11 May 2011Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The new x|act inspection software from GE’s Inspection Technologies business is now available for the company’s phoenix microme|x and nanome|x 180 kV high-resolution X-ray inspection systems. This powerful new imaging package replaces the existing phoenix quality|assurance software and finds application in manual inspection of electronic components as well as fully automated, CAD-based X-ray inspection of solder joints in electronic assemblies.
The x|act software is available in three versions: x|act base, x|act operator and x|act pro. All versions offer easier operation than previous packages, allowing more reliable inspection. Simple macro recording permits intuitive programming of inspection tasks in terms of position and imaging parameters, with all display settings saved with just one mouse click. Automatically created sample maps can be used for all PCBs of the same type anywhere in the system, even when rotated and flipped, and automatic image enhancement improves live images to ensure greater precision of defect detection.
Additional software features included in the x|act operator upgrade package include the facility to introduce a live CAD data overlay, automated saving of results, images and X-ray sample maps, and CAD-based programming. The pad IDs can be viewed in the live image as an overlay at any time and from any viewing angle. This always enables quick and precise solder joint mapping even with manual inspection. In addition to all the features of the first two versions, users who upgrade to x|act pro can enjoy CAD-based image processing as well as statistical review based on inspection results and 3D auto-referencing for optimised positioning accuracy to a few micrometres.
To keep programming time to a minimum, x|act operator and x|act pro import the CAD data of the PCB and create a model, which facilitates navigation and also enables inspection strategies to be assigned to the individual components to be inspected. Within x|act pro, inspection strategies with all the information required for automatic inspection are contained in the library for many common solder joint types. After the inspection strategies have been assigned, the views required and inspection program are generated automatically. With CAD-based programming, all the programming steps can be performed offline at a separate workstation, meaning that the inspection system is not blocked during programming. It also means that programs can be transferred to every x|act-capable phoenix|x-ray system.
Weller limited Black Edition soldering station Testerion
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Weller’s WE1010 Black Edition Soldering Station is a premium limited-edition soldering station.
Read more...Quick and easy shielding Würth Electronics South Africa
Electronics Technology Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Würth Elektronik expands its EMC product portfolio with nanocrystalline WE-FNCS sheets.
Read more...Smarter local buying could reboot South Africa’s manufacturing sector
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
With smarter localisation, clearer procurement rules and a more deliberate industrial strategy, public spending could again become a powerful engine for rebuilding factories, expanding supply chains and restoring confidence in South Africa as a place that makes things.
Read more...The effect of seasonal changes on ESD performance in South Africa Actum
Editor's Choice Circuit & System Protection Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Electrostatic discharge performance is influenced by several environmental factors, with relative humidity being one of the most important. This is particularly relevant in South Africa, where seasonal changes can result in significant differences in humidity levels.
Read more...High precision in-line conformal coating inspection system MyKay Tronics
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Conformal coating is widely used to protect electronics from moisture or other environmental hazards. It is critical to know if coatings are properly applied; covering what is meant to be covered and not covering what should be exposed.
Read more...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.
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.
printer friendly version