scope:

This standard is a collection of visual quality acceptability requirements for electronic assemblies. It was prepared by the Product Assurance Committee of the IPC.

This document presents acceptance requirements for the manufacture of electrical and electronic assemblies. Historically, electronic assembly standards contained a more comprehensive tutorial addressing principles and techniques. For a more complete understanding of this document's recommendations and requirements, one may use this document in conjunction with IPC-HDBK-001 and J-STD-001.

IPC-A-610 has criteria outside the scope of J-STD-001 defining handling, mechanical and other workmanship requirements. Table 1-1 is a summary of related documents.

Purpose

The visual standards in this document reflect the requirements of existing IPC and other applicable specifications.

In order for the user to apply and use the content of this document, the assembly/product should comply with other existing IPC requirements, such as IPC-SM-782, IPC-2221, IPC-6011 and IPC-A-600. If the assembly does not comply with these or equivalent requirements, then the acceptance criteria needs to be defined between the customer and supplier.

The illustrations in this document portray specific points noted in the title of each page. A brief description follows each illustration. It is not the intent of this document to exclude any Acceptable procedure for component placement or for applying flux and solder used to make the electrical connection; however, the methods used must produce completed solder joints conforming to the acceptability requirements described in this document.

In the case of a discrepancy, the description or written criteria always takes precedence over the illustrations.