What Is Automatic Optical Inspection

RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY
What Is Automatic Optical Inspection?

The demand for PCBs is growing at a rapid pace in different domains.
Over the years, consumers have been more inclined towards
PCB-integrated smart devices and electronics.
It means that PCBs are the fundamental blocks of electronics and devices.
There should be no error in the configuration of PCBs at all. It is because if
a PCB is not performing properly, it will hamper the device’s performance
as well.
Therefore, it is important that manufacturers pass their PCBs through
extreme quality check methods. It will rule out errors and defects in these
PCBs to ensure fine performance.
The complex nature of PCBs is inevitable for futuristic devices, but it
increases risks as well. Today, PCBs are at their finest, and the quality
control methods for them need to be accurate at the same time.
Speaking of which, there is not just one PCB inspection method. You can
select from multiple techniques as per your requirements and PCB
variant.
Now, we are going to take an insightful look at the importance of PCB
inspection and quality control.
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Table of Contents
Why Do PCBs Need Automatic optical inspection?
RayMing AOI
When you design PCBs, it is important to check the final product. It makes
sure that everything is in place. Defective PCBs can lead to irreversible
damage to the devices in the future.
The PCB inspection methods detect the problems so that you can fix them
in time. Sometimes issues with PCBs are not visible, and you might

overlook them. Now if these issues show up in the future, it will
complicate the PCB’s performance.
When you pass your PCBs through strict quality control methods, you can
point out hidden and unseen defects easily. Faulty PCBs are a big threat to
the manufacturer’s reputation, and this is how.
If a manufacturer does not make sure that its PCBs are ready for use, it
can disappoint its clients. If you need to make your customers happy with
your PCBs, never compromise on their quality.
Defective PCBs can cause electrical glitches and current leaks and can also
leave bare wires that can give shocks to the users. A faulty PCB integrated
into an electronic device can even lead to fatal consequences for the
users.
Now, you know why inspecting PCBs before handing them over to your
customers is significant to ensure consumer security and longevity of
electronics.
Inspection Methods for Printed Circuit Boards
You can define PCB inspection as a method to detect possible faults in
PCBs, re-check the positioning of PCB parts and verify the quality of
individual components after the production process.

There are different ways of inspecting PCBs. Some manufacturers use
high-end quality control equipment and inspection machinery for this
purpose. At the same time, others use automated testing methods for
completely inspecting PCBs for defects.
However, for small and less complex PCBs, there is no need for such
measures. Workers can easily manually inspect them for faults.
It’s time to consider manual inspection and its importance for different
PCB producers in the next section!
Manual Visual Inspection
Manual visual inspection of PCBs is a basic and simplest checking method.
Workers mostly visualize PCBs themselves or might use a magnifying glass
or a microscope for this purpose.
It mostly comes in handy when PCBs are small and not too complex. The
technicians will double-check the details of the design of PCBs for the final
product so that they can verify whether the final product matches these
details or not.
The workers can manually inspect PCBs whenever they feel to. There is no
thumb rule for this type of inspection at all. However, it is better to know

what factors you should inspect while performing MVI. These factors
would be:
 The width of the PCBs should be accurate. The texture of their
surface needs to be appropriate as well.
 The sizes of the PCB components should be suitable, and the
electrical connectors also need to be of appropriate sizes to not
make the area congested.
 The conductive components of PCBs should be standard. Make sure
the solder is in suitable amounts. There should be no gaps left on
PCBs in terms of soldering at all.
 The surface of PCBs should be free of holes, impressions, and
ridges.
 Make sure the wiring is in place and they are in optimum condition.
 The pad plating should also be working at its finest, and to make
sure of this, there should be no extra roughness and rigidness.
 The quality of the coating should be flawless, and for this, you need
to verify its amount of flux and placement.
· Now, let’s have a look at some benefits of using MVI for PCB
manufacturers:
 It is not a complex method, and workers can perform it easily
 It is affordable and does not disturb a manufacturer’s budget at all

