Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services


Solder paste inspection system

16 October 2020 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

Solder paste is applied during the printing process and is necessary to attach the components to a circuit board to assure the proper electrical connection. The printing process has become extremely complex due to today’s circuit board configurations that pack very small components into extremely tight spaces. Over 50% of circuit board defects are rooted in problems related to solder paste printing. To accurately determine the accuracy of the printing process, 3D solder paste inspection has become a requirement.

When to use SPI

SPI is used after the printing process to check for solder paste volume, insufficient missing, or excessive solder, stains, bridges, defects in solder shape, mask misalignment, and foreign material. SPI is also used in the printing test setup to review the stability of the process prior to a substrate change, to detect any mask cleaning failures, and to catch any printing condition changes. When the SPI system detects a failure, it can immediately feed that information back to the printer to automatically adjust the machine’s settings.

Saki’s 3D SPI advantages

Saki’s BF-3Si 3D SPI system uses a combination of 2D and 3D images and, using Saki’s proprietary software, can rapidly scan the board in one pass, making it one of the fastest 2-projector solder paste inspection systems available. The system creates 3D images of the whole board, providing pad-based warpage compensation, and, with Saki’s closed-loop process functionality, feeds that information back in real time to make course corrections in the assembly process.

Saki’s system uses its proprietary phase measurement profilometry with liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology to optimise measurements for printed solder paste and ensure high repeatability of inspection results with:

• Height inspection repeatability of 2 μm at 3σ.

• Volume inspection repeatability of +/- 3%.

• High gauge repeatability and reproducibility (GR&R).

• Height range of 0-500 micron.

Both Saki’s 3D SPI and 3D AOI share the same machine platform for interchangeability of hardware, and Saki’s entire 3D lineup of SPI, AOI, and AXI share the same software for easier programming, operation, and training.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Soldering day highlights
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
JAPAN UNIX has published a new event report and highlight video from their UNIX SOLDERING DAY 2026 in Hungary. This event reflects on their commitment to supporting manufacturers not only through soldering automation systems, but also through technical education, live demonstrations, hands-on training, and practical engineering know-how.

Read more...
Clearing the Static: Electrostatic Discharge
Actum Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
A cordless ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) wrist strap does not work by grounding the person in the same way as a traditional wired wrist strap. Instead, it works by reducing or balancing the static charge on your body so that you are less likely to discharge electricity into sensitive electronic components.

Read more...
Engineering trust in South Africa’s SMT sector
ZETECH ONE Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
From a small Johannesburg start-up to a trusted SMT technology partner, Zetech One has spent four decades helping South African electronics manufacturers improve production quality, efficiency and reliability.

Read more...
The new reality of PCB material supply
Jemstech Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
How resilient manufacturing strategies are helping OEMs navigate a changing global supply chain.

Read more...
Streamlining Device Programming with the AutoBee-D1
Vepac Electronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The AutoBee-D1 desktop automated programmer is designed to simplify the programming of devices, while delivering consistent accuracy, high throughput and reduced manual intervention.

Read more...
Zero PFAS die attach paste
Testerion Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
With silver price volatility increasing and sustainability requirements accelerating across semiconductor assembly, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions introduces ATROX CD 560-1, a zero per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) alternate silver filler die attach paste.

Read more...
Precision jet printing for advanced PCB designs
MyKay Tronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Mycronic’s BA 01 small dot ejector delivers unmatched precision in solder paste jet printing for advanced PCB designs.

Read more...
Strengthening local electronics manufacturing through investment and innovation
Microtronix Manufacturing Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Microtronix South Africa cements its commitment to local manufacturing with ongoing investments in production capacity, skills development, and job creation.

Read more...
Polypropylene pole-top boxes support smarter, more secure electricity networks
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from Power Process Systems (PPS) is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.

Read more...
200 W of power in a space-saving design
Vepac Electronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The Hakko FX-972 Soldering Station delivers high-performance soldering in a compact package, making it suitable for a wide range of soldering applications.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved