Hi Rick - the introduction of the ball grid array type package has created an opportunity that I think many assemblers are missing: an opportunity to use test rather than visual inspection to judge the quality of a processed assembly. I am currently evaluating the Glenbrook MINIRTX system and am quite happy with it. However, the system is not powerful enough to "see" opens or poor wetting. I have been using the system as a tool to establish process control - we look for shorts, misalignments, stray solder balls, etc. on a sampling basis and then use electrical test to verify functionality. We also have done some minor metallographic cross-sectioning to confirm reflow profiles, cleaning, etc. You can find some very capable xray equipment that will find all the defects of interest (within reason, no bonfires please) but these equipments come with a pricetag. One alternative is to use a combination of lower capability xray systems and electrical test. Good Luck. Dave Hillman Rockwell Collins [log in to unmask] Rick Thompson <[log in to unmask]> on 07/29/98 01:27:43 PM Please respond to "TechNet E-Mail Forum." <[log in to unmask]>; Please respond to Rick Thompson <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] cc: Subject: [TN] Glenbrook x-ray?? Hi, We're starting to look into x-ray systems, specifically for BGA inspection. Units by Glenbrook caught my attention due to their low cost relative to other units on the market. Anybody have any feedback, positive or negative on their products? I'd also appreciate any other insight you might care to share regarding other vendors and BGA X-ray. Thanks. Rick Thompson Ventura Electronics Assembly ################################################################ TechNet E-Mail Forum provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ################################################################ To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TechNet <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TechNet ################################################################ Please visit IPC's web site (http://www.ipc.org) "On-Line Services" section for additional information. For technical support contact Hugo Scaramuzza at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.312 ################################################################ ################################################################ TechNet E-Mail Forum provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ################################################################ To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TechNet <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TechNet ################################################################ Please visit IPC's web site (http://www.ipc.org) "On-Line Services" section for additional information. For technical support contact Hugo Scaramuzza at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.312 ################################################################