Hi Vincent! Our experience has been to use xray equipment/analysis to setup our process, refine the reflow profile and then watch the process perform above our expectations! One of the pleasant surprises with BGA components is the self centering aspects of the soldering process which really does happen as described in the industry literature. After your initial process setup/conformation is complete, you should have very high yields. We evaluated several xray systems and choose a mid priced Glenbrook system (there are other good systems out there too: Fein Focus, CR Technology, Nicolet, HP, Kevex, Veeco, etc.). Area array component technologies will cause a "culture" change - because you can no longer visually inspect the solder joints, you will need to rely on process control and electrical test to assess solder joint quality (which is something the electronics industry needs to accomplish as a whole anyway). I suggest you investigate leasing a piece of xray equipment to gain some knowledge of just how much xray inspection will be necessary within your soldering process instead of making the equipment investment. Good Luck. Dave Hillman Rockwell Collins [log in to unmask] Vincent BADA <[log in to unmask]> on 08/12/99 08:37:15 AM Please respond to "TechNet E-Mail Forum." <[log in to unmask]>; Please respond to Vincent BADA <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] cc: Subject: [TN] Automated X-ray Inspection Hi all, Our production is high-mix low volume with double-sided boards with a wide range of component types. We bought a flying probe tester recently and we are know thinking of replacing the visual inspection by something automatic. With the coming of BGA components, we know we will need X-ray inspection. We are hesitating between a "manual" machine and automated X-ray inspection which would be used for the whole board. Has anyone made the step to an automated X-ray inspection ? Has anyone bought this type of equipment in Europe ? What do you think about the results ? Is the solder defect coverage OK ? How long does it takes to setup the machine for a new production ? Thanks, Vincent Bada Process Engineer Alcatel Etca Belgium ############################################################## TechNet Mail List 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 web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Gayatri Sardeshpande at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5365 ##############################################################