Six Case Studies Show More Defects Shipped Than Expected: What To Do About It

摘要

A review of six manufacturing case studies highlights disturbing patterns evident in electronics manufacturing today. The composite study compares current test processes, systems and techniques, and documents a common trend: PCB manufacturers are unknowingly and unintentionally shipping defective boards to their customers. The case studies supporting the evidence also show that automated X-ray inspection (AXI) could eliminate many of these defects and produce the following realistic results: 1. Improve test processes to increase yield of good boards downstream 2. Reduce warranty costs by reducing field failures 3. Reduce scrap and repair costs Every aspect of a delivered product -- cost, functionality, and customer satisfaction levels -- will affect future business. As a result, many PCB manufacturers are addressing quality concerns by focusing on process improvements. Producing high-quality boards will minimize scrap and rework, which improves profitability. Removing process faults -- not just board faults -- improves board quality, increases customer satisfaction and reduces the astronomical expense of warranty returns.