Who is responsible for identifying the assembly class?

The responsibility for identifying the assembly class primarily lies with the user. This is because the user typically establishes the requirements and performance criteria for the assembly, which directly influence the selection of the appropriate assembly class under the J-STD-001 standard.

The assembly class determines the level of quality and reliability required for the electronic assembly, and it can impact everything from material selection to soldering techniques. Therefore, the user has the most insight into their specific needs regarding factors such as operating environment, product lifespan, and functionality.

While manufacturers, inspectors, and contractors may have roles in the assembly process and ensuring compliance with standards, it is ultimately the user’s specifications and expectations that dictate which assembly class is needed. This ensures that the final assembly meets the intended design and application requirements, and adheres to the necessary reliability standards.