What does the IPC-A-610 standard entail?
IPC-A-610 certification is a requirement in the medical, aerospace and military manufacturing industries, among others. Companies that use this standard differentiate themselves from the rest of the market and can thus maintain and or strengthen their position. This certification (also known as the standard for acceptance of assembled electronic components) is the most widely used standard published by IPC, and it sets the standards for what is and is not acceptable during PCB assembly. In this blog, we explain more about the basics of IPC-A-610 certification.
In an assembly process of electrotechnical products, in addition to the countless possible components, many other factors play a crucial role. Think of things like long-term reliability or the appearance of the product. With all these factors and components, a huge playing field is created in which products can be classified as good, bad or anything in between. The IPC-A-610 certificate creates clarity in this and for this reason is divided into three classes. These are distinguished by a defined set of principles and qualities with increasing levels. We would like to briefly explain these different grades.
The first class
The first class within electrical assembly is the also the lowest level within the standard for assembly of electronic products. This looks at assembly with the broadest standards and some minor defects are (often) acceptable. Such products are usually used for low-cost, low-impact items such as consumer items that are mass-produced such as small give-aways. Although they should work as expected, their lifespan is short. Electronic products assembled under Class 1 are low-priced, justifying the lower quality.
The second class
The second class of IPC standards is the most requested class for assembling non-critical electrical components. Products in this class do not have to meet the highest quality requirements but are expected to have a guaranteed long life. However, as with the first class, this category also allows certain defects as long as they do not interfere with the requested reliability. Also with this class, the product must function according to specifications but need not look flawless. For example, small flux residues created during soldering are allowed.
The third class
The third class within electronics assembly requires the best workmanship in terms of quality, durability and accuracy. Class 3 is required for many high-end electronics products. In fact, this class entails many stringent requirements.
These high-end electrical assemblies are of the highest quality and therefore require longer construction time and thus higher costs. After all, quality requires more time and attention.
Who benefits from the IPC-A-610 certification?
The IPC-A-610 certificate demonstrates Confed's specialized and intensive knowledge of electrical assembly and soldering techniques. With the certificate to be obtained, the reliability and quality of any electrical assembly can be guaranteed. This certification shows that Confed can guarantee the application of IPC standards in PCB assembly.
Through this certification, companies are officially recognized by the IPC. These companies thus demonstrate that they have thorough knowledge of all documentation and a high level of competence in its application. After a company obtains this certification, a process starts in which the knowledge is continuously kept up-to-date and in which the certificate must be reapplied for and obtained every two years. In this way, the certification keeps the company current and accurate.
Confed and the IPC-A-610 certification
Confed performs for different companies, different forms of PCB assembly. For these forms of assembly we actually always strive for the highest possible quality for our customers. In order to guarantee this, make it known and satisfy our customers, we are IPC-A-610 certified. In this way, quality is integrated into every step of the production process.
Would you like to know more about PCB assembly at Confed? If so, please feel free to contact us without obligation.
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Got curious?
Have you become curious about what we can do for you in this area? We would like to invite you to contact us. This can easily be done by phone or via our general email address. You can also send us a request via the contact page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Contact via:
info@confed.eu or tel: +31(0) 33 454 1340