 MVI does not work with complex futuristic quality control tools
 The technicians can perform MVI at different intervals of the
production process
Benefits
The only thing that you should keep in mind for executing MVI is the
eligible workers. Skillful technicians that know how to get along with MVI
come in handy. They will help in precisely detecting the problems with
PCBs without using any tools and equipment.
Drawbacks
 It does not detect hidden defects of PCBs
 It is not viable to use for complex PCBs
 There are more chances of overlooking possible defects of PCBs
due to MVI
Automated Optical Inspection

MVI is a simple inspection method, but it does not guarantee positive
results. There is still a margin left for human error. However, one
remarkable inspecting technique called automated optical inspection of
PCBs can save you from errors.
The process involves a video camera and lights to ensure 100% quality of
PCBs. The purpose of the lights is to emphasize PCBs to easily detect their
faults. Light from all directions helps in identifying the flaws in them.
After this, the cameras will film the PCBs and take images as well. In this
way, the technicians will match this final product with the design
requirements in the end. The process uses high-end equipment that
includes 3d and 2d cameras.
You can even use colored lights from different directions for this purpose.
AOI is the latest technique that can prove to be a great alternative to MVI
in the near future.

Automatic Laser Test Measurement
In case the former methods were not of use to you, try Automatic later
test inspection of PCBs.
The purpose of ALT is to verify the sizes of solder joints of PCBs and their
parts. The process involves different industrial-grade lasers that help to
detect the assembly of PCB parts.
The worker will reflect the light on the components to check their
positioning and detect any faults in them. The process is useful and works
on different calculations to see if the PCB is of quality or not. You can ALT,
especially when there is a need to apply solder paste on the PCB parts
every time.
Not only this, there are other benefits of using ALT. Have a look at them
below:
 Helps with the PCB parts assembly
 Detects the viscosity
 Identifies the component cleanliness
 It also assists with the printing of solder paste when needed
 It is an insightful method and gives output data in the form of
analysis and stats

Drawbacks
 The final data given by ALT is always correct; however, factors like
interference and shielding can change the values if not controlled
before or during the process.
What Is Via Filling?
No PCB design can work in an optimal environment without its vias. These
are an integral part of PCBs that give them different features to perform
naturally. The role of PCB vias is to transfer signals within all the layers of
PCBs precisely.
Vias in the PBs are to make sure that each layer is sending and receiving
signals without any disturbance. These vias are just small holes packed
with copper. These vias also join the layers with each other.
The copper in the vias should leave no space in order to achieve positive
results. However, the filling of copper should be controlled since
overfilling can make the PCB layers hefty. An extra copper filling will also
overweight the PCBs.
Today, small and portable PCBs are common, and the vias for these are
also small. Sometimes regulating everything in a small area becomes

troublesome; however, a seasoned PCB manufacturer will perform this
challenging task efficiently.
Advantages of a Via Fill PCB
The PCBs with via fillings are more promising than those without vias.
These PCBs collectively benefit your electronics in many ways. We are
going to see why via-fill PCBs are crucial.
 The components of such PCBs offer great surface mounting when
needed.
 The via-fill PCBs never stop liquids and air from escaping from the
system, which makes them more reliable than other forms of PCBs
 The PCB assembly will be free of defects making it dependable in
the long run for the users.
Copper-Filled and VS Copper-Plated Via

The two types of vias for PCB designs are either copper-filled or copper
plated. Now, don’t get excited to know this because there are different
applications of these types. We are going to discuss the benefits of
copper-filled vias in detail for you.
 Such vias are important for boosting thermal conductivity due to
the presence of copper.
 Copper vias are also beneficial in enhancing the performance of
PCBs when it comes to handling hot temperature conditions.
 Copper can absorb large amounts of heat and leaves enough space
for other components to stay cool in the case when the
temperature exceeds
 The heat can flow from one portion to the other, which reduces the
chances of defects due to copper vias.
Benefits of Copper over Gold for a Via Fill PCB
You might be wondering, at this point, why not use gold for via-fill PCBs?
Well, it’s shocking to know that different PCB manufacturers will use epoxy
resins and gold as fillings in place of copper for such PCBs.
However, at the end of the day, you will get positive results from these
fillings. For this purpose, copper gives the best output as compared to
resins and gold.

