AiVibeQuality, Reliability & Maintenance
Automated X-Ray Inspection (AXI)
Automated X-ray inspection uses X-ray imaging and image analysis to examine hidden features of products, such as solder joints under ball grid array packages, voids, internal cracks and assembly errors that optical inspection cannot see.
X-rays pass through a product and are absorbed differently by materials of different density and thickness, so a detector captures an image of internal structure. Two-dimensional transmission imaging shows features such as solder bridges and voids, while techniques such as laminography, tomosynthesis and computed tomography reconstruct slices or three-dimensional volumes to separate features on different layers. Software measures parameters such as solder joint shape, voiding and component alignment against defined criteria.
In electronics, AXI inspects ball grid arrays, quad flat no-lead packages, press-fit connectors, through-hole solder fill and power modules, where joints are hidden beneath components. Beyond electronics, X-ray and CT inspection are used for castings, welds, battery cells, composite parts, contamination checks in food and additively manufactured components. Inline systems inspect at production speed, while offline CT systems are used for detailed failure analysis and first article checks.
X-ray systems require radiation shielding, interlocks and compliance with national radiation safety regulations, and operation is restricted to trained, authorised personnel. Inspection programmes must balance resolution, throughput and the radiation dose received by sensitive components. Acceptance criteria, such as permissible voiding, are defined by customer requirements and industry standards such as those published by IPC.
Key points
- Images internal and hidden features using differences in X-ray absorption.
- Essential for ball grid array and other hidden solder joints.
- Laminography and CT separate features on different layers.
- Requires shielding, interlocks and radiation safety compliance.
Where AiVibe comes in
AiAmbA AI Factory use cases include predictive maintenance and visual inspection on textile, automotive and electronics lines. AiAmbA IoT normalises industrial signals from protocols such as OPC UA and MQTT, with driver availability confirmed per installation.
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