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Standards, explained by the people who teach them

Guides to the training, the certification levels, and what the work is actually like on the floor. Free to read, no form in the way.

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176 guides and articles

  • IPC training · Oct 1, 2017 · 3 min read

    3 Important Ways to Support Veterans

    Since we at Blackfox, a state of the art training center for ipc have our very own Veterans’ Training Program, veterans are particularly near and dear to our hearts—we have a strong connection to these men and women who have served our country. With that said, we realize that…

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  • Soldering and assembly · Sep 29, 2017 · 3 min read

    Blackfox: Hand Soldering Basics

    Soldering is a complex task that requires much precision on the part of the operator. With enough practice, one can gain a better understanding of the tools and techniques, thereby improving productivity and quality and decreasing the risk of board damage. Discussed in this blog…

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  • Inspection and acceptability · Sep 24, 2017 · 2 min read

    Blackfox: IPC Inspection Guidelines

    IPC inspection guidelines exist to ensure the proper functioning of electronics and the safety and well-being of the people using them. The Acceptable Quality Level (also known as the Acceptance Quality Limit or AQL) dictates the range of the number of defective components that…

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  • IPC training · Sep 17, 2017 · 3 min read

    Blackfox: A History of the GI Bill

    Many veterans today enjoy the various benefits associated with the GI Bill. But have you ever wondered why that is, or how the GI Bill even came about? This blog explores a brief history of the GI Bill. Early Struggles for Veteran Support The GI Bill, otherwise known as the…

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  • Electronics manufacturing · Sep 10, 2017 · 2 min read

    Blackfox: Printed Circuit Board Basics

    The printed circuit board (PCB) is one of the key concepts in electronics manufacturing. The PCB was born out of a need to reduce the size and manufacturing costs of electronics as electronics became more prevalent in consumer goods. Essentially, a PCB is a board that has lines…

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  • Soldering and assembly · Sep 4, 2017 · 2 min read

    Blackfox: The Basics of Soldering

    The hands-on act of soldering is one that takes a lot of practice. While over time one can perfect their soldering technique, this blog provides a basic introduction to soldering. Four major factors affect the quality of a soldered joint: cleanliness, temperature, time, and…

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  • IPC training · Aug 29, 2017 · 3 min read

    Blackfox: Trade School vs. College: Which Is Right for Me?

    On the minds of many high school students and their parents is the question, “What comes next?” In many high schools, a lot of emphasis is placed on the college path. While there is no doubt that college can be an incredible experience personally, socially, and professionally…

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  • Aug 21, 2017 · 2 min read

    Blackfox: Projected Increase in Military Electronics Spending

    A Significant Budget Boost for 2017 The military electronics industry is booming. During the 2017 fiscal year, which begins this October, the US military electronics budget is set to increase significantly. The US Department of Defense is asking Congress for $10.74 billion for…

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  • ESD and component recognition · Aug 11, 2017 · 2 min read

    Blackfox: Detecting Counterfeit Components

    Counterfeit products are becoming more and more prevalent these days. They have begun to infiltrate various industries, including the electronics industry. Luckily, there are professionals who are trained to detect counterfeit electronic components. Discussed below are some of…

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  • IPC certification · Aug 4, 2017 · 3 min read

    Blackfox: Veterans and Education

    The post-9/11 GI Bill is making it easier than ever for US military veterans to attend college. Passed in 2008, the bill pays in-state tuition to institutions that veterans and their dependents attend. It also provides students with a stipend for books, supplies, and housing.…

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  • IPC training · Jul 11, 2017 · 2 min read

    Blackfox: Advantages of Trade and Technical Schools

    Many students and their families automatically think of college as the default path after graduating high school. While college is a great option for a proportion of high school graduates, it’s not necessarily the only option. Depending on their interests and unique financial…

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  • Jul 4, 2017 · 2 min read

    Blackfox: To Lead Free, or Not to Lead Free—That Is the Question

    The Rise of Lead-Free Solder The electronics industry has recently witnessed a trend toward using lead free solder. The Impact of the RoHS Directive As of 2003, the European Union adopted the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. Among the many restricted…

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Standards guides

One introduction for every standard we teach

  • No form

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    • Certification level comparison, one page
    • Audit readiness checklist for training records
    • Soldering defect reference card
  • Behind a short form

    Two larger documents

    • Training matrix template for ISO proof of training
    • Skills assessment framework, operator to instructor

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