Quality Control over PCB fabrication, Assembly, CNC machining and 3D Printing - Inspection reports and Certifications

Ultimate Quality

Control

PCBWay is definitely your trusted PCB & PCBA & CNC | 3D Printing partner! In addition to friendly service and on-time delivery, we also focus on producing high-quality products that meet or exceed customers’ expectations.

We have implemented the ISO9001 quality system. Quality control has always been an important part of our production process and runs through every link.

Manufacturing Standards

Our technicians have many years of experience, and have been working strictly in accordance with high requirements and standards.

Quality Control Process

We believe that only a complete quality control process is an effective means to ensure quality.

Quality Reports & Certifications

We can provide you with complete quality reports and common certifications as proof of the quality of our products.

Raw Material Download

The specifications of the raw materials
used in our production are available for download.

Manufacturing standards

Our experienced technicians will always ensure that all products are of exceptional quality,
reliability and consistency.

PCB Standards

PCB Assembly Standards

CNC | 3D Standards

PCB Standards

PCB Production standards follow IPC Class 2,IPC Class 3, ,Automotive Standard, Customer Standard

Item	Advanced PCB	Standard PCB
Engineering	one file/1 days+ Senior engineer	mid-level engineer (1 files/hours)
Material Download	Shengyi,Rogers,Arlon,Isola, Omega,Nelco,3M etc.Meet IPC4101 class B/L	KB(kingboard)/GDM(goldenmax) Meet IPC4101 class B/L
Ink,Soldermasks Download	Rohm&Haas,TAIYO,Kuangshun,Meet IPC-SM-840 class T	TAIYO,Kuangshun,Meet IPC-SM-840 class T
Drilling	Min Mechanical Hole Size 0.15mm,Laser hole 0.1mm	Min Mechanical Hole Size 0.2mm
Plating	PTH (Hole copper thickness≥20um),IPC 3(25um)	PTH（Hole copper thickness≥18um）
Soldermask offset	±2mil	±3mil
Dimensional deviation	±0.13mm	±0.2mm
Warping angle	0.75%	1%
Test method	A.O.I,Kelvin Four-terminal sensing,Microsection Inspection,Solderability Test,Impedance Test...	A.O.I.,Fly Probe Testing, E-test fixture
Glass transition ℃	>140℃	>130℃
Etched line	Forbid to repair tracks(IPC 3,Automotive,Customer Standard)	-
Cleanliness	Cleanliness requirements beyond those of IPC	Cleanliness requirements beyond those of IPC

PCB Assembly Parameters	Bulk Order Supported Capabilities	Sample Order Supported Capabilities
PCB size	L50xW50mm~L510xW460mm	Unlimited
PCB thickness	T=0.4~4.0mm	Unlimited
Min SMD size	01005（inch）	01005（inch）
Max SMD size	45x45mm（Connector length:150mm)	Unlimited
Min IC Pin Pitch	0.3mm	0.3mm
Min BGA Ball Spacing	0.4mm	0.4mm
Equipment placement accuracy	±0.35mm @3σ	±0.35mm @3σ
SMD production capacity	1000K points/day	200 Orders/day
DIP production capacity	500K points/day	200 Orders/day

Limits for nominal size	Plastics Coarse class (c)	Metals Medium class (m)
0.5mm* to 3mm	±0.2mm	±0.1mm
3mm to 6mm	±0.3mm	±0.1mm
6mm to 30mm	±0.5mm	±0.2mm
30mm to 120mm	±0.8mm	±0.3mm
120mm to 400mm	±1.2mm	±0.5mm
400mm to 1000mm	±2.0mm	±0.8mm
1000mm to 2000mm	±3.0mm	±1.2mm
2000mm to 4000mm	±4.0mm	±2.0mm

Process	Tolerance
SLA	L<100mm,±0.2mm. l>100mm,±0.2%*L(mm)
DLP	L<100mm,±0.1mm. l>100mm,±0.1%*L(mm)
SLS	L<100mm,±0.25mm. 100< L<200mm,±0.3mm 200< L<500mm,±0.5mm. L>500mm,±0.1%*L(mm)
MJF	L<100mm,±0.25mm. l>100mm,±0.25%*L(mm)
SLM	L<100mm,±0.3mm. l>100mm,±0.3%*L(mm)
FDM	L<100mm,±0.2mm. l>100mm,±0.2%*L(mm)

Perfect quality system

Quality Control Process

The perfect quality assurance system and various testing equipment help us monitor the entire production process to ensure the stability of the process and product quality. At the same time, we also introduce advanced instruments and technical methods to achieve continuous improvement.

