BANNOCKBURN, IL — IPC has released a new guide to PCB process defects, with causes and corrective actions for more than 650 potential problems.

IPC-9121, Troubleshooting PCB Fabrication Processes, also includes hundreds of full-color photos demonstrating real-world process defects.

The trade group envisions the handbook as a resource for manufacturers or buyers of printed circuit boards.

IPC-9121 organizes process defects by manufacturing steps: imaging, resists, protective coatings, drilling, surface prep, etching chemistries, lamination, final finishes, etc. It summarizes causes and solutions for each, reportedly allowing users to find and resolve process defects in-house.