I. The Importance of X-ray Technology
SMT X-ray inspection equipment plays a crucial role in the SMT industry. This equipment utilizes the penetrating power of X-rays to examine the internal structure of the inspected object, thereby identifying defects that are invisible to the naked eye. In SMT lines, X-ray technology is widely applied to inspect soldering quality, component positioning, and internal structure to ensure product reliability and safety.
As printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies trend toward smaller sizes and higher densities, new design challenges arise. This is not only due to the demand for smaller PCB components but also because modern designs increasingly incorporate devices with hidden solder joints, such as ball grid arrays (BGAs).
In the SMT industry, automatic optical inspection (AOI) has become a mature inspection process, playing a critical role in enhancing manufacturers’ understanding of sub-assembly quality. However, when faced with the challenge of unable to observe solder joint connections through optical methods, how should we address this issue?
II. The Necessity of X-ray Inspection Equipment
As an effective process control tool, X-ray inspection equipment eliminates the risk of irreparable damage caused by misaligned “hidden connection” components, thereby reducing the high costs associated with component repairs. Avoiding rework due to misaligned components not only saves significant time but also minimizes potential damage to other parts of the component, such as issues caused by localized heating affecting surrounding components. Additionally, it ensures timely detection of defects during the process, thereby reducing the time and cost required for diagnosis and secondary testing during boundary scan or functional testing.
1. Process Control and Cost Savings
When and where should X-ray inspection equipment be used? It is undoubtedly a critical component of the “first-line” inspection process, helping to ensure that the reflow oven’s temperature curve meets the ideal temperature requirements for lead-free components.
2. Timing and Strategy for Use
After assemblies enter the production phase, sampling inspections of components become a more reasonable choice. Typically, sampling X-ray inspections are conducted at the beginning, middle, and end of each batch to ensure quality control during production. Additionally, X-ray inspections can further reduce the need for manual inspections at the final stage of the production line, addressing blind spots in the inspection of fine-pitch components that may not be covered by SMT AOI machines or other BGA inspection methods.
3. Resolving Quality Challenges
Another major advantage of X-ray inspection is its ability to address numerous quality challenges. In the past, if an area requiring inspection could not be observed using other methods, destructive measures such as rework or micro-cutting were often necessary, which not only increased costs but also risked component scrap. However, with X-ray inspection, such measures are no longer required.
X-ray inspection offers non-destructive observation capabilities, addressing issues that traditional inspection methods cannot reach.
X-ray technology offers layered imaging and comprehensive three-dimensional inspection capabilities, enabling inspectors to view the entire component in detail and identify issues such as damaged traces or holes in PCBs, as well as any potential problems with leadless components.
X-ray technology is not only suitable for inspecting PCBA but can also be used for other manufacturing components requiring internal detail observation, such as cable assemblies or machined parts, while providing a certain degree of measurement functionality.
Conclusion
As a mainstream inspection device today, the SMT X-ray machine offers more convenient operation, higher inspection accuracy, and shorter inspection times, providing businesses with more practical benefits. As a result, X-ray has become the primary inspection device of choice for an increasing number of SMT companies.
Quick facts about NeoDen
1) Established in 2010, 200 + employees, 27000+ Sq.m. factory.
2) NeoDen Products:Different Series PnP machines, NeoDen YY1, NeoDen4 ,NeoDen5, NeoDen K1830, NeoDen9, NeoDen N10P. Reflow Oven IN Series, as well as complete SMT Line includes all necessary SMT equipment.
3) Successful 10000+ customers across the globe.
4) 40+ Global Agents covered in Asia, Europe, America, Oceania and Africa.
5) R&D Center: 3 R&D departments with 25+ professional R&D engineers.
6) Listed with CE and got 70+ patents.
7) 30+ quality control and technical support engineers, 15+ senior international sales, for timely customer responding within 8 hours, and professional solutions providing within 24 hours.
Post time: Jun-12-2025