PCB
Quality Control Process

PCB Assembly
Quality Control Process

CNC | 3D
Quality Control Process

1. PCB Files Checking Before Production

For each order submitted, Gerber files will be reviewed by our professional engineers before being sent to production. Engineers will confirm the production feasibility in terms of tolerance constraints such as board edge clearance, drilling, pad spacing, impedance and routing. When the engineer finds a problem with the file or there is something that can be optimized, an EQ will be raised, and our customer service representative will get in touch with you, so as not to delay production.

2. Raw Material Guarantee

The quality of the raw materials determines durability of the finished products. Ensuring the high quality of raw materials is one of the most basic principles for PCBWay to manufacture products. PCBWay has been working with leading suppliers in the industry,and inspect materials according to international standards and customer requirements, such as Shengyi, Rogers, KB (kingboard) sheet, Rohm&Haas, TAIYO high-performance solder mask ink.

Click to view raw materials

3. The World's Leading Production Equipment

In order to ensure the best quality and reliability of PCB products, PCBWay continuously introduces advanced equipment, including but not limited to the following:

● LDI exposure machine

● Automatic solder mask production line

● Fully automatic PCB testing machine

● Fully automatic PCB etching equipment

● Automatic silkscreen printing production line

● Fully automatic electroplating line

View the complete PCBWay production line

Lamination machine

Drilling machine

Copper plating

Electroplating

Fully automatic electroplating line

Silkscreen laser printer

Automatic dry film coating machine

FPC cover film

4. Quality Inspection Before Shipment

We strictly comply with ISO9001:2015 requirements and all production processes are in line with IPC standards. In addition to basic visual inspections, all boards undergo the most rigorous electrical tests. We use industry-renowned testing and inspection equipment such as Flying Probe Testing, AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) and Copper Thickness Tester.
We guarantee that every PCB in your hand is in good condition and you can proceed to the next step of assembly safely. Various types of test reports are available upon request.

1-Lamination

After lamination, there will be slicing test (to confirm the thickness of the dielectric), thermal shock test (to confirm whether it is delaminated), and also copper foil adhesion test.

2-Drilling

We will control the service life of the drill tips. The drill tips are coated, which can prolong the service life and reduce the hole diameter. After drilling, there is a test for roughness of hole side, and drilling machine inspection to check the hole position, aperture, whether there is missing hole or plug hole, etc.

3-Copper Plating

Backlight test is performed after plating process to check the thickness for plated copper.

4-Electroplating

CMI700 will be used to check the surface copper and hole wall copper. We normally use a small current for electroplating to ensure the even copper thickness.

5-Developing and Etching

In this process, the engineer will check the width and spacing of the circuits for the first piece, and later perform another random check. There is a checking station for the developing process to ensure the good quality.

6-AOI

AOI is performed after pattern plating. It is an automated optical inspection of PCBs in which a camera is used to scan the circuit board in extremely fine detail to check for any defects or malfunctions.

7-Soldermask and Silkscreen

We use LDI,automatic alignment exposure machine, to finish high quality soldermask process. Solder mask and silkscreen have to also go through QC semi-inspection, and there is also QA inspection (spot check) to check whether the solder mask is not fully developed, whether the solder mask enters the hole, whether the silkscreen printing is qualified, and whether the ink is too much to cause thick characters, etc.

8-Electrical test

Flying probe test and fixture test are typically performed at this stage

9-Routing

Now the boards will go through the routing process twice, and the second time is the fine routing.

10-V-CUT

First sample inspection is needed after going through V-cut process.

11-FQC

After the FQC inspection, there are also FQA random inspections, solder mask 3M adhesion tests, slicing test, and solderability test.

12-Physical Lab

The role of the physical laboratory is to use some devices to make quality tests on the boards of related processes. Commonly used tests include: metallographic microscope, X-ray inspection of inner layer, X-ray test of gold thickness, impedance tester, peel strength tester, coil resistance test, quadratic element, copper thickness tester, solderability test, backlight test, particle contamination test, soldermask 3M adhesion test, copper thickness test,etc.

13-Chemistry Lab

The chemical laboratory generally checks the correct ratio of chemical ingredients to ensure the quality of the boards. Usually, some processes that need to use potions are inspected, including: copper plating, electroplating, solder mask, etching, developing, lamination of brown lines, surface treatment, etc.

