How to Manually Inspect a PCB

In this Instructable you will learn how to properly set up for manual visual inspection of a printed circuit board.

Review the inspection criteria that the customer has asked for. The default would be the IPC-A-610 for the electronics assembly class being inspected.

Remove the PCB from static shielding bag. Make sure that you are properly grounded and that the work space is outfitted per the EOS/ESD 2020 guidelines.

Make sure the area is properly lit. The IPC-A-610 guidelines call for 1000 lm/m2 (approximately 93 foot candles). Usually there is room, workstation and task lighting, A simple downloadable phone app will work as will a calibrated light meter when required.

Use the proper magnification based on the specifications and inspection criteria. Eye loops, ring lamps and microscopes are the most common aids in inspection.

Inspect the board or area of interest per the inspection criteria. Use rework labels to mark any anomalies.