X-ray Inspection

The advent of lead free solders has created the need for closer investigation of soldered joints, particularly in respect of voiding and poor reflow. Advance component packaging in the form of BGA and Leadless chip carriers has made traditional visual inspection ineffective.

Even with traditional SnPb solder processing our x-ray capability can be used for the assessment of barrel fill on critical component leads, especially for assemblies targeted at high reliability environments.

Norcott diagnostics offers a full range of x-ray inspection services based on our highly capable Dage XD XiDAT micro focus x-ray system.

Typical Applications

• Assembled PCB Inspection
  
  • General solder inspection (voiding/shorts)
    
  • Ball Grid Array & Leadless Chip Carriers
    
  • Thermal pad attachment
    
  • Bump bonding
    
  • PTH barrel fill
• Semiconductor
  
  • Die and bond wire inspection
    
  • Device failure analysis
    
  • Counterfeit devices
• Bare PCB's
  
  • Internal short/open detection and layer registration analysis
    
  • Printed antenna analysis
• General Engineering
  
  • Metal/plastic moulding alignment
    
  • Epoxy encapsulation
    
  • Cable and connector component failure analysis

System Features

• Full real time operation
  
• < 2 micron feature recognition
  
• 40 - 160kV with up to 3W power
  
• Geometric magnification x1065 to x4145
  
• 70° oblique viewing angle.
  
• Sample size 508 mm x 444 mm and up to 5 kg.
  
• Extensive measurement and image enhancement capabilities.

Drop-in Service

Our 'drop-in' service is ideal for engineers and technicians who need a rapid response or wish to personally analyse and direct the x-ray imaging. Working alongside one of our trained operators you will be able to get a first hand view of the images providing an optimal diagnostic capability.

A quick assessment costs less than £100* and could save hours of bench top debugging. With our premium drop in service you are able to book machine time with as little as 30 minutes notice.

All images can be saved on CD as high resolution JPEGs for future reference.

Our Location

Drop-Off Service

With our drop-off service samples will be inspected by our trained operators and a CD of key images returned with the product. For smaller jobs we offer a same day turnaround. For larger inspection jobs we will be happy to provide a fixed price quotation.

Our Guarantee

X-ray imaging depends upon the absorption of x-rays by specific materials. Some combinations of materials will not produce a satisfactory result. If you are in any doubt we suggest that you call for advice. If we subsequently cannot obtain clear images of the area of interest there will be no charge.

Investigation Reports

We can provide a detailed report on the samples and the investigation carried out. If you require this service please contact us for a quote.

*Account or credit card customers.