5. Strict Management

Our quality control systems are regularly audited and assessed to ensure their compliance and effectiveness. A complete quality control system and 100% PCB testing procedures will ensure that every order you entrust is completed perfectly.

PCBWay has dozens of SMT production lines. Advanced production equipment, strict quality control and intelligent service system to ensure the standardization and best quality of each production process.

Smart management system & Advanced production and testing equipment

AOI Machine Before the Furnace

Conformal Coating Equipment

Depaneling Machine

Microplate Washer

Wave Soldering

AOI

On-line AOI

SMT Placement Machine

High Speed Pick and Place Machine

X-Ray

SPI Solder Paste

SPI

Smart Warehousing

Barcodes vs Qr Codes for Inventory Management

Quality checking process and description

Production process and description	Production process and description
01-Process review Assess and inspect the particularity of the PCBA manufacturing process in advance, guide the production, and improve the quality from the process technology.	02-IQC Incoming Quality Control ● Check whether the resistance and capacitance values are correct ● Check whether the pads on the components and the board are consistent ● Confirm whether the incoming quantity is accurate ● Check whether the components are abnormal
03-SPI Solder Paste Inspection SPI can detect whether the solder paste is sufficient and uniform, which can effectively prevent production quality problems in advance caused by poor solder paste printing.	04-Online AOI Inspection The AOI can detect the wrong solder, reverse solder, false solder, empty solder, incomplete solder, short circuit, offset, tombstone, etc. after reflow soldering. And it can also detect excessive solder, less solder, continuous solder and other undesirable phenomena in the appearance of PCBA solder joints.
05-First sample test Combined with Gerber, BOM and coordinate files, the resistance and capacitance in the completed PCBA are verified again by the first-sample tester to ensure the correctness of all parameter values.	06-Off-line AOI inspection According to the IPC610D standard, inspect the soldered surface mount PCBA for errors, omissions, and false connections.
07-X-Ray welding inspection Inspect the solder joints of invisible components to ensure the reliability of each solder ball of the BGA.	08-QC manual inspection Refers to the standard IPC--610 inspection standard, and the finished board is visually inspected to ensure 100 % Good products shipped.

1. Pre-production Document Check

Before the production, our engineering team conducts a technical evaluation of your part design. This includes an assessment of important factors such as 3D and 2D drawings, material, surface finish, structure, workmanship and etc. When the engineer finds that there is a problem with the file or there is something that can be optimized, communicate with the customer in time to eliminate the problem before processing.

2. Raw Material Guarantee

PCBWay strictly controls material and surface treatment suppliers, using high-quality materials to produce parts. Upon customer request, we provide certification of the materials used to manufacture your parts. Reports come from raw material manufacturers and usually include: material model number, material grades, material dimensions, mechanical properties, chemical analysis, etc.

Click to view raw materials

3. The World's Leading Production Equipment

To guarantee our strict quality control, we have the highest specification production workshop and the most advanced equipment, including but not limited to the following:

● Mazak 3-axis,4-axis,5-axis CNC Machining Center

● Mazak Turn-milling Complex Machine

● Sodick EDM Equipment

● Amada Pega NCT Punch Machine

● Mitsubishi Laser Cutting Machine

● Amada Press Brake Machine

4. In-process Quality Control

We strictly comply with ISO9001:2015 requirements. The parts will be processed in strict accordance with the established technological process. After the FAI report is passed, the mass production can be carried out. There is IPQC in the production process to ensure that every process is correct.

CNC Machining Center

Turn-milling complex machine

Carrier Robot

Mazak 3-axis,4-axis,5-axis CNC Machining Center

Sodick EDM Equipment

Amada Pega NCT Punch Machine

Mitsubishi Laser Cutting Machine

Amada Press Brake Machine

5. Quality Inspection Before Shipment

We have a dedicated QC team that 100% inspects finished parts before delivery, ensuring the parts we manufacture are of the highest quality. For all orders, we provide inspection reports upon request. The report will include the following: Number of parts, critical dimensions, threads and tolerances, thickness and depth, part appearance, and more.

Tensile Tester

It is used to find out how strong a material is and also how much it can be stretched before it breaks.

Zeiss Coordinate Measuring Machine

CMM refers to an instrument that can calculate various geometric shapes, dimensions and other measurement capabilities through the three-coordinate software system according to the point data returned by the probe system within the three-dimensional measurable space.

Mitutoyo Profile Projecto

Profile projector is an instrument that uses the optical principle to enlarge the contour or surface shape of the workpiece by an objective lens and a reflector, and then project it onto a projection screen, and use a counter or various standard pictures to inspect and measure the length, angle, shape, surface, etc.

Easson 2.5-Dimensional Image Measuring Instrument

2.5-dimensional image measuring instrument is a measuring instrument composed of mechanical main body, ruler system, image detection system, drive control system and measurement software.

3D scanners

3D scanner is a scientific instrument used to detect and analyze the shape (geometric structure) and appearance data (such as color, surface albedo, etc.) of objects or environments in the real world.

XRF material verification gun

XRF material verification gun is a fast, non-destructive method for measuring substances.

6. Strict Management

Our quality control systems are regularly audited and assessed to ensure their compliance and effectiveness. A complete quality control system and the most stringent testing methods will ensure that we provide you with quality parts that meet your requirements.

Quality Reports

To ensure that all orders are completed in accordance with the PCBWay Manufacturing Standards.
We can provide a complete quality inspection reports according to your requirements, including but not limited to:

Standard Inspection

This document certifies that the order has been delivered with the required order specifications. PCBWay will do the dimension and surface feature inspections based on the drawings provided by the customer. Test PCB for open circuit or short circuit.

Availability:

pcb,pcb assembly,CNC machining,3D printing,EMS,OEM etc.

Free of charge

REACH

This document certifies that the material of a product manufactured does not contain more than 0.1% of the hazardous substances listed in the European reach regulation (SVHC).

Availability:

pcb,pcb assembly,CNC machining,3D printing,EMS,OEM etc.

Additional cost

Full Dimensional Report

Provides dimensional reports to verify critical dimensions of product parts, and allowable range tolerance data for comparison.

Availability:

CNC machining,Injection molding,PCB

Free of charge

Default Inspection Report

Regular shipment report additionally includes test report, dimensional inspection report

Availability:

Advanced PCB,PCB

Free of charge

Thermal Stress Test Report

The purpose and requirements of thermal stress test PCB is used as the carrier of components, and its reliability has an important impact on the overall performance of electronic products.

Availability:

PCB

Free of charge

Humidity indicator cards

Apply to display the humidity status of the sealed space.

Availability:

pcb,pcb assembly(SMT)

Free of charge

Microsection Inspection Report

Micro-sections made by micro-sectioning technology of printed circuit boards can be used to inspect the thickness of wires inside the PCB, the number of layers, the size of through-holes, and the quality of through-holes. Wet quality evaluation, etc.

Availability:

PCB

Free of charge

Impedance Test Report

PCB Impedance Test

Availability:

PCB

Free of charge

Coordinate measuring machines (CMM)

PCBWay offers inspection with coordinate measuring machine (CMM) or laser scanners for an unlimited number of features.

Availability:

CNC

Additional cost

PCBWay Quality Inspection Report

Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion

Glass transition temperature

Decomposition Temperature

Time to Delamination

Size

Micro cross section inspection(OM)

Bow and twist

Voltage resistant

Porosity

Breakdown voltage

Water Absorption

Cleanliness(NaCl equivalent)

Bond strength

Crystal lattice

Quality Certifications

PCBWay's quality management system is to ensure with efficient printed circuit boards which meet customer’s requirements. Our partners manufacture in compliance with, among others, the following standards:

IATF 16949; CE; ISO 9001:2015; RoHS; ISO 13485:2016; UL; REACH
See more certificate >>

Thanks to the materials used and advanced technology, we always ensure highest quality of our printed circuit boards!
PCBWay can provide customers with certifications in various markets, such as: EU RoHS certification, EU CE certification, US UL certification, US FCC certification, Australia SAA certification, Australia C-tick certification, Australia RCM certification, Japan PSE certification, Brazil INMETRO certification, Mexico NOM certification, Canadian IC certification, Korea lithium battery KC certification, Argentina IRAM S-mark certification, DLC certification, GS certification, CB certification, etc.

PCBWay can provide customers with certifications in various markets,

Resolving Quality Issues

If your order does not meet specifications, you will enjoy our rework or refund policy.
You can issue any complaint within 5 working days after receiving the products. Our after-sales service team will resolve these issues as soon as possible, usually within 1-3 working days. We promise that if quality problems are caused by fabrication, PCBWay will be responsible for free maintenance or rework, and bear the return shipping costs.

Unacceptable processing defects

Fail to meet tolerance requirement

Incorrect material / finish

The part is not machinable

Product not available

Other reasons

Raw Material Download

We use the following raw materials in our production.
The following 60+ product specifications are available for download:

PCB material

Flexible PCBs material

Solder masks

PCB Assembly material

CNC | 3D Printing material

85N Polyimide Laminate and Prepreg

IT-180ABS/IT-180ATC: High Tg, Low CTE

KB-6160/6160A/6160C ANSI FR-4 TG130

KB 6165F Lead-Free/Tg 150/Low CTE

KB 6167F Lead-Free/Tg 170/Low CTE

R-5775K and R-5670K Megtron 6 PPE Blend Resin System (10-25G)

Megtron7 R5785 High frequency(>25G)

NY2140/NY2140P Low CTE & Normal Tg & Lead Free Compatible TG130

NY2150 Datasheet TG150

NY2170/NY2170P Low CTE & High Thermal Reliability & High-Tg TG170

Panasonic M6 R5775 R5670: High Speed, Low Loss Multi-layer Materials

Rogers High Frequency Laminates

S1000-2M TG170: High Performance, Low CTE, Hi-Tg Lead-free

S1000H-S1000HB TG150: High Performance, Mid-Tg, Lead-free

S1141 TG140: Mid-Tg/UV Blocking

S1150G: Halogen-free, Mid-Tg

S1151G: Halogen-free, Mid-Tg, High CTI

S1170G: High Tg, Halogen-free

S1600L: High CTI, Multilayer

SH260 SH260M High Performance, Polyimide Laminate and Prepreg

SJ9102N High Frequency Low Loss Material

Thunderclad3(TU-933) High Speed(>25G)

TU-768: High-Tg and High Thermal Reliability Laminate and Prepreg

TU-862: High Tg Halogen Free Laminate and Prepreg

TU-872: Low Dk/Df and High Thermal Reliability Laminate

TU-883: Very Low Loss and High Thermal Reliability Laminate and Prepreg

VT-47-TDS(rev.A2) TG170: High Tg Material

VT-901-TDS(rev.9) TG250: Polyimide material High Tg & High Reliability

Recognition & Awards

The quality and service of PCBWay have been trusted by many customers, platforms and well-known bloggers,
and have reached a long-term cooperative relationship with them. Discover our customers' testimonials.

We wanted to thank PCBWay for the quality of our exchanges and for the trust they place in Siemens. PCBWay becomes one of our partner for our new project development. Our new strategy project allows us to make a big step toward large scale IOT solutions and this could not be done without the support of PCBWay. This is a mutual commitment and we believe in PCBWay to advise us, guide us and share knowledge in order to create a true collaborative partnership.

Siemens

Purchasing manager

PCBWay and Samsung have collaborated for several years in the design and manufacturing of PCB(s). PCBWay's expertise in technology development and manufacturing complements Samsung's 20-year experience in the development, sales, marketing and Cusomer Service in PCB projects, continuously strengthening their leading position in the international markets.

Samsung

Purchasing & Logistics Specialist

PCBWay have been a very good supplier to Midea for PCB(s). They are extremely competitive in pricing with on time delivery. We have great support from their customer service personnel, very fast with responses and able to assist in almost every occasion.

Midea

Purchasing manager

I am fond of creating visually challenging, out-of-the-ordinary, and unique PCB designs for my projects. Over the years, PCBWay has never ceased to amaze me with its high-quality service, advanced manufacturing options, and acceptance of creativity.

Kutluhan Aktar

Blogger/Maker

PCB Way and Ipesi Magazine maintain the partnership for a few years, with an excellent relationship. The technical capacity and service they offer to partners are at the highest level. Without a doubt, we recommend it to the market.

Takao Ikeda

Ipesi Magazine

Hundreds of SnapEDA's users rely on PCBWay each month to manufacture their boards because of their high-quality services. Their speed and reasonable cost make them a preferred choice among our community - SnapEDA

Dayana Cómbita

Associate Project Manager

Makers in the Raspberry Pi community are increasingly inclined to
use PCBWay to complete their ideas.

MagPi Magazine

We have been working with PCBWay for over a year and love the relationship.
Their team is very professional, responsive and friendly.

Pierre

Co-founder of Cults3d