A successful engineering prototype PCB build does not guarantee smooth mass production. Many programs lose yield or miss dates when scaling from tens to thousands of units. PCBA PARTNER uses stage-gate management to reduce that risk.
Prototype: prove manufacturability
Deliver DFM reports, first-article records, reflow profiles, and AOI baselines. Freeze customer-approved parameters; major changes go through ECN.
Pilot build: expose supply and cycle-time issues
- Confirm stable supply and approved alternates for critical ICs
- Validate test fixtures and programming
- Capture unit labor to calibrate production pricing
Production: monitor the process
Review SPI/AOI defect rates daily or weekly; launch 8D on recurring defect modes. Key accounts may set Cpk targets or lot sampling AQL.
Documentation and traceability
Retain reflow logs, paste lots, stencil life, and test records for fast containment on complaints. Stable quality comes from disciplined process—not inspection alone at the end.