the First Inspection Mechanism for PCBA Processing Plants (Part 1)

The first inspection mechanism refers to an error-proofing mechanism to prevent mass accidents. The first or first few products processed by the production line before the PCBA processing plant mass production or at the beginning of each shift or after the process has changed. A full range of tests will be carried out. After all the tests are passed, the formal mass production will start. This can reduce the risk of wrong parts, reduce the probability of errors, and effectively improve the quality of the entire production. This method is the first-piece inspection mechanism. (FAI-First Article Inspection).

1. First article inspection generally occurs in the following situations:

• The new product goes online for the first time
• The beginning or handover of each work class
• Change product model
• Adjust equipment, fixtures and materials
• Change technical conditions, process methods and process parameters
• After adopting new materials or changing ECN materials

2. Requirements for first article inspection: first article inspection adopts three inspection systems: self-inspection, mutual inspection and special inspection.

• If the first piece is unqualified, the reasons shall be found out, measures shall be taken, and the processing shall be performed again after troubleshooting, and the three inspections shall be carried out. The first piece cannot be determined until it is qualified.
• The products submitted for inspection must be “self-inspected” by the operator first, and then “mutual inspection” by the team leader or colleagues, and finally “special inspection” by the inspector, who can continue to process subsequent products after confirming that they are qualified.

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