Below are some facts that will make you realize why using copper for
via-fill PCBs is recommendable:
 Gold has less potential for thermal conductivity and electrical
transmission than copper
 Copper enhances the longevity of PCBs for users
 Copper is much more affordable than gold which makes it a reliable
option to use via fill PCBs
 Different analysis shows that copper via fill PCBs are more reliable
 High-powered electronics and smart gadgets can hugely benefit
from copper vias instead of using gold and resins
Summary
Humans always get confused when making their choice between two
options. To save you from such frustration, we are giving you some factors
that will help you weigh down via filling options easily.
 Consider your application: Get to know about your purpose
completely. The purpose you are going to use via filling entirely
depends on the application.
 Keep in mind the price: Some via fillings, like gold fillings, are too
expensive to waste in errors, so make sure you are using an
affordable via filling for your PCBs

 Aim to make the design as straightforward as
possible: Complicating your PCBs will not set you apart from other
manufacturers; instead, always keep the designs basic which will
help in ruling out errors in them as well.
The End Note
Via Fill PCBs have a bright future because of their vast applications for
users. In this post, you have learned about the role, significance, and
benefits of using copper via fill PCBs for your future projects.
However, in case you have any queries in mind, consult a seasoned PCB
producer near you. They will clear your mind and also can assist you with
cost-efficient via-fill options for your PCBs.
Related Posts:
1. AOI Machine: A Comprehensive Overview of Automatic Optical
Inspection Systems
2. What is the Importance of Optical PCB?
3. What are the Criteria for PCB Inspection?
4. What is SMT inspection?
https://www.raypcb.com/automatic-optical-inspection/

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RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

What Is Automatic Optical Inspection?

Over the years, consumers have been more inclined towards

PCB-integrated smart devices and electronics.

There should be no error in the configuration of PCBs at all. It is because if

a PCB is not performing properly, it will hamper the device’s performance

Therefore, it is important that manufacturers pass their PCBs through

PCBs to ensure fine performance.

The complex nature of PCBs is inevitable for futuristic devices, but it

control methods for them need to be accurate at the same time.

select from multiple techniques as per your requirements and PCB

Now, we are going to take an insightful look at the importance of PCB

inspection and quality control.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

Why Do PCBs Need Automatic optical inspection?

sure that everything is in place. Defective PCBs can lead to irreversible

damage to the devices in the future.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

overlook them. Now if these issues show up in the future, it will

complicate the PCB’s performance.

the manufacturer’s reputation, and this is how.

your PCBs, never compromise on their quality.

customers is significant to ensure consumer security and longevity of

Inspection Methods for Printed Circuit Boards

You can define PCB inspection as a method to detect possible faults in

individual components after the production process.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

There are different ways of inspecting PCBs. Some manufacturers use

high-end quality control equipment and inspection machinery for this

completely inspecting PCBs for defects.

measures. Workers can easily manually inspect them for faults.

PCB producers in the next section!

Manual Visual Inspection

Manual visual inspection of PCBs is a basic and simplest checking method.

Workers mostly visualize PCBs themselves or might use a magnifying glass

or a microscope for this purpose.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 The width of the PCBs should be accurate. The texture of their

surface needs to be appropriate as well.

 The sizes of the PCB components should be suitable, and the

electrical connectors also need to be of appropriate sizes to not

make the area congested.

 The conductive components of PCBs should be standard. Make sure

the solder is in suitable amounts. There should be no gaps left on

PCBs in terms of soldering at all.

 The surface of PCBs should be free of holes, impressions, and

sure of this, there should be no extra roughness and rigidness.

to verify its amount of flux and placement.

 It is not a complex method, and workers can perform it easily

 It is affordable and does not disturb a manufacturer’s budget at all

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 The technicians can perform MVI at different intervals of the

PCBs without using any tools and equipment.

 It does not detect hidden defects of PCBs

 It is not viable to use for complex PCBs

 There are more chances of overlooking possible defects of PCBs