By Jesse Garant Metrology Center
For Electronic part types, there are 3 primary areas that have had a large amount of success when adopting CT Scanning. These areas include: Qualifying New Products Typically traditional inspection techniques for electronics have proven to be highly effective in verifying electrical circuits. However, when exterior components effect performance, the costs and time for validating products internally or in a free state environment can quickly add up. X-Ray and CT Scanning can not only can be a non-destructive testing (NDT) method to perform non-contact measurements of internal features, but it can also provide a color-coded map identifying variations between the CAD model or identify features that are not being manufactured as intended. Furthermore, porosity inspection can be performed for potted or over-molded electronics to verify the size and locations of pores which could be impacting the components performance. Products like batteries, connectors, actuators, and temperature probes are examples of electronic devices that have been verified using computed tomography. Failure Investigation For electronics, X-Ray and CT scanning failure investigation has proven to be beneficial for identifying the root cause of a potential failure. Identification of the failure not only allows companies to correct the error happening in production, but it also helps to identify a potential financial impact resulting from the failing products being used by the end customer or consumer. When even further insight is required, Micro CT scanning with very high-resolution systems can identify slight changes in geometry which could stack up to result in the overall electronic failure. Industrial CT Scanning can provide data for virtually all physical defect types external and internal to the product. These include porosities, voids, and cracks, assembly misalignments, broken leads, debris, solder balls, engagement, or lack of engagement. Benefiting from Service Labs As the technology is rapidly being adopted and standards are evolving all the time, utilizing a certified service lab ensures proper compliance to the latest standards. This ensures the project is completed according to a verifiable process and the experienced lab can not only complete the results but communicate the results. As computed tomography data is complex, large in file size, and new for some people; effective communication is key to ensure all parties are properly informed of the results for effective decisions to be made.
