Highly versatile optical inspection system produces outstanding results on large boards measuring up to 914 × 914 mm

Citation

(2004), "Highly versatile optical inspection system produces outstanding results on large boards measuring up to 914 × 914 mm", Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, Vol. 16 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ssmt.2004.21916aad.004

Highly versatile optical inspection system produces outstanding results on large boards measuring up to 914 × 914 mm

Highly versatile optical inspection system produces outstanding results on large boards measuring up to 914 × 914 mm

Keywords: Inspection

The Metcal division of OK International has developed a highly versatile and flexible optical inspection system for use with large boards measuring up to 914 × 914 mm (36 × 36 in.). The VPI-1000-XL optical inspection system is the latest addition to the company’s innovative range of high quality optical inspection systems, which is redefining the way electronics assemblers inspect array packages and SMT devices.

The VPI-1000-XL optical inspection system is an optimised solution to meet all inspection requirements on larger boards, which are becoming increasingly common in applications such as mobile base stations, data communications and network servers. It features four adjustable supports to hold round, rectangular, square or L-shaped PCBs, and has an articulating arm capable of spanning up to 610 mm (24 in.), allowing it to cover the entire area of a 914 × 914 mm (36 × 36 in.) board, without requiring a lens change.

NovaScope5 technology

Metcal’s NovaScope5 lens design is capable of moving through 908 left/right and 208 up/down, so operators can inspect under array packages with standoff heights as low as 0.002 in. (0.05 mm) and clearances of just 0.043 in. (1.1 mm) between the components. The NovaScope5 optical design is sharper and clearer – using 2/3 fewer optical elements to send a direct image to Metcal’s high resolution CCD camera, rather than a "shadowy" relayed image typical of last generation vision systems.

The NovaScope5 integrated optical design is a radical departure that moves beyond typical endoscopic systems and gradient lenses. While conventional designs relay on an internal image repeated throughout the length of the endoscope, an approach requiring multiple sets of complex optical elements to perform the task, NovaScope5 has only one image: the image in front of the eyepiece.

In operation, the VPI-1000-XL optical inspection system floods the underside of a component with bright white metal halide light that replicates natural daylight, enhances the colour rendering, and produces sharp and clear images on the system’s colour LCD monitor. The NovaScope5 is able to look underneath array packages to inspect each ball and its top and bottom connections. With a quick turn of the lens adjustment ring, operators can move through the entire underside of the device to check for defects such as bridging, cold solder joints, open circuits, excess flux, contamination and other process- related failures.

The unit can also be used for inspecting all types of SMT devices and any other board feature without changing lenses. This means that no changeovers are required to inspect all aspects of a board – including wire bonds, through-holes, J-legs, gull wings, leaded heel fillets, solder paste and adhesive deposits – making the entire process simpler, faster and less expensive than competing systems. Apertures on stencils can also be inspected with ease.

A powerful software tool completes the package, allowing users to measure, record, annotate, analyse and communicate component information. Images are displayed in real-time for a quick and easy visual inspection of the soldering process, and they can be captured and stored for future reference or reports. Documents can also be e-mailed or archived for use in training, research and development, or quality insurance.

The unique combination of a large board capability, 610 mm (24 in.) span articulating arm, high-quality NovaScope5 imaging system and user-friendly software make the VPI-1000-XL optical inspection system the most flexible and versatile optical inspection unit on the market for PCBs measuring up to 914 × 914 mm (36 × 36 in.).

NovaScope is a USA trademark of Integrated Endoscopy.