Keywords
Citation
(2005), "BAE Systems orders X-ray inspection system from Contax", Sensor Review, Vol. 25 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2005.08725aab.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
BAE Systems orders X-ray inspection system from Contax
BAE Systems orders X-ray inspection system from Contax
Keywords: X-rays, Inspection
International defence and aerospace giant, BAE Systems, has purchased a phoenix X-ray pcbajanalyser from production automation specialist, Contax Ltd, to ensure the quality of their PCB production and work towards the IPC 7095 standard. This purchase has also led to the development of unique quality inspection software, Xe2, which provides automatic X-ray analysis of solder joints on surface mount devices (Plate 1).
Plate 1
BAE Systems has purchased a phoenixjX-ray pcbajanalyser from Contax Ltd
BAE Systems produce high reliability products for civil avionics and defence applications. The PCBs manufactured are typically using Ball Grid Array devices for critical systems, such as control panels and head-up displays for military and civil aircraft. As the solder joints are not visible, an X-ray inspection system is required to verify that they conform to quality standards.
Previously, BAE Systems had outsourced the X-ray inspection, so it was not within the process lines. Following manufacture, the batch was inspected and verified. This has proven expensive and significantly increased the lead time in production. The company was also looking towards the new, demanding, IPC 7095 standard.
“We wanted to take more control of our production, improve lead times and guarantee a very high quality build”, explained Paul Brockett, Senior Manufacturing Engineer at BAE Systems. “We therefore decided to invest in our own X-ray system. This would enable us to verify the quality as we build, and make any corrections before a batch is produced”.
Other facilities include the oblique view high magnification (OVHM) module, which provides oblique views of up to 618 of any position of the solder joint. Whilst an anti-collision system using infrared technology automatically stops the machine if there is any danger of product damage during inspection.
For further information; Contact: Jan O'Connor/Sue Richards, Managing Director, Contax Ltd. Tel: 01489 885808; E-mail: Joconnor@contax.co.uk