In the electronics production industry there is a widespread belief, perpetuated by interested parties, that AOI or X-Ray inspection need to highly complex systems with an attached high price. This is not the case today as two ranges of products available from TestSolve Ltd can show.
TestSolve Ltd provides the UK manufactured AOI systems from DCB Automation as well as the internationally recognised Glenbrook Technologies range of X-Ray Inspection systems. Both suppliers deliberately address the core production markets with their mainstay product ranges. Providing easy to use systems that address the key needs of the electronics production market is important to both products success.
UK designed and built AOI
The AOI systems have been developed over the past 12 years from one of the first comparator systems on the market through to the current full inspection capability. The key to the products performance is in the combination of lighting and camera as well as the bespoke software provided. Camera choices start from a simple 2M pixel unit capable of providing solder inspection on component sizes down to 0402 or 0.4 pitch devices through to systems capable of solder inspection on 01005 or 0.3 pitch. Bespoke capability is also available to meet a wide range of novel applications as evidenced by the recent development of bare-board inspection in addition to machine vision for mechanical inspection applications.
Critical to the use of an AOI system is ease of programming and subsequent tuning of the programme to reduce/remove false calls. The ability to introduce a new board to the system and have it ready for inspection rapidly is essential in today’s low volume, high cost markets and in the specialist areas of new product introduction. Whether a Contract Manufacturer or an OEM it is essential to maintain the highest quality of inspection, even for one off products. It is not unheard of for single boards to be valued in £1,000`s, so checking and inspection at every stage is critical. Both UltraVision and EasyVision use the same Vision software and so have an identical set of analysis features which include 1st off verification, comparator mode and full auto inspection giving great flexibility in the way the system is used.
EasyVision provides a low cost Desktop solution which can be upgraded to increase resolution and features. UltraVision is a full capability system which can be provided as desktop, in-line or magazine fed, again adding to the systems flexibility to meet the multiple needs of businesses on single or multiple sites. With extensive real time information available for statistical or live analysis the systems also fit well into modern business analysis tools, whilst also providing simple built in statistical data for review on the system.
Glenbrook X-Ray inspection
The Glenbrook X-Ray systems offer a wide choice of capabilities ranging from those designed for use in the PCB production market to check via/pad concentricity through to full 5 axis control systems with high resolution sources and cameras capable of inspecting wire bond joints and breaks and other ultra-fine detail. The most popular systems are the RTX-113 range with x-y positioning and simple analysis software, or the entry level 5-axis system JewelBox 70T with the full BGA analysis software.
The systems are very easy to use, so suitable for inspection staff as well as skilled engineers to use. The result is the systems prove very popular in high volume inspection environments where speed of inspection is important whilst maintaining flexibility of a stand-alone product. The programmable x-y option on the RTX series gives the ability to scan through multiple locations on a board, with variable dwell times and scanning speeds – thus reducing further the operator interaction and avoiding missing critical points on the board.
With over 2,000 systems installed globally Glenbrook are one of the leading providers of X-Ray inspection systems. As well as the electronics production market many systems are in use in medical device inspection, automotive and other materials or sub-assembly inspection applications. The range offers up to 2000x magnification, reel-to-reel handling for component inspection, automatic BGA measurements – including void and ball size, dual axis or 5-axis movement and virtually maintenance free operation.
A variety of systems are available for demonstration and proof of application, so do not hesitate to contact Graham Penson from TestSolve to see how these systems can help improve your quality of inspection without breaking the bank. TestSolve can be reached on 01494 449677, or via email at info@testsolve.co.uk.
Glenbrook and DCB systems will be on display at NEW UK, stand C66, so drop in to the show to have a look for yourself.
