On July 27, 2026, two visitors from Russia visited Shenzhen STHL Technology Co., Ltd. (STHL) for a face-to-face discussion with the company's engineering, sourcing, and project coordination teams.
The visit focused on an electronics project and covered technical requirements, BOM status, component availability, assembly processes, and outgoing inspection. Following the meeting and factory tour, the project progressed to an initial trial order and entered the next stage of technical confirmation and production preparation.
Project Discussion Before the Factory Tour
The visit began with a project discussion in the meeting room rather than an immediate tour of the production floor.
STHL's engineering and sourcing teams reviewed the project's functional requirements, component selection, BOM status, document completeness, and the information that still needed to be confirmed before manufacturing and testing could begin.
In a PCBA project, component availability, material readiness, assembly processes, and testing requirements are closely connected. Reviewing these items before production helps both sides identify missing information and clarify the responsibilities and documents required for the next stage.
Reviewing SMT and THT/DIP Assembly
After the project discussion, the visitors toured STHL's SMT workshop and THT/DIP assembly area.
In the SMT workshop, the STHL team introduced material preparation, solder paste printing, component placement, reflow soldering, first article inspection, and automated optical inspection (AOI).
The visitors then reviewed the THT/DIP assembly area and learned about other project-related production resources, including programming, testing, and depaneling.
Not every project follows exactly the same manufacturing route. The applicable PCB Assembly process depends on the BOM, PCB data, assembly drawings, component types, testing requirements, and final product structure.
Why the OQC 3D Microscope Drew Particular Attention
During the visit, the two visitors showed particular interest in the 3D microscope at STHL's outgoing quality control (OQC) workstation.
They spent an extended period at the workstation and, following a demonstration by STHL personnel, reviewed the magnified images produced by the system and learned how it supports OQC sampling inspection.
STHL uses a 3D microscope at its outgoing quality control (OQC) workstation to support pre-shipment visual review of selected finished PCBAs. The magnified images help inspectors examine solder joints, component placement, and other visible assembly details specified by the applicable outgoing inspection criteria.
How It Differs from AOI
AOI uses programmed optical inspection to check visible assembly conditions during SMT production, while the 3D microscope at the OQC workstation supports manual pre-shipment visual review of selected finished PCBAs.
The two methods are used at different stages of quality control and do not replace each other. The applicable sampling scope and inspection content depend on the product characteristics, project requirements, and outgoing inspection plan.
By observing the workstation directly, the visitors gained a clearer understanding of STHL's Testing and Inspection workflow. They could see that outgoing inspection is a defined quality-control activity carried out by designated personnel using specific equipment and inspection criteria.
From On-Site Review to an Initial Trial Order
The meeting and production-floor review gave both sides a clearer understanding of the engineering documents, component requirements, assembly processes, and quality inspection points relevant to the project.
The visitors provided positive feedback on STHL's production environment, communication process, and project support approach. Following the visit, the project moved forward with an initial trial order.
The trial order still requires confirmation of the applicable technical and production requirements before the build begins. It does not mean that all project details have already been finalized.
In the next stage, the STHL team will continue reviewing the confirmed BOM, PCB data, assembly requirements, testing conditions, order quantity, and delivery scope before arranging the applicable production preparation.
Identifying and resolving uncertainties before production can reduce repeated clarification later in the project and provide a clearer basis for assembly, inspection, testing, and delivery.
Thank You for the Visit and Open Discussion
STHL sincerely appreciates the time and effort the two visitors invested in travelling from Russia to Shenzhen and discussing their project directly with the engineering, sourcing, production, and quality teams.
We also appreciated the attention they gave to the OQC workstation and their detailed questions about the 3D microscope review process. For a manufacturing project, the important consideration is not simply which equipment is installed, but how the equipment and surrounding processes relate to the actual product requirements.
The visit gave both sides a clearer view of the people, processes, and responsibilities behind the manufacturing work. The remaining technical, material, testing, and quality requirements will continue to be confirmed before the trial build begins.
Overseas project teams evaluating PCB Assembly and testing support can submit their BOM, Gerber files, assembly drawings, quantities, and test requirements through Request a Quote or contact the STHL team at info@pcba-china.com.
