Using XRF to meet IPC specifications:

The IPC specifications for printed board surface finishes set the standard for quality and reliability in printed board manufacture today. Adhering to these specifications increases yield and performance, but involves tight process control and accurate measurement of surface finish thickness.

Central to meeting the IPC specifications is the accuracy of XRF measurements to determine surface thickness. In the ‘2020 Manufacturers’ Guide to XRF Analysis to Meet IPC Specifications for Printed Board Surface Finishes’ we discuss four main types of printed board finish, and how best to meet IPC specifications for each one.

The 2020 Manufacturers’ Guide to XRF Analysis to Meet IPC Specifications for Printed Board Surface Finishes covers:

• What happens to the component if you don’t meet the right specifications
• Why too thick can be as bad as too thin for some surface deposits
• Instances where your XRF measurements might be wrong
• Advice on how to set up your XRF equipment to get the right reading every time

The four types of surface finish covered are:

• IPC-4552A ENIG
• IPC-4553A Immersion Silver
• IPC-4554 Immersion Tin
• IPC-4556 ENEPIG