Soldertec Global has launched a new ‘inspection while you wait’ service using the Dage XiDAT 7600 X-ray inspection system. It is also possible for Soldertec Global to guarantee a 24-hour turnaround for companies who prefer to ship the boards via courier. The ability of X-rays to penetrate through entire assemblies has enabled solder joint inspection of hard-to-access areas, including underneath ball grid array (BGA) and flip-chip components. Missing, open, malformed and bridged BGA interconnections and misaligned components can now all be detected quickly and easily.

The Dage XiDAT 7600 system is capable of sub-micron resolution (>600nm) at high magnifications. The contrast levels achievable using the digital image acquisition system, are more sensitive than traditional analogue systems. Thus, allowing subtle features to be easily identified, which can be used to assess structures and processes, and diagnose problems. Via alignment issues, metallisation shorts, plated-through hole barrel cracking and other PCB problems can also be identified.

“The inspection of BGAs using an X-ray imaging system has just got faster and easier. The introduction of this new service allows us to react immediately to a customer’s problem and solve it in a very short timescale;” comments Dr. Wayne Lam, Laboratory Manager at the St. Albans based testing facilities. “X-ray inspection is most commonly associated with BGA inspection but also has a vital role to play in the investigations of voiding and wetting of solder joints. We also see the technique as an important tool in non-destructive testing, allowing us to see defects that would not easily be detected by other methods.”

The Dage XiDAT 7600 X-ray Inspection System will be on demonstration in the ‘Live Technologies Area’ at the ‘National Electronics Week’, Earls Court, from the 17th to 19th June. Companies wishing to discuss their requirements with Soldertec Global and any aspects of this inspection system may visit their stand, which is E88.

Companies requesting a quotation or interested in booking this service, should contact Zoe Sullivan by telephone on: 01727 875544 or by email at: zoe.sullivan@itri.co.uk