In a PCB manufacturing process, PCB inspection is a critical task. Faulty PCBs can bring losses to a company as products can return from the customers’ end, which hits a company economically. PCB inspecting brings out the faults in the PCBs, and then the company takes the necessary steps to fix the faulty products. PCB inspecting is essential for high volume PCB manufacturing, where errors can bring fatal economic losses to the companies.
Basics of PCB Inspecting
At present, companies do PCB inspecting in various ways. There are different types of PCB inspecting, such as manual inspecting, Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI), Automated X-Ray Inspection, etc. In manual PCB inspecting, individual inspectors look at the boards and assembly processes to find faults. It’s a costly process requiring more workforce, and also it provides inefficient results.
Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI)
In automated optical inspection (AOI), the company uses an optical system for taking images of products and assembly. They compare the two models with standardized images and decide according to comparison outcomes. This is a widely used method for PCB inspecting.
When there’s an increase in density on PCBs and manufacturing includes new technologies like IC mounting, every soldering joint isn’t visible. At the initial stage of production, when setups are unique, there are challenges to properly checking all the solder joints.
Automated X-Ray Inspection (AXI)
When visibility is an issue, Automated X-Ray Inspection (AXI) method is the solution. This technology can take views under the chips to check the solder joints. This method is expensive, and companies usually use it for a small number of solder joints. But this method is essential for PCBs based on the latest technologies.
PCB Inspecting in Manufacturing
PCB inspecting is a vital part of the manufacturing process. PCB inspecting highlights the defects of the products so that production employees can correct them before passing those to the next steps of manufacturing. Finding faults as early as possible is essential as fixing costs rise because of errors. PCB inspectors have to provide feedback on the manufacturing process. For example, when the PCB inspecting team detects faults at the output of the soldering process, they take steps to correct the procedure immediately or eliminate or reduce the occurrence of the failure. Companies also do inspecting assembly machines.
PCB inspection plays a vital role in reducing the fixing costs of products. That’s why a PCB manufacturing system must have an effective inspecting system to detect all types of faults in the PCBs and manufacturing process.