Following from the EMPF HelpLine in Indianapolis, prepared by our Four Pi engineer, Tony Burnett: "We do not use our 4PI in quite the manner this gentleman is describing, however he should be aware it will not make julienne fries. (It makes a mean potato masher though!) Anyway, the gentleman should consider the 5DX series only. The 3DX systems are not as well supported and are very limited in capability. The limitations include field of view which will affect his ability to look at fine pitch and coarse pitch devices with the same level of detail. I would suggest that if he is interested, he could use our services here at the EMPF to become more familiar with the 5DX system and perhaps to program a couple of his assemblies. We then could give him a sample of the data that he could expect from the equipment and make his own determination as to whether there is need to procure one of these systems. At that point, if they do decide to purchase one of the pieces of equipment, their learning curve would be greatly reduced and they would be able to inspect their own product using the EMPF setup on the day the machine is installed at his facility." Contact the EMPF HelpLine directly at 317.226.5616 for additional information. ---------- From: TechNet-request Date: 13 Feb 96 1:33PM From: BOB HOENE <[log in to unmask]> Subject: X-ray inspection and process analysis. Resent-Sender: [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- We are considering the efficacy of implementing x-ray process analysis in line with our smt assembly line. The system we are considering is manufactured by Four Pi systems and would be either their 3DX or 5DX instrument. Before we get too far down the path, we would like to hear any commentary from users of this system or similar systems as to their real worth. Their sales data paints a pretty rosy picture and purports substantial improvements in throughput and reduced costs allocated for inspection, rework, warranty dollars, and lost margin. No doubt it may even make mounds and mounds of julienne fries. Worth our time to continue looking at this? No competitive sales pitches please. Bob Hoene Marquette Electronics, Inc. Milwaukee, WI