SPI (Solder Paste Inspection)
Controls solder paste volume and alignment to reduce soldering defects.
Quality Assurance
Final Quality Inspection for PCB & PCBA
APTPCB performs rigorous Final Quality Inspection (FQI) on every shipment before it leaves our factory. It is the last quality gate—confirming that every PCB and PCBA is correct, clean, traceable, and safe to use. Final Quality Inspection is built into every order, not a separate paid service.
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Final Quality Inspection: The Last Quality Gate Before Shipment
APTPCB is a PCB manufacturing and PCB assembly factory focused on giving you stable, reliable boards that are ready to go straight into your products. As part of our PCBA Quality & Testing system, we perform a rigorous Final Quality Inspection (FQI) on every shipment before it leaves our factory.
Final Quality Inspection is the last quality gate for your PCB and PCBA orders. It is not a separate, paid 'service item' – it's a built-in part of our manufacturing and assembly process, designed to make sure what you receive is correct, clean, traceable, and safe to use.
What Is Final Quality Inspection at APTPCB?
Final Quality Inspection (FQI) is the structured check we perform after all fabrication, assembly, AOI/X-ray, and electrical/functional tests are completed – and just before packing and shipment.
The goal is simple: Confirm that every PCB / PCBA and every carton we ship matches your order, your documentation, and our quality standards.
FQI focuses on:
- Product identity – right part, right revision, right quantity
- Visual and cosmetic quality – no visible defects or damage
- Basic dimensional and configuration checks – where required
- Labeling, traceability, and documentation – easy to track, easy to receive
- Packing and protection – product can arrive safely and be stored correctly
How Final Quality Inspection Fits Into Our Process
For every PCB and PCBA build, your project passes through multiple quality steps:
- DFM/DFA Review – manufacturability and assembly check
- Material & Process Control – incoming materials, controlled processes
- In-Process Inspections – solder paste inspection (SPI), AOI, X-ray, process checks
- Electrical / Functional Testing – where required (flying probe, ICT, Functional Test, etc.)
- Final Quality Inspection (FQI) – last, overall check before shipment
FQI does not replace AOI, X-ray, or electrical tests. Instead, it ensures that only fully passed, correctly identified, and properly packed products are shipped out.
What We Check in Final Quality Inspection – PCB
For bare PCB orders, our Final Quality Inspection typically includes:
Visual & Surface Check:
- No visible scratches or damage on critical areas
- No oxidation or contamination on pads and surface finish
- Clean solder mask and silkscreen (no major misprint, blur, or missing key marks)
Dimensions & Board Configuration (As Required):
- Spot-check of board outline, thickness, or critical mechanical features
- Panelization and breakaway features (mouse bites, V-cuts) as per drawing
Marking & Traceability:
- Correct PCB part number and revision (if required)
- UL marking, RoHS/lead-free markings where applicable
- Date code, lot number, or internal tracking marks for traceability
Quantity & Packaging:
- Correct PCB quantities per stack, per bag, per carton
- Proper packaging to protect edges, surfaces, and holes during transport
- Humidity and ESD control where required (e.g. moisture barrier bags, ESD-safe packing)
What We Check in Final Quality Inspection – PCBA
For assembled boards (PCBA), Final Quality Inspection focuses on confirming:
Overall Assembly Appearance:
- No visible damage to components, connectors, or board edges
- No obvious solder splash, flux residue (according to cleanliness level agreed)
- No missing components or clearly misplaced large parts (in addition to AOI results)
Mechanical Details:
- Connectors, switches and mechanical parts aligned correctly for housing
- Heatsinks, shields, spacers, and fasteners installed according to spec
- Conformal coating applied as requested (if part of the order)
Labeling & Traceability:
- Correct PCBA part number, version and customer label (if provided)
- Serial number, barcodes, or QR codes as required
- Clear lot / batch tracking for quality records
Test Status & Documentation:
- Confirmation that all boards passed the required electrical / functional tests
- Any agreed test labels or stamps applied to the PCBA or packaging
- Test reports or summary sheets included, if requested
Packing for Shipment:
- PCBA packed in ESD-safe materials (ESD bags, trays, foam, etc.)
- Boards separated and protected to avoid bending, lead damage, or scratching
- Cartons labeled clearly for quick receiving at your side
Why Final Quality Inspection Matters for You
Because Final Quality Inspection is built into every shipment, you get practical benefits:
- Fewer surprises when you open the carton – Right part, right label, no obvious defects, and no mixed versions.
- Smoother incoming inspection on your side – Clear part numbers, date codes, and test status help your own QA work faster.
- Protection against handling and packing damage – Boards are checked after all previous steps and before sealing the box.
- Stronger confidence in every batch – You're not just relying on process promises; there is a dedicated final check before release.
For many customers, especially those in OEM/ODM, industrial, automotive-related and commercial electronics, Final Quality Inspection is a key reason they can ship products with confidence.
Final Quality Inspection as Part of PCBA Quality & Testing
Within our PCBA Quality & Testing framework at APTPCB, Final Quality Inspection works together with:
- SPI (Solder Paste Inspection) – controls paste printing
- AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) – checks solder joints and placement
- X-ray Inspection – inspects hidden joints like BGA/QFN (if required)
- In-Circuit Test / Functional Test – verifies electrical and functional performance
Final Quality Inspection is the last verification layer that ties everything together – making sure that what has passed all tests and inspections is also correctly labeled, complete, and safely packed.
Complete PCBA Quality & Testing System
AOI (Automated Optical Inspection)
Checks component presence, orientation, and visible solder joints after reflow.
X-Ray Inspection
Inspects hidden solder joints under BGA, LGA, QFN and power packages.
In-Circuit Test (ICT)
Verifies electrical connectivity and component values where test access exists.
Functional Test (FCT)
Executes power-up and device-specific functional checks according to your procedures.
Final Quality Inspection
Last verification layer ensuring correct labeling, completeness, and safe packing.
Partner with APTPCB for PCB & PCBA with Final Quality Inspection Built In
APTPCB is a PCB manufacturing and PCB assembly factory, not just a test provider. Final Quality Inspection is built into every order we produce, so you receive boards that are not only electrically correct, but also clean, consistent, properly labeled, and ready for integration into your product line. From bare PCB fabrication to SMT assembly, inspection, and packing, your project runs through a single, controlled workflow under one roof.
Choosing APTPCB means working with a supplier who takes overall product quality seriously—not just test results. You get stable quality from prototypes to mass production, reduced incoming inspection effort, and a partner who understands how much it matters that your PCBAs arrive in the right revision, in good condition, and on time.
Get Started with Final Quality Inspection
Contact APTPCB today to discuss your PCB manufacturing and PCB assembly needs, and learn how our integrated Final Quality Inspection and complete PCBA Quality & Testing system can help you ship more reliable products with greater confidence.