Visual inspection of printed circuit boards involves visually inspecting each component with a scope designed for PCB inspection. This enables the user to examine each component individually. Higher throughput and efficiency should use this method after the PCB is completed for final testing and approval.
To avoid the need for this tedious, lengthy, and inaccurate method, many firms have chosen to send the complete PCB through electronic or postal sealers to ensure that each part is correctly labeled and accounted for. This can minimize the time and money spent on PCB inspection. Also, this saves on labor costs associated with manually collecting, sorting, and comparing component data. Most of the electronic firms that perform the PCB inspection require advanced electronic circuitry knowledge and have highly trained and competent inspectors. The most experienced firms can quickly determine individual components’ exact conditions, thus enabling a quicker decision regarding the assembly’s overall condition and resubmission.
Identification of Components When conducting a PCB inspection
It is imperative to verify that all components are accounted for correctly. This can easily be accomplished by examining each part individually using a visual inspection technique. If an element is missing, it is imperative to note this component’s location and description to enable a replacement effort that accurately matches the missing part. If one finds mismatched parts, it is advisable to place them together for a visual inspection. Another way to achieve this is by manually pushing and pulling the components until a visual match is completed.
The optimal means of implementing a PCB inspection strategy includes a combination of visual and manual techniques to detect any irregularities before they become problematic. It is often necessary to rely on various tools to ensure quality control and avoid costly mistakes. A thorough PCB inspection should include visual inspection as well as mechanical inspection. It is typical for low-level defects only to be visually inspected. In a high-volume production process, it is common for high volumes of product to pass through the process.
There are two major types of visual inspection methods: optical and mechanical. While mechanical inspection relies on the inspected mechanical properties, optical inspection relies on physical properties. For instance, it can identify minute imperfections that have an intense light or heat signature. It can also detect minute differences in color, pattern, texture, or size that can significantly affect an individual component’s performance. The two inspection technologies can also employ ultraviolet illumination to inspect certain materials.
Leave a Reply