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EMS handbook

3. Process materials & chemicals

An electronic assembly consists of more than just components and PCBs; it relies heavily on process consumables such as solder paste, conformal coating, fluxes, and cleaning solvents. These materials are often active chemical compounds that require careful lifecycle management.

This chapter details the procurement, storage, and handling protocols for process chemicals. This includes tracking shelf-life, managing temperature-controlled transit, maintaining the Approved Process Materials List, and ensuring compliance with Safety Data Sheets at the Environment, Health, and Safety gateway.

  • 3.1 Approved process materials list & specifications

    While a standard Bill of Materials (BOM) defines the hardware components, the Approved Process Materials List (APML) defines the critical chemistry used to assemble them. Materials like solder paste,...

  • 3.2 Process materials procurement & replenishment

    A manufacturing line consumes process materials—like solder paste, flux, and cleaning chemistry—continuously. Running out of these basic consumables can halt production just as quickly as a missing el...

  • 3.3 Process materials change control

    Changing a chemical consumable in electronics manufacturing is rarely a simple commercial substitution; it represents a structural change to the manufacturing baseline. A new flux formulation might ap...

  • 3.4 SDS/EHS gate for chemicals

    Procuring industrial chemicals requires attention to safety and regulatory compliance. Introducing an unauthorized, highly flammable, or toxic substance creates immediate liability, safety risks, and...