What does FAI mean in PCB manufacturing?
27 December 2023
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What is FAI?
FAI (First Article Inspection) refers to the comprehensive inspection of the first batch of products produced during the PCB manufacturing process, to identify and solve problems that may arise early in the manufacturing process to ensure that the product meets the design requirements and IPC quality standards.FAI is a highly accurate and reliable method of detecting defects in PCBs, which is a non-destructive testing technique that It uses small probes to scan the PCB surface and detect problems in the copper layer.
The process of FAI mainly includes the following parts:
1. Preparation
The PCB is cleaned and prepared for testing by removing dirt, oil or other contaminants from the surface.
2. Sample Collection
First Article Inspection usually uses 20% of the sample test volume, the time is about 2-3 days for standard varieties of PCB,
3.Probing
A flying probe is a small flexible wire with a sharp tip that is placed on the surface of the PCB and moves across the board in a specific pattern. As the probe moves, it detects any change in resistance between the probe and the PCB.
4. Data Analysis
The data collected by the probe is analyzed using special software to identify problems on the PCB.
5.Reporting
The results of the inspection are collated into a report and submitted to the manufacturer and customer and this information is used to determine if the PCB meets the required specifications.
Cost of FAI
The cost of FAI accounts for 1% to 3% of the total cost of manufacturing PCB products. However, FAI can help identify problems in the production process this morning and take corrective action to improve product quality and productivity.
FAI is an important tool for inspecting PCBs after they are manufactured to ensure PCB product quality.
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