X-ray inspection

X-ray inspection is a quick, cost-effective method of monitoring product quality.

It can highlight defects including missing or broken parts, incorrect assembly, cracks, voids, inclusions, and many other problems.

Finding and correcting these problems can increase component reliability and lifetime, and help to avoid costly repairs and replacements.

By using x-ray technology to inspect components or assemblies during the production cycle, defects can be found early and analysed to determine their cause. Corrections to the production process can be implemented and efficiency will be increased.

This can result in huge cost savings, by avoiding re-work or even scrapping of large volumes of possibly faulty equipment.

In-house x-ray inspection service

Electron-X provides an in-house inspection service using state-of-the-art microfocus x-ray systems at our facility in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. Our customers span a diverse range of industries including:

• electronics
• electrical and mechanical
• automotive and aerospace
• pharmaceutical and cosmetic
• food packaging

Fault detection and analysis

At Electron-X we use real-time x-ray systems to produce instant, sharp images that can be enhanced to identify minute defects.

Our micro-focus x-ray systems are capable of more than 1000X magnification and resolution better than 5 microns, ensuring accurate pinpointing of problem areas.

Using automatic inspection routines, we can significantly reduce inspection times for large batches of components.

Samples we have inspected for customers in the past include aircraft and automotive components, PCBs (printed circuit boards), BGAs (ball grid arrays), food packaging seams, welds and castings. The real-time capability of the systems allows live viewing of the x-ray image - with 5 axes of sample manipulation ensuring the perfect viewing angle for detecting faults every time.

With source power up to 200W at 160kV, even thick or high-density materials can be penetrated and analysed. Take a look at some sample x-ray images here.

A choice of inspection options

Customers are welcome to either visit our facility in Milton Keynes and bring the samples for evaluation or send them by courier.

Electron-X provides a very prompt inspection service and at the customer's request can immediately e-mail sample images, or more usually, send a CD with the returned samples.

Cost-effective x-ray inspection

Inspection time is charged at hourly, daily or weekly rates depending on the number, size and type of sample being inspected. An inspection price per item can also be agreed. Fill in our contact form or call us on 07764 535531 for an immediate estimate.

Rental systems also available

We also have rental x-ray systems available. Once delivered and installed on site, a brief training programme in operating the equipment enables the customer to safely control the x-ray system, giving almost instant, on demand x-ray analysis - ideal for situations where constant monitoring is required for consistent quality assurance, or where a research facility is required in-house.

The rental systems are safe and easy to use. They comply fully with current Health and Safety legislation and in particular with the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999. The system can be set up to suit the customer's particular requirements and a technician with no previous x-ray experience can be taught to use the system in a couple of hours.