- Quality
Quality
PCB quality begins with a clear specification and inspections aligned with it. At Zubelzu, we connect customer requirements with manufacturing and acceptance documentation.
We integrate traceability, environmental management and continuous improvement, from material and supplier selection through to supply monitoring.
Requirements and traceability defined before manufacturing
We establish the revision, materials, tolerances and acceptance criteria, including the IPC standards applicable to the product. We identify PCB batches and revisions and maintain links to materials and manufacturing, inspection and test records. If you require additional reports, tests or inspections, specify them at the enquiry stage so we can define their scope.
Supplier qualification and monitoring include assessing capabilities, technical requirements and documentation. These activities are complemented by the manufacturing and inspection controls agreed for each order.
In Irun, we work with documented manufacturing and inspection procedures and records. For international orders, manufacturers carry out inspections at their facilities, and Zubelzu inspects the product on receipt in Irun. Inspections at source by our own staff or external companies are arranged according to the order.
We review documentation and batch identification and carry out sample-based physical checks, including visual inspection and dimensional verification. Microsections and other specialist analyses are performed according to the quality plan. The scope of inspections and documentation is agreed for each supply arrangement.
Quality control in in-house manufacturing and international supply
Change control and issue management
Changes to materials or construction require prior customer approval. For changes of manufacturer or origin, we seek approval when required by the applicable agreement or qualification process.
If an issue arises, we coordinate communications, identify and contain affected batches, and work with the manufacturer on investigation and corrective actions. We manage the agreed resolution and assess alternative supply options if the customer’s production is at risk.
Certifications and scope of supply
Zubelzu holds ISO 9001:2015 quality management and ISO 14001:2015 environmental management certificates issued by Bureau Veritas for its Irun facility. The documented scope covers the manufacture of single-sided, double-sided and multilayer printed circuit boards.
We also hold UL recognition for certain PCB constructions. Consult the documents and their scopes to verify applicability to your project. Certifications held by manufacturers in our international network are assessed separately and do not extend the scope of our own facility’s certifications.
Environmental management and resource efficiency
In Irun, we use authorised waste management companies and apply waste separation, recycling and reduction measures. Our processes include water recirculation and ultrafiltration where applicable, physicochemical wastewater treatment and automated lighting for more efficient energy use. Our ISO 14001 environmental management system provides a framework for monitoring and progressively reducing the impact of our operations.
Reducing waste and rework avoids unnecessary consumption of laminates, copper, chemicals, water and energy. Clear circuit specifications and supply planning also help avoid unnecessary production and stock that becomes unusable after a design revision.
Organisational and product carbon footprints
We have introduced calculations of our organisation’s carbon footprint and are progressively extending our analysis of indirect value-chain emissions, corresponding to Scope 3. In parallel, we are working on a product carbon footprint project to better understand the impacts associated with PCBs and their supply chain and identify opportunities for reduction.
We are developing a responsible management framework covering environmental, employment and social matters, business ethics and sustainable purchasing. We have internal policies and commitments and a Code of Conduct, and are progressively incorporating sustainability and corporate responsibility criteria into supplier assessment and relationships.
EcoVadis. Our first independent sustainability assessment resulted in EcoVadis Committed recognition. The assessment covers the environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement, and helps us identify areas for improvement.
Euskalit. We have participated in an assessment against Euskalit’s Advanced Management Model. The assessment and recognition received provide a benchmark for improving our organisation’s management of strategy, customers, people, society, innovation and results.
We manage information on materials, substances and suppliers according to each circuit’s requirements. Documentation may include information on RoHS, REACH, material composition, regulated substances and conflict minerals, as well as IMDS declarations where required for qualification or PPAP.
Traceability, storage, packaging and batch-specific quality or conformity certificates (CoC), together with any other specific documentation, are defined according to the scope of supply. Provide the part number and requirements at the enquiry stage so we can confirm the applicable documentation and its availability.
We are participating in a Digital Product Passport pilot project using a real part number in collaboration with a customer. We are exploring how to structure and share available information on PCB identification, batches, certificates, materials, specifications, traceability and environmental data.
The pilot considers access via QR or Data Matrix codes to link the product or its documentation to traceable information. The project is under development and aims to anticipate emerging information requirements throughout the value chain.
Explore our ISO certificates, EcoVadis Committed recognition and Euskalit Advanced Management Model recognition, our Quality and Environmental Policy, sustainability and responsible purchasing commitments, and Code of Conduct.
If you need documentation to qualify a supply arrangement, contact calidad@zubelzu.com and specify the part number and required scope.
