Mission-Critical Manufacturing™ is a total quality management methodology used to produce highly reliable printed circuit boards. Four key elements are involved; Capability, Commitment, Control, and the Customer.

What is total quality management?

Managing quality is a critical business management function. Total Quality Management (TQM) is a business management strategy aimed at embedding awareness of quality in all organizational processes.

Why manage quality?

Quality is the result of controlled capability. Quality management is the systematic means to achieve it. Quality is no longer a differentiator; it is a prerequisite and is critical to the long term success of any business. Conformance to specification and compliance to standard requires an integrated quality management system.

What is a quality standard?

A standard is a rule or requirement that is determined by a consensus opinion of users and that prescribes the accepted and (theoretically) the best criteria for a product, process, test, or procedure. The general benefits of a standard are quality and consistency across global markets. They often provide the basis for buyer-seller transactions. Compliance is required for registration.

What is a specification?

A specification is a requirement necessary to achieve a condition and/or characteristic. Conformance is required for qualification.

How is capability determined?

The input of a process is expected to meet customer requirements, specifications, or product tolerances. Engineering conducts a process capability study to determine the extent to which the process can meet these expectations. The ability of a process to meet specifications can be expressed as a single number using a process capability index or it can be assessed using control charts.

How is capability controlled?

Six Sigma methodologies are a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction. It is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects in any process.

How does capability impact quality?

Performance and qualification for printed circuit boards are specified by IPC, the Association Connecting Electronics Industries. Rigid boards are covered by IPC-6012. The specified conditions and characteristics are applied to the CAD output to make up the CAM input used to establish process capability.

What is IPC?

IPC, the Association Connecting Electronics Industries® is a global trade association. It represents all facets of the industry, including design, printed circuit board manufacturing and electronics assembly. IPC has developed specifications, standards and test methods that are widely considered to be the standard for the industry.

What is the relationship between CAD/CAM?

CAD stands for computer assisted design. CAD data files are unique to the intended design and include all specifications and instructions relating to the design, form, and function of the printed circuit board to be manufactured. All CAD data is proprietary information owned by the issuing authority. The owner is responsible for the content and accuracy of the CAD data. CAM stands for computer assisted manufacturing. Cam data files are unique to the manufacturing process parameters required to produce the printed circuit board that conforms to the CAD data. CAM data is proprietary information owned by the manufacturer. The manufacturer is responsible for the content and accuracy of the CAM data.