Boards per Panel Arithmetic before Anyone Argues Unit Price
Calculate usable circuits per master production panel and subtract outer border clearances before negotiating bare board unit prices with fabricators.
IPC-6012 Performance Classes
Reliability Grade
Qualification categories for rigid printed boards establish varying levels of reliability and inspection stringency. Defined by the IPC standard, these ipc-6012 performance classes segment products based on their end-use criticality and service life. Class 1 covers general electronic products where cosmetic imperfections are acceptable.
Acceptance Level
Level 2 boards are intended for dedicated service electronics such as communication equipment. These requirements demand higher levels of workmanship and longer life cycles than the general class. Level 3 represents the highest tier for high reliability electronics used in medical applications.
Continuous performance is mandatory for these products and downtime cannot be tolerated.
Service Environment
Selection of a specific class dictates the frequency of microsectioning and the allowable limits for copper plating thickness in the holes. A class 3 board requires a minimum of 25 micrometers of copper in the barrel to withstand thermal cycling without cracking. Inspection protocols for high reliability parts include more frequent thermal stress tests and visual audits.
Manufacturers must certify their processes to meet these specific standards before shipping to aerospace or medical customers. Costs increase as the requirements move from class 1 to class 3 due to more rigorous testing and lower yield.