# X-ray Inspection in PCB Assembly

_Published: 2022-06-15_

**X-Ray Inspection’s Definition**

X-ray inspection is a technology used to inspect the hidden features of the target objects or products. As for [PCB](https://www.bestpcbs.com/) inspection, X-ray is commonly used in the inspection of [PCB assembly](https://www.bestpcbs.com/products/pcba.htm) in order to test the quality and find the hidden defects, X-ray inspection is one of the most important steps for quality-oriented [PCB](https://www.bestpcbs.com/) manufacturers.

[https://www.bestpcbs.com/blogimages/2022/6/15/X-Ray-Machine.jpg](https://www.bestpcbs.com/blogimages/2022/6/15/X-Ray-Machine.jpg)X-Ray Machine

**X-Ray Inspection’s Working Principle**

Generally, there are three elements in the X-ray devices.

- X-ray tube—to generate the X-ray photons.
- Operation platform—to move along with the sample so that the sample can be inspected from different angles and magnification.
- Detector—it can capture the X-ray through the samples and then transfer it into the image so that we can find out whether there are defects on the printed circuit board.

**The Hidden Defects that can be Identified by X-Ray**

Since [PCB](https://www.bestpcbs.com/) has the higher density with the solder joints hidden and holes buried or blind, X-ray enable us to inspect the quality of the [PCB](https://www.bestpcbs.com/) and identify various hidden defects. And there are three common hidden defects that can be inspected by X-ray.

[https://www.bestpcbs.com/blogimages/2022/6/15/PCB's-Image-After-X-Ray.jpg](https://www.bestpcbs.com/blogimages/2022/6/15/PCB's-Image-After-X-Ray.jpg)PCB’s Image Under X-Ray

- Solder bridges—it is a common issue that will occur when the solder joints are so close that they create a connection which is not allowed. And usually, the solder bridges will be covered by some components on the PCB. But they can be easily found with the help of the X-ray device.
- Solder voids—when gas or flux is entrained during welding, solder voids will be produced, which will lower the thermal conductivity at the solder joint and may cause physical defects. And X-ray can help to  identify the solder voids
- Pin-hole fills—pin-hole fills issue is a common problem occurring in the plug-in components on the  printed circuit boards. The X-ray device can be used to identify these errors, and can even quantify the missing filling amount.

**Our X-Ray Inspection Device**

The maximum size of the board that can be put in the device’s operation platform is 510*430 mm, while the maximum inspection size of the device is 435*385 mm. So here is the manifestation of the operation platform’s function. When the size of [PCB](https://www.bestpcbs.com/) is over 435*385 mm, the operation platform will move along with the board so that the board can be inspected thoroughly.

And here is a video about operation of our X-ray inspection device.

So, this is the end of this article. In case if you have any questions, you are welcome to contact us via email at  [sales@bestpcbs.com](mailto:sales@bestpcbs.com). We are fully equipped to handle your [PCB](https://www.bestpcbs.com/)  manufacturing requirements.