Target Condition: Are Autorouters Friend or Foe?
Fresh PCB Concepts: Assembly Challenges with Micro Components and Standard Solder Mask Practices
Elementary Mr. Watson: Retro Routers vs. Modern Boards—The Silent Struggle on Your Screen
The Past, Present, and Future of IPC-A-610
July 8, 2015 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Since 1983, IPC-A-610, Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies, has been the standard used by organizations interested in understanding the acceptability criteria for electronic assemblies around the world.
To understand the ultimate power of IPC-A-610, you need to first understand what is at the core of this standard. IPC-A-610 is a collection of visual quality acceptability requirements for electronic assemblies. It is utilized as a post-assembly acceptance standard to ensure that electronic assemblies meet acceptance requirements.
IPC-A-610 is an essential document in an electronic assembler’s library. Not only is it necessary to have the proper material and tools, but it is also important to have clearly defined acceptance criteria. IPC-A-610 provides that criteria developed and accepted by representatives from some of our industry’s leaders.
Most often, IPC-A-610 is used as a companion document to other standards. While there is much overlap in criteria for these compatible standards, each has a unique purpose. The development and evolution of IPC-A-610 falls largely on a unified task group, which consists of volunteers who often work together on other standards as well. It is because of this that so many standards are able to operate as companion pieces. For example, IPC J-STD-001 is a material and process requirements standard that is critical for use during manufacturing. The volunteers developing these two standards often have synergy meetings where they address changes to both documents at the same time.
Specifically for the ongoing development and maintenance of IPC-A-610, it is an industry consensus document prepared by subject matter experts from the electronics industry. The committee consists of more than 200 volunteers representing their companies, organizations, and interests of the industry. It is a truly collaborative project.
On top of that, IPC-A-610 is a global document, readily able to assist electronic assemblies around the world. For example, previous revisions of IPC-A-610 were translated into as many as 20 languages. This expands the reach of the standard, solidifying its usability in the global market. It is all about sharing knowledge and inspiring growth to create a competitive market within the electronics industry.
To read this article, which appeared in the June 2015 issue of The PCB Design Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
The Global Electronics Association Releases IPC-8911: First-Ever Conductive Yarn Standard for E-Textile Application
07/02/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe Global Electronics Association announces the release of IPC-8911, Requirements for Conductive Yarns for E-Textiles Applications. This first-of-its-kind global standard establishes a clear framework for classifying, designating, and qualifying conductive yarns—helping to address longstanding challenges in supply chain communication, product testing, and material selection within the growing e-textiles industry.
IPC-CFX, 2.0: How to Use the QPL Effectively
07/02/2025 | Chris Jorgensen, Global Electronics AssociationIn part one of this series, we discussed the new features in CFX Version 2.0 and their implications for improved inter-machine communication. But what about bringing this new functionality to the shop floor? The IPC-CFX-2591 QPL is a powerful technical resource for manufacturers seeking CFX-enabled equipment. The Qualified Product List (QPL) helps streamline equipment selection by listing models verified for CFX compliance through a robust third-party virtual qualification process.
Advancing Aerospace Excellence: Emerald’s Medford Team Earns Space Addendum Certification
06/30/2025 | Emerald TechnologiesWe’re thrilled to announce a major achievement from our Medford, Oregon facility. Andy Abrigo has officially earned her credentials as a Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) under the IPC J-STD-001 Space Addendum, the leading industry standard for space and military-grade electronics manufacturing.
Magnalytix and Foresite to Host Technical Webinar on SIR Testing and Functional Reliability
06/26/2025 | MAGNALYTIXMagnalytix, in collaboration with Foresite Inc., is pleased to announce an upcoming one-hour Webinar Workshop titled “Comparing SIR IPC B-52 to Umpire 41 Functional & SIR Test Method.” This session will be held on July 24, 2025, and is open to professionals in electronics manufacturing, reliability engineering, and process development seeking insights into new testing standards for climatic reliability.
IPC Rebrands as Global Electronics Association: Interview With Dr. John W. Mitchell
06/22/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Today, following a major announcement, IPC is embracing the rapid advancement of technology with a bold decision to change its name to the Global Electronics Association. This name more accurately reflects the full breadth of its work and the modern realities of electronics manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, Global Electronics Association President and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell shares the story behind the rebrand: Why now, what it means for the industry, and how it aligns with the organization’s mission.