Advanced electronics for industry enable efficient, safe and reliable operations in the industrial sector. These technologies are embedded in critical systems — from manufacturing and energy production to robotics.
In a warehouse setting, for example, robotics can pack goods quickly and more efficiently than human workers. When combined with the Internet of Things (IoT), these systems have the potential to bring connectivity and automation to ‘smart’ factories around the world.
To support these applications, electronic components for industrial control must be able to withstand harsh environments, offer high reliability and ensure consistent performance…
Quality assurance vs quality control
Precision and durability are non-negotiable in the industrial sector.
Industrial environments present challenges that are far from ordinary. High temperatures, dust, vibrations and electrical interference are just some of the harsh conditions that electronics for industry must endure.
Without proper electronic design for industry or reliable electronics manufacturing processes, equipment can fail, leading to severe consequences. For instance, if an electronic component for industrial control fails in a factory automation system, it could halt production, resulting in financial losses and missed deadlines. In more critical applications, such as power plants or oil rigs, failure could endanger human lives and the environment.
As a result, stringent quality control and assurance measures are crucial. The terms ‘quality control’ and ‘quality assurance’ are often used interchangeably; however, there are some nuanced differences between quality control and quality assurance. Quality assurance focuses on preventing defects by improving processes, whilst quality control pertains to identifying and rectifying defects in finished products.
Both approaches are essential for delivering reliable electronics manufacturing services to the highly demanding industrial sector.
Quality standards for industrial electronics
Industrial applications consist of various technologies and can often be some of the most challenging to produce. This field demands complex and high-performance electronics and systems, so it is important that all the parts and processes involved — whether it be a PCB assembly or cable assembly — fit the bill.
Maintaining the highest standards of quality control and assurance in electronics manufacturing requires adherence to established industry regulations and guidelines. For electronics manufacturers operating in the industrial sector, key standards include:
IPC-A-610
Also known as ‘Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies’, this internationally recognised standard defines the criteria for the quality and reliability of printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies.
IPC-A-610 categorises products into three classes based on their intended use and performance requirements — with Class 3 being reserved for high-performance electronic products used in mission-critical or high-reliability applications, such as in the industrial sector. Each class of IPC-A-610 has specific guidelines and tolerances for various aspects of electronic assembly, such as the quality of solder joints, component placement, cleanliness and marking.
IPC/WHMA-A-620
Precision and performance are also vital when it comes to the connections that power and control electronics for industry.
IPC/WHMA-A-620 is specific to cable and wire harness assemblies; it is crucial for maintaining the integrity of electrical connections, especially under the pressure of demanding industrial applications. This standard sets the criteria for the quality and reliability of cable and wire harness assemblies — covering elements such as crimping, soldering, mechanical assembly and testing.
ATEX Directive
When manufacturing products for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and high-risk or high-pressure environments — such as industrial sites — the products must be intrinsically safe.
In this field, electronics manufacturers should comply with EN ISO/IEC 80079-34:2018 standards in line with IECEx and ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU. The ATEX Directive ensures electronics for industry have been subject to rigorous testing and are safe to operate in hazardous areas, minimising the risk of explosion.
ISO 9001
ISO certifications are internationally recognised standards that ensure quality, safety and efficiency across various industries. ISO 9001 is particularly significant for electronics manufacturers.
ISO 9001 sets the criteria for a quality management system. It is based on several quality management principles, including a strong customer focus, the involvement of top management, a process approach and continuous improvement. ISO 9001 certification ensures products consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements and that the production process is continuously improved.
Adhering to these standards is integral to producing robust and reliable electronic components for industrial control.
High-quality electronic manufacturing services
Understanding the subtle difference between quality control and quality assurance is central to electronics manufacturing services in the industrial sector. To maintain quality standards and deliver dependable electronics for industry, electronics manufacturers must combine proactive processes with meticulous testing.
With over four decades of expertise, EC Electronics is a trusted electronics manufacturer for the industrial sector. Over the years, we have provided electronic manufacturing services that support some of the world’s most demanding applications. From design to delivery, our commitment to quality control and assurance ensures the electronics we produce for industry are fit for purpose, reliable and built to last — even when exposed to harsh environments or heavy use in critical operations where failure is not an option.
Quality assurance of all our facilities is maintained through our multi-site ISO 9001 quality management system, which is certified by SGS.
This quality management system is also certified to EN ISO/IEC 80079-34:2018 in line with IECEx and ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, ensuring our products meet the requirements for products certified for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, such as industrial sites.
Additionally, our team of specialists are certified to IPC/WHMA-A-620 for cable assemblies and IPC-A-610 Class 3 for PCB assemblies. These certifications ensure all electronics assemblies we manufacture go through the highest levels of quality control.
Our customers in the industrial sector rely on us to deliver exceptional electronics manufacturing services, and we are dedicated to meeting this expectation consistently. To find out how we can support your next project for industrial electronics, get in touch at +44 (0)1256 461894 or sales@ecelectronics.com.
