The role of process edge in SMT production
Although the craft edge is not the real element that makes up the Printed Circuit Board (PCB), it plays a very important role for PCBs assembled by Surface Mount Technology (SMT). As the name suggests, the craft side functions like a railroad. A conveyor belt is used to transfer PCBs during SMT assembly for solder paste printing, pick and place, reflow/wave soldering and inspection. The board will never be transferred safely and efficiently unless it is accurately glued to the conveyor belt by the process side. The main responsibility of the crafting side lies in its role as an "assistant" manufacturing, even if the manufacturability of the assembly goes smoothly. This stems from the need for SMT mounter rails to securely hold the side of the board and transfer it into a reflow oven. Therefore, if a component is designed too close to the edge of the board, it can be "attacked" when picking, placing, or soldering the component, resulting in errors or even failures. In addition to SMT assembly, this situation also applies to through-hole component assembly and wave soldering.
BQC will make process edge for each PCB for further STM production.
