X-Ray & Rework FAQs
X-Ray Product FAQs
What is an x-ray cabinet system?
X-ray cabinet systems are closed x-ray systems used for SMT inspection, security screening and industrial quality control. The enclosure serves as a physical barrier that excludes people from the space where x-rays are produced. As an item passes through the cabinet, the x-ray image is transmitted to a monitor.
What are the benefits of using x-ray for component counting?
There are many benefits of using x-ray for component counting opposed to other methods such as manually counting reels such as:
- Accurate inventory data: Our x-ray component counters are over 99% accurate. This helps avoid any potential SMT line down situation that may be caused by component shortages caused by inaccurate component counting.
- Automatic updates to your MES: Once a scan is performed with one of our x-ray systems, that reel count is automatically updated to your MES providing real-time accurate inventory status.
- Higher efficiency: Count reels in seconds as compared to minutes when manually counting them. Get faster results and reduce overall labor for reel counting.
Will my electronix equipment be harmed when it passes through an x-ray cabinet system?
No, your x-ray product will not be harmed when it passes through an x-ray cabinet system. The amount radiation emitted from our x-ray systems is not nearly enough to damage electronics.
Is it safe to be near an x-ray system while it is producing x-rays?
Yes. Manufacturers are required to certify that their products meet the Federal radiation safety performance standard for cabinet x-ray systems. Specifically, the standard requires that the radiation emitted from a cabinet x-ray system not exceed an exposure of 0.5 milliroentgens in one hour at any point five centimeters from the external surface. All VJ Electronix cabinet x-ray systems emit less than this limit. For more information, see Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1010.
Is training provided if I purchase a system?
Component Counting: Yes, training is included as part of the installation. Training includes operator and more advanced features like label printing, barcode scanning and library functions. The operator will learn how to perform basic tasks such as start-up and shutdown of the machine and counting reels. They will also learn how to set up and configure label printing, enable barcode scanning, and integrate that into the printed labels and use the library to get more accurate counts on difficult to count parts.
X-ray inspection: Yes, training is included as part of the installation. Training includes operator and process training. The operator will learn how to perform basic tasks such as start-up and shutdown of the machine and running inspection profiles. The process side includes training on how to create a new inspection profile and the different options such as step and repeat, void analysis, board/part creation, and more.
Are your x-ray component counters compatible with robotic integration?
Yes, most of our component counters are compatible with robotic integration. We work with customers to provide specific automation solutions to integrate our component counting X-Ray machines into their production process, maximizing efficiency
Rework FAQS
What is a rework station?
A rework station is a workspace technicians can use to alter printed circuit boards. They empower technicians to remove defective parts, reinstall incorrectly placed parts, replace any missing parts and remove parts that are no longer working. Rework stations have features that accommodate different size circuit boards and capabilities that determine the types and volume of jobs that can be done. Some are focused on reworking simple components such as BGAs while others are capable of reworking more advanced components such as RF Shields, QFNs, QFPs, connectors, and more!
What are the benefits of using a rework system?
Rework systems offer many benefits such as:
- Efficiency: Highly precise procedures and tools ensure that technicians can tackle any rework job laid out.
- Volume: The right rework stations can help companies manage their high-volume PCB rework needs
- Accuracy: Rework is a very delicate and precise process. With precise tooling, rework stations ensure that the rework job is done both safely and accurately, not damaging the PCB on hand.
- Cost: Rework stations can reduce overall costs by providing the capability to make component changes to existing boards.
Is training provided if I purchase a system?
Yes, training is included as part of the installation. Training includes operator and process training. The operator will learn how to perform basic tasks such as start-up and shutdown of the machine, run a profile and perform the different sequences (pick and place, reflow, replace, etc). The process side of it will train the engineers on how to create a new board, part, and heating profile along with scavenging profiles if applicable.
What types of components can your rework systems accommodate?
Our rework systems have a wide range of applications including, but are not limited to: BGAs, QFNs, QFPs, connectors, RF Shields, micro passives (down to 01005), sockets, and more!
Are your rework systems able to communicate with an MES?
Our rework platforms have many tools to facilitate such an interface. The software includes an automatic Event Log to track all material flow and process through the system. An additional file (datalog) to track process parameters including temperatures, air flow, etc. The datalog is linked to the event. Both logs are flat files that are easily transferred to your MES.