Automatic X-ray Inspection (AXI) in PCB Assembly
Automatic X-ray inspection (AXI) technology utilizes X-rays to evaluate the characteristics of an object, making it a valuable tool in various industries like aerospace, medical, and PCB circuit board assembly.
Enhancing PCB Quality Control
While traditional X-ray equipment has a history of testing PCB quality, its effectiveness diminishes with miniaturization advancements. Automatic X-ray inspection becomes essential for detecting hidden solder joints and other concealed defects that optical methods may miss.
Benefits of AXI Technology
Automatic X-ray inspection technology is chosen in PCB assembly for its ability to effectively detect hidden defects. X-rays can penetrate materials to reveal issues like missing components or short circuits based on their atomic weight and density.
Optimizing Defect Analysis
For thorough defect analysis, the X-ray system must provide clear images with sufficient magnification and tilt angle capabilities. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional X-ray systems offer offline operation and varying levels of inspection complexity.
Choosing the Right X-ray Equipment
The selection of X-ray tubes, resolution, voltage, and equipment type (offline or online) depends on the inspection volume and complexity. Higher voltages are suitable for denser objects, while multilayer boards require specific voltage levels.
Improving Inspection Processes
Direct digital imaging equipment overcomes limitations of early detection setups, offering a larger detection area and enhanced resolution for cleaner, noise-free images.
Operations Enabled by X-ray Inspection
- Non-destructive inspections
- Detection of short circuits
- Identification of void solder joints
- Component displacement determination
- Inspection of semiconductors
- Checking switches, relays, plugs, and cable connections
Advantages of AXI Technology
- Reliable and consistent results
- Effective process control
