6 Benefits of PCB X-Ray Quality Control and Inspection
6 Benefits of X-Ray Inspection of PCB for Quality Control
Have you ever wondered what benefits you stand to gain from inspecting your PCBs with an X-ray machine?
There are numerous benefits that X-ray quality control and inspection afford the manufacturer or even the inspector.
The high accuracy of the result and the ability to see hidden features might be the most important advantages. Nonetheless, other numerous benefits still exist to ensure that the best quality of PCB is produced.
This post will examine specific benefits related to the PCB and the X-ray method for inspecting PCB defects. So, if you are ready, let’s dive in.
What is an X-Ray PCB Inspection Machine?
An X-ray PCB inspection machine, also known as an X-ray inspection system or X-ray machine for PCB (Printed Circuit Board) inspection, is a specialized equipment used in electronics manufacturing and quality control processes.
Its primary function is to non-destructively inspect the internal structures and components of printed circuit boards using X-ray technology. This type of inspection is particularly useful for identifying defects, errors, and deviations that might be difficult or impossible to detect through traditional visual inspection methods.
How Does X-Ray PCB Inspection Work?
X-ray PCB inspection works by using X-ray radiation to penetrate and image printed circuit boards, revealing hidden defects, such as solder joint quality, component alignment, and internal structure issues. This automated technique allows for thorough analysis of electronic components and solder connections, aiding in quality control and troubleshooting during PCB assembly and manufacturing processes.
Benefits of X-Ray Inspection of PCB
#1. Enable to inspect blind or buried vias
Vias are very important components of PCBs as they allow different layers of boards to be connected easily.
However, different vias are used to connect the boards, including blind vias and buried vias.
Since these vias are not easily seen with visual inspections, it creates a problem for the inspector to assess the integrity of these vias during quality inspection.
But the good news is that PCB X-ray machines can send radiations that penetrate through hidden and hard-to-reach spots making it easy for the inspector to assess the quality of the board connections and the components.
#2. Help to check errors in landing patterns
Often, mistakes occur when assembling components on the PCBs (PCB Assembly) and one of these mistakes is the landing pattern of specific elements on the board.
If the components to be assembled on the board are not part of the components included in the library of commonly used SMD components, it poses the challenge of getting the landing pattern wrongly.
The design engineer is often required to generate a schematic of the newly introduced component and the landing pattern on the board.
There might be a mistake with the landing pattern when this schematic is missing, and it will be hard to notice using visual inspection.
However, it becomes pretty easy to assess a wrong landing pattern for an installed component on the board with a PCB X-ray machine.
#3. Enable to see through BGAs
One benefit of Ball Grid Array (BGA) for component arrangement is that devices can become smaller and tiny components can be installed on the PCB.
However, BGA still has its drawbacks, especially for quality assessment and inspections. With the Ball Grid Array (BGA) system, components are often packed tightly on the board with little or no space between installed components.
This tight arrangement makes it impossible for an inspector to visually identify any defect within the board and the components installed.
A PCB X-ray machine is often the best method to assess the quality of the components and the board connection with its X-rays penetrating the BGA assembly.
This non-destructive test (NDT) enables the inspector to see individual components from the images generated from the PCB X-ray machine and identify any flaws.
#4. Identify the wrong position of the decoupling capacitors
Decoupling capacitors are often an essential part of every electronic device as they not only ensure the stability of the power supply but also remove oscillations and transients.
These capacitors are always connected in parallel relative to the power supply. Also, they are placed as close as they can be to the components in contact with the power supply.
However, the wrong placement of these capacitors can often lead to unsatisfactory performance of the device and might even cause harm to the user in case of an explosion.
Due to the close installation of electronic components on the PCB, it might be difficult to spot a wrong connection with just visual inspection.
PCB X-ray machine enables the inspector to easily identify any wrong placements and correct this mistake before releasing the product.
#5. Allows Inspectors to see solder voids
Soldering is the connecting means between the PCB and the components. If there is an error in soldering, the connection will be faulty and pose product quality challenges.
Also, the product might not work optimally and even pose a potential risk of causing harm to the user.
To avoid these challenges, inspectors check for solder voids that might lead to low-quality connections during an inspection.
However, because BGAs are closely packed during installation, it becomes very difficult to inspect the soldering satisfactorily using visual inspection.
PCB X-ray machine is often the preferred solution for this challenge as it enables inspectors to accurately detect solder voids that can lead to poor quality connection or product.
#6. Easy to identify pin-hole fills
One method of connecting components on PCBs is a through-hole connection, especially for components that need a stronger connection when in layers.
However, certain defects often occur with this kind of connection, including pin-hole fills. This issue is usually because of escaped gas while soldering.
This gas is often water vapor and will always cause pin-hole fills if the heat of soldering is excessive, leading to the continuous escape of gas.
It is often very difficult to identify these anomalies using inspection methods like visual inspection and other inadequate means.
However, PCB X-ray machines offer the best, and accurate means of identifying pin-hole fills during a quality assessment to guarantee the integrity of the soldering operation.
Conclusion
As you have seen, X-ray machine offers various benefits to the quality control of PCB during manufacture.
One other thing you should consider is the cost of failure as this cost can be very significant if the quality of your products is below standards.
Quality control with a PCB X-ray machine helps save the unnecessary cost of failures and recalls after products have been shipped out.
Hope now you understand the Benefits of X-Ray Inspection of PCB.
FAQs: X-Ray PCB Inspection
Why is X-ray inspection important for PCBs?
X-ray inspection ensures the quality and reliability of PCBs by revealing hidden defects that are hard to detect visually. It helps prevent issues like cold solder joints, insufficient soldering, and misaligned components that can lead to malfunctioning circuits.
What types of defects can X-ray inspection detect?
X-ray inspection can detect defects such as solder voids, insufficient soldering, bridging between components, tombstoning (component standing on one end), lifted leads, and internal layer misalignments. It's particularly useful for identifying hidden defects.
How does X-ray PCB inspection work?
X-ray PCB inspection works by directing X-ray radiation through the PCB. Different materials absorb X-rays differently, allowing the inspection system to create a grayscale image showing variations in thickness and density. This image highlights defects within the PCB's layers and components.
Is X-ray PCB inspection safe for components and operators?
Yes, X-ray PCB inspection is generally safe when performed by trained professionals and within established safety guidelines. Modern X-ray systems use low doses of radiation and shielding to minimize exposure. Components are designed to withstand the levels of radiation encountered during inspection without damage.
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A printed circuit board supports mechanically and electrically connecting electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces. I appreciate reading your article about how PCB in the x-ray machine works. This device helps ensure the machine will work and generate accurate results.
I appreciate reading your article about how PCB in the x-ray machine works. This device helps ensure the machine will work and generate accurate results. A printed circuit board supports electronic components mechanically and electrically, using conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces. In this tiny device, technology proves that it can still be helpful regardless of size.
Thanks for sharing that A printed circuit board supports mechanically and electrically connects electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks, or signal traces. I appreciate reading your article about how PCB in the x-ray machine works. This device helps ensure the machine will work and generate accurate results. Its high impact accuracy and the ability to see hidden features might be the most important advantages.