From Design to Delivery: Comprehensive PCB Testing for Every StageShape

Sept. 3, 2025
Learn about different PCB testing methods such as visual inspection, X-ray, AOI, and burn-in testing, along with how to choose the right assessment services based on project needs, standards, and budget. The content underscores the significance of quality assurance in preventing costly failures and maintaining industry standards.

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) offer a reliable, cost-effective connectivity solution for manufacturing electrical components. Industries like consumer electronics, medical devices, aerospace and defense, and automotive depend on PCBs to deliver quality end-user products, from modern spacecraft to wearable devices. This is only possible with the best testing and inspection services for electronic assemblies that pinpoint defects and potential problems at every stage.  

The Importance of Quality Control in Electronic Assemblies 

Quality control is critical to ensuring PCB safety, implementation and reliability in accordance with industry standards and regulatory compliance. Inspections and testing detect hazards and ensure proper functioning, saving manufacturers money and boosting customer satisfaction with higher-quality products. 

PCB assembly and production are essential for optimal performance. Even minute failures can lead to costly recalls, wasted materials and reputational damage. Integrating stringent quality control measures allows manufacturers to detect issues early and intervene before sending the product into mass production.  

Types of PCB Testing 

PCB testing and inspection service providers use various methods to analyze circuit boards for quality assurance. The most common techniques include: 

  • Visual inspection: Manually inspecting the board for obvious defects and misalignments 
  • Flying probe testing: Utilizing moving probes to evaluate different points and ensure the board is suitable for prototyping and production 
  • Functional testing: Determining the operational functioning and efficiency of a fully constructed PCB 

You must choose the best PCB testing method based on your project specifications, production volume and budget. Additionally, factor in whether your PCB must pass compliance standards for customer-specific requirements. 

How to Choose the Right PCB Assessment Services 

The best testing and inspection services for electronic assemblies deliver wide-ranging methods to test PCBs for quality assurance. Make an informed decision by considering the following factors: 

Services and Offerings 

Delivers comprehensive testing methods available for various PCB specifications, including in-circuit, flying probe, AOI, X-ray, burn-in and functional capabilities 

Certifications and Compliance 

Upholds ISO 9001, Institute of Electronics Circuit Packaging standards, industry-specific considerations, environmental compliance, and other industry standards and credentials 

Pricing 

Provides detailed and transparent estimates of all costs, including materials, testing, labor and shipping 

Customer Support 

Offers responsive customer assistance through multiple communication channels and additional services, such as design for manufacturability analysis and prototyping 

Reputation 

Maintains an “A” rating with the Better Business Bureau and has positive customer reviews and testimonials  

The Best PCB Testing and Inspection Services 

Several businesses offer comprehensive testing and inspection services for electronic assemblies. After specifying your needs, compare your requirements to the following five solutions. 

1. Electronic Manufacturing Services Group, Inc. 

Electronc Manufacturing Services Group, Inc. (EMSG) is one of the best PCB testing and inspection services. Its technicians easily detect surface-level abnormalities using an in-house X-ray machine and AIO, as well as functional testing to detect faulty and misaligned parts. 

EMSG primarily serves telecommunications equipment manufacturers, medical devices, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), heavy equipment, automotive materials, and military and aerospace suppliers.  

As an ISO 9001-certified company, EMSG is committed to superior customer satisfaction, rapid turnaround and quality assurance. You can request a custom quote by submitting the online form or contacting a team member directly. 

Key Features 

  • In-house X-ray machine, AIO and functional testing capabilities 
  • ISO 9001 certification 
  • Serves telecommunications, medical device, LED lighting, heavy equipment, automotive, and military and aerospace manufacturers 

2. Oneida Research Services 

Oneida Research Services (ORS) provides a thorough PCB testing and inspection plan to guarantee quality control at the earliest stage of development. ORS technicians are certified in IPC-A-600, demonstrating their knowledge of adequate PCB conditions. 

Specialists begin with a noninvasive visual inspection to look for surface and subsurface defects, loss of adhesion, foreign materials, scratches, coating imperfections and dimensional inaccuracies. Internal inspections and X-ray testing give greater insight into potential issues.  

Complete the online form with a detailed description of your assessment needs, and an ORS representative will review services with you over the phone.  

Key Features 

  • Visual, internal and X-ray testing and inspections 
  • ISO 9001 certification 
  • IPC-A-600 certified professionals 

3. Matric Group

Matric Group specializes in the most common PCB testing and inspection methods, solder paste inspections, component value checks, soak testing, high voltage testing, thermal aging testing, and impedance testing. 

The company is certified in ISO 9001, ISO 13485-Medical, ISO 14001-Environmental and NADCAP-PCB Assemblies, highlighting its ability to meet the most stringent standards for quality, safety and reliability. 

This all-in-one contract manufacturer's long list of equipment allows it to assist you with every stage from design to delivery. Send a request for a quote that includes product details and drawings, special process requirements and your contact information. 

Key Features 

  • All-in-one electronic assembly manufacturer 
  • Certified in ISO 9001, ISO 13485-Medical, ISO 14001-Environmental and NADCAP-PCB Assemblies 
  • Over 50 years of experience  

4. Suntronic 

 Suntronic provides burn-in, AOI, flying probe, X-ray and in-circuit testing of PCBs. It also delivers Design for Test (DFT) after the development, manufacturing and assembling stages to determine product feasibility and reduce costs, time and complications. 

In addition to its comprehensive testing and inspection abilities, Suntronic engineers pay close attention to detail to enhance product quality in-house at well-equipped manufacturing facilities. The company can also repair complex electromechanical problems, whether under warranty or not.  

Complete the online form to reach a Suntronic representative or email your PCB-related files for review. A team member will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your needs.  

Key Features 

  • Comprehensive testing capabilities, including DFT 
  • PCB repair services 
  • 24-hour response time 

5. Creative Hi-Tech 

Creative Hi-Tech uses numerous testing and inspection methods to ensure customer satisfaction. Its effective process promises quality assurance and prevents product remanufacturing. Among its capabilities are in-circuit testing, optical inspections, flying probe testing, X-ray inspections, burn-in testing, AOI and manual testing. 

Engineers rely on cutting-edge equipment like the Mirtec MV6 Omni 3D AOI, which has several 3D imaging cameras and automatic adaptability. The Glenbrook Jewel Box 70T also has a patented X-ray camera that generates high-resolution images for PCB defect detection. 

The team primarily serves the aerospace, industrial electronic products, medical, wireless and military industries. 

Key Features 

  • Extensive testing and inspection techniques 
  • Uses cutting-edge testing technologies 
  • Response time within one business day 

Improve PCB Design and Function With Extensive Testing 

The best PCB testing and inspection services guarantee that your electronic assemblies meet the highest quality standards for mass production. Invest in comprehensive assessments for more reliable, long-lasting and safe PCB solutions. 

Sponsored By:

Sponsored Recommendations

Read this paper to learn how to minimize equipment run times, maintain stable air pressures, and reduce power consumption.
Watch this on-demand webinar as experts discuss air treatment best practices, including the uses of air treatment components in a compressed air system, how component selection...
Get this system design engineering guide to understand the basics of compressed air technology and discover strategies for long-term system reliability and efficiency.
Learn how to get a smart, reliable, energy-efficient compressed air system delivered in a turnkey, weatherproof and temperature-controlled enclosure that needs little or no onsite...