Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1508761
Article by Miles Moreau KIC Introduction In the world of electronics manufacturing, inspection and quality control are paramount. Manufacturing engineers, process engineers, and managers in the electronics industry are constantly seeking innovative ways to improve the reliability and performance of SMT lines, and OEM auditors want assurances of com- plete process control and traceability of pro- duction for their product builds. Real-time inline inspection steps are necessary to main- tain consistent quality and ensure the high- est level of process control and traceability. 68 SMT007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2023 is article sheds light on the critical role of reflow process inspection (RPI) that ensures the quality and reliability of PCBAs during reflow soldering, and briefly touches on excit- ing new sensing technology developed by KIC, an industry leader. The Challenge of Reflow Soldering Inspection Reflow soldering is a unique step in PCB assembly because it involves no added mate- rial. Instead, it relies on the precise application of heat to properly solder the assembly and cre- Closing the Inspection Gap: Enhancing Electronics Manufacturing Quality With Reflow Process Inspection