Process traceability and verification has become increasingly important as electronics assembly has moved to higher throughputs and volume requirements with tighter process windows. Ensuring repeatable, high yields requires an optimized process that is constantly in control. Knowing and tracking every parameter relative to how a PCB has been assembled is critical to maintaining control and traceability. If and when something goes wrong, it’s a lot easier to get to the source of the problem with comprehensive traceability.

The solder paste printing process is critical, since it is estimated that more than 60% of all soldering defects originate with the printing step. Accordingly, a system has been developed to add traceability, data harvesting, and reporting to the printing process.  Named PrinTrack, this system creates an easily-accessible comprehensive history detailing how and when a PCB was printed, the process settings, materials, and options used to print it, and all pertinent information that can be used to track PCB assemblies and troubleshoot the process if needed.