Quality pays for itself in the long run even if not apparent at first sight
At first sight, PCBs differ little in appearance, irrespective of their inherent quality. It is under the surface that we focus on the differences so critical to the PCBs’ durability, reliability and functionality. Customers cannot always see the difference, but they can rest assured that we put a great deal of effort into ensuring that in turn, their customers are also supplied with PCBs that meet the most stringent quality standards.
It is vital that PCBs function reliably both during the manufacturing assembly process and, out in the field. Apart from the costs involved, faults during assembly can end up being built into the final product via the PCBs, with possible failure in the field resulting in compensation claims. Relative to that, in our opinion, the cost of a premium quality PCB is negligible.
In all market sectors, particularly those producing products with critical applications, the consequences of such failures could be devastating.
Such aspects must be considered when comparing PCB prices. Reliability and a guaranteed long life cycle involve an initially higher outlay, but will pay for themselves in the long run.
NCAB GROUP PCB SPECIFICATION, BEYOND IPC CLASS 2
14 of the 103 most important features of a durable PCB
1. 25 micron nominal hole plating as per IPC class 3
Benefits
Increased reliability including improved z-axis expansion resistance.
Risk of not having
Blow holes or outgassing, electrical continuity problems (inner layer separation, barrel cracking) during assembly or risk of field failures under load conditions. IPC Class 2 (standard for most factories) provides 20% less copper.
2. No track welding or open circuit repair
Benefits
Reliability through perfect circuitry and security as no repair = no risk.
Risk of not having
Poor repair can actually lead to open circuits being supplied. Even a ‘good’ repair has a risk of failure under load conditions (vibration etc.) leading to potential field failures.
3. Cleanliness requirements beyond those of IPC
Benefits
Improved cleanliness of the PCB influences increased reliability.
Risk of not having
Residues on the boards, solder pick up, risk of conformal coating problems, ionic residues leading to risk of corrosion and contamination of the surfaces which are used for soldering – both potentially leading to reliability issues (poor solder joint / electrical failures) and ultimately increased potential for field failures.
4. Tight control on age of specific finishes
Benefits
Solderability, reliability and less risk of moisture ingression.
Risk of not having
Solderability problems can occur as a result of metallurgical changes within the finish of old boards, whilst moisture ingression can lead to delamination, inner layer separation (open circuits) during assembly and/or when in the field.
5. Internationally known base materials used – no ‘local’ or unknown brands allowed
Benefits
Increased reliability and known performance.
Risk of not having
Poor mechanical properties mean the board doesn’t behave as expected during assembly conditions – for example: higher expansion properties leading to delamination / open circuits and also warpage problems. Reduced electrical characteristics can lead to poor impedance performance.
6. Tolerance for copper clad laminate is IPC4101 class B/L
Benefits
Tighter control of dielectric spacing provides less deviation in electrical performance expectations.
Risk of not having
Electrical characteristics may not be exactly as planned and units within the same batch can demonstrate greater variation in output / performance.
7. Defined soldermasks and ensuring accordance to IPC-SM-840 class T
Benefits
NCAB Group approves ‘good’ materials to provide security in the ink and in knowing the soldermasks are covered within UL approvals.
Risk of not having
Poor inks can lead to problems with adhesion, resistance to solvents and hardness – all of which can see soldermask coming away from the board ultimately leading to corrosion of the copper circuitry. Poor insulation characteristics can lead to short circuits through unwanted electrical continuity / arcing.
8. Defined tolerances for profile, holes and other mechanical features
Benefits
Tighter tolerances means improved dimensional quality of the product – better fit, form and function.
Risk of not having
Problems during assembly such as alignment / fit (press fit pin problems that are only found when the unit is fully assembled). Also problems with assembly into any housing due to increased deviation in dimensions.
9. NCAB Group specifies soldermask thickness – IPC does not
Benefits
Better electrical insulation, less risk of flaking or loss adhesion and greater resilient to mechanical impact – wherever that may happen!
Risk of not having
Thin deposits of soldermask can lead to problems with adhesion, resistance to solvents and hardness – all of which can see soldermask coming away from the board ultimately leading to corrosion of copper circuitry. Poor insulation characteristics due to the thin deposit can lead to short circuits through unwanted electrical continuity / arcing.
10. NCAB Group defines cosmetic and repair requirements – IPC does not
Benefits
Security as a result of love and care during the manufacturing process.
Risk of not having
Multiple scratches, minor damage, touch ups and repairs – a functional but perhaps unsightly board. If concerned over what can be seen, then what risks are involved with what cannot be seen, and the potential impact on assembly or risk when in the field?
11. Specific requirements of depth of via fill
Benefits
A good quality filled via hole will provide less risk of rejection during the assembly process.
Risk of not having
Half filled via holes may trap chemical residues from the ENIG process which can cause problems such as solderability. Such via holes can also trap solderballs within the hole which can escape and cause short circuits either during assembly or in the field.
12. Peters SD2955 peelable as standard
Benefits
The benchmark for peelable mask – no ‘local’ or cheap brands.
Risk of not having
Poor or cheap peelable can blister, melt, tear or simply set like concrete during assembly so that the peelable does not peel / does not work.
13. NCAB Group specific qualification and release process for every purchase order
Benefits
Security in knowing that through the release process, all of the specifications have been verified.
Risk of not having
Risk that the product received will not be validated adequately and that any deviations to specification may not be spotted until assembly or final box build…. when it is too late.
14. No x-outs accepted
Benefits
No partial assembly means improved efficiency for the customer.
Risk of not having
Special set-ups are necessary for each panel with a defect, and if the x-outs are not clearly marked or not segregated from the main delivery, there is a risk of assembling a known bad board; waste of components and time.
Three steps to quality – the NCAB way
- We apply our own product specifications derived from IPC standards, but exceeding it in parts.
- Our purchasing power gives us leverage to ensure that the factories implement our specifications.
- Thorough quality control both at the factory and after delivery.