Electronics Quality When Sourcing From China
4 resources tagged with "Quality"
Quality in China sourcing is concrete, not vague: it's the factory tier you're actually buying from, the IPC-A-610 class you specified in the PO, and whether anyone X-rayed the BGA joints. An export-grade OEM factory running to IPC-A-610 Class 2 with AXI inspection is a different animal from a trading company drop-shipping unverified boards. The single most useful lever buyers underuse is writing the acceptance class (Class 1/2/3) directly into the purchase order so 'quality' has a measurable definition.
When you talk quality with a Chinese factory, pin it to standards — IPC-A-610 acceptance class, BGA void limits per IPC-7095, AQL sampling levels — rather than the word 'good'. We verify the factory tier and specify the inspection class and methods (visual, AXI, X-ray) in writing so disputes have an objective reference.
Guides (2)
Wiki (2)
FAQ
How do I specify quality in a purchase order?
Name the standard and class — for example IPC-A-610 Class 2 for most commercial electronics, Class 3 for high-reliability — plus the AQL level and inspection methods. Vague terms like 'good quality' give you no bargaining power in a dispute.
What separates an export-grade factory from a trading company?
Export OEM factories own their production lines, run documented inspection (AOI, AXI, X-ray), and can show IPC training records. Trading companies subcontract and often can't control or verify what you receive.
When is X-ray inspection worth paying for?
X-ray is essential when your boards have BGA, QFN, or other hidden-joint packages, because visual and AOI can't see under them. For board-up products without bottom-terminated parts, AOI plus visual sampling is usually enough.
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