Industry defects database goes online

A National Physical Laboratory product story

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jan 2, 2008

Online database allows engineers to search through a range of defects covering components, printed circuit boards and assembly problems.

The UK National Physical Laboratory NPL has published the initial results from its recently launched PCB assembly surveys in support of its online industry defects database.

The defect database now allows engineers to search through a range of defects covering components, printed circuit boards and assembly problems.

The aim is to add more defects each month to complement the online submissions.

The assembly survey shows that currently open/joint failure is the most common issue seen by industry.

Open joints are the most difficult to detect in manufacture; the root cause of these defects can be a simple process control issue or a more complex technical problem requiring laboratory analysis.

PCB solder finish is seen as the second biggest issue and is understandable due to the number of different options and the need to change surface coatings for lead-free assembly.

"The reason for conducting three surveys is to allow comparisons between defects submitted on-line and the trends seen in industry", says Davide Di Maio of NPL.

"The database will take time to populate with defects, but with world wide industry co-operation and introducing defect types from our own research studies this will result in a unique resource".

The NPL Industry Defects Database is now online to allow engineers to submit defects with full details and solutions to current problems or requesting advice and a possible solution to the process issues or failures.