Inspection System examines hidden joints of array packages.
Press Release Summary:
Model VPI-1000 Optical Inspection System uses endoscope technology to see under array packages that have been placed and soldered onto PCB. It can inspect components with stand-off heights as low as 0.05 mm, while providing images magnified up to 245x. MT2 tips can negotiate between components 0.7 mm apart. Using optional board holder increases size of boards that can be handled up to 305 x 305 mm. X-Y table offers variable height adjustment from 12.7 to 83.82 mm.
Original Press Release:
Metcal's Innovative VPI-1000 Breaks New Ground In Optical Inspection
Metcal, a world leader in electronics assembly systems for advanced SMT applications, has announced three significant enhancements to its ground-breaking VPI-1000 Optical Inspection System.
This next generation unit for inspecting the hidden joints of area packages now offers new tips that can negotiate between components only 28-thou (0.7mm) apart, an optional holder for boards measuring up to 305mm x 305mm, (12" x 12"), and enhanced user-friendly software that eliminates the need for calibration.
The VPI-1000 uses endoscope technology to see under array packages that have been placed and soldered onto a PCB. Its innovative design means that it is the best system able to visually inspect components with stand-off heights as low as 2-thou (0.05mm) while providing clear, crisp images magnified up to 245X.
New Tips
The MT2 tips are ideal for use on compact boards featuring high densities of advanced array packages, such as BGAs, CSPs and LGAs. The new tips can negotiate between components only 28-thou (0.7mm) apart, or half the distance of a standard tip, allowing even the most demanding of assemblies to be inspected.
Optional Board Holder
Using the optional board holder increases the size of boards that can be handled up to 305mm x 305mm, (12" x 12"). The use of array packages continues to expand into applications featuring larger boards, such as the medical and telecoms markets, making this an important addition to the VPI-1000. The handler simply attaches the board holder to the unit's built-in X-Y table, which offers variable height adjustment from 12.7mm x 83.82mm, (0.5" x 3.3").
New Look User-Friendly Software
Completing the latest round of innovations is the new look software and user-friendly interface. Already well received, this latest update completely eliminates the need for calibration, as this function is pre-set within the system. The existing software was designed to help users get the most from the system without the need for extensive and expensive training, and with the latest update set-up is even easier than before.
Metcal's VPI-1000 offers a cost-effective alternative to X-ray inspection that is both simpler to use and able to detect a wider range of defects. The unit can be used to detect faults such as bridging, cold solder joints, open circuits, excess flux contamination, and all other commonly occurring defects that show up only as a visual imperfection.
In use, the metal halide light source floods the underside of the component in bright white light, and a 12.7mm, (0.5") CCD camera feeds high-resolution colour images to a flat LCD monitor. Featuring an endoscopic lens with mirrored tip that can be rotated by 90 degrees (left/right) and five degrees (up/down) to provide optimum inspection of the upper and lower joints on both the exterior and interior joints of the component.
"Optical inspection allows users to perform real diagnostics on high density, array package boards," said Graham Ross, Global Product Manager, Optical Inspection Systems for Metcal. "It not only tells you the problem, but also how to change your process, because it enables you to actually see what's going on."
"The VPI-1000 offers a cost effective, easy to use system and with these latest additions we are pushing back the boundaries of optical inspection even further than before."
About Metcal
Based in Menlo Park, California, Metcal, A Dover Company, is a leading manufacturer of high-performance precision systems for the electronics bench.
Focused on satisfying the production and rework needs of production engineers in the electronics assembly industry, Metcal provides innovative, highly engineered equipment. Metcal's complete range includes soldering/desoldering stations, BGA/CSP/QFP rework equipment and fume extraction systems.
Precision Systems for the Electronics Bench is Metcal's commitment to delivering superior performing, highly reliable systems that set the global standard for PCB rework and production productivity, yield, cost-in-use and worker safety.
For further information on Metcal's VPI-1000 Optical Inspection System, please contact:
Sherilyn Hill
Metcal, Inc.
1530 O'Brien Drive
Menlo Park
CA 94025
USA
650 325 3291
Fax: 650 325 5932
e-mail: shill@okintl.com
website: www.metcal.com
