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SMT Quality

SMT quality signals that actually matter

From paste print to AOI: which signals deserve escalation, and which are noise in a healthy process.

2026-07-02 · 7 min read

Paste deposition defects often originate earlier than placement. Treat print process data as a first-class quality signal.

AOI yield alone is not health — false calls, escape risk, and defect Pareto need joint review.

Reflow profile discipline and board-level thermal reality must be part of any intermittent solder failure FA.

Escalate patterns, not single outliers: same pad family, same lane, same shift window.