Author Archives: WorkingBear


Oct15
What is MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) and MPQ?

MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity, meaning the smallest number of items a supplier is willing to sell or produce in one order. In most parts sales, especially for less common items, there’s usually an MOQ requirement. Why? Because no … Continue reading

Oct08
What Can an SPI (Solder Paste Inspection) Machine Really Do?

SPI stands for Solder Paste Inspection. If we’re talking about the actual inspection equipment, people usually add “machine” after SPI. But in most cases, when you mention SPI in an SMT factory, everyone just assumes you’re talking about the inspection … Continue reading

Sep30
How PCB S/M and Silkscreen Thickness Can Mess with Solder Paste Volume and Even Cause BGA Shorts!

Over the past few days, Workingbear came across an issue I hadn’t really considered before. Here’s the story: an EMS (electronics manufacturing service) factory reported that during SMT production, they were seeing solder shorts under BGA components. After digging into … Continue reading

Sep25
Big Question: As an Engineer, Do You Prefer R&D or Manufacturing?

If you ask Workingbear, “As an engineer, would you prefer working in R&D or in manufacturing?” (This article may not apply to the semiconductor wafer foundry industry. Rumor has it that wafer fabs in Taiwan are notorious for their brutal … Continue reading

Sep17
What Does NPI Stand For? Inside the Role That Brings New Products to Life

For many people, the first time they hear the term NPI, it feels a bit confusing. NPI stands for New Product Introduction, but just reading the name doesn’t make it much clearer. Is it some kind of sales role that … Continue reading