and certification can seem common, the costs for a printed circuit board assembler—or any manufacturer, for that matter—to become certified can be overwhelming, both in actual dollars and in time invested. Combined, these costs can reach up to the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The purpose of such standards is ultimately to ensure the highest possible quality of a product or service. And, while we do not currently carry the ISO certification, the highest quality is, in fact, what QualTech is focused on.
We adhere to medical grade and aerospace industry expectations.
Since 2007, we have built more than 500,000 circuit board assemblies. Those builds have met or exceeded standards for some of the most closely audited industries out there, including medical and aerospace. Manufacturing processes for both industries are routinely audited and require attention to even the most minute of details, sometimes even more stringent than ISO 9001.
Completely open to quality team audits and walk-throughs.
Not only do we allow it, but we encourage our customers to send their own quality teams into the shop for walk-throughs and audits. Many take advantage of this opportunity to see for themselves the high level of quality we produce.
Our size and expertise allow us to be flexible in personalizing processes for our customers. Whether that means separate workstations for the entire process or customized lines of production and assembly to meet certain specs, our team is always focused on the end result: a high-quality product, delivered on time and on budget.
ISO Certification
ISO 9001 Certification does provide a set of standards necessary to push some manufacturers to adhere to the quality standards they are claiming to follow/implement. No matter the “stamp” that is applied to a company’s quality standards, however, it ultimately comes down to meeting and exceeding the highest electronic manufacturing standards expected in the industry.
When you are evaluating a contract manufacturer for your PCB assembly, we suggest you look beyond just those things that can be listed on a website or in a proposal. Instead, consider the actual quality of the end product - ask for samples, request a list of referrals, visit the facility. Don’t just trust what’s shown on the surface.
Request a FREE Project Review or Snapshot Analysis
Are you looking to improve your printed circuit board assembly or box build? Or maybe you’re in the early stages of a new product design? If so, request a free project review today, and we’ll reach out to you to learn more about your project.
If you’re not quite ready for a full quote, try a free “Snapshot Analysis” of your current board or initial drawings. We’ll take a look and give you our thoughts based on more than 100 years of combined experience.
In the end, quality is our focus. We hope to hear from you soon.
