Mek to Demo Perfect Combination of 3D and 2D Inspection at IPC APEX EXPO 2018

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

At the forthcoming IPC APEX Expo 2018 in San Diego, Mek (Marantz Electronics) will showcase its newest and most advanced optical head available on the company's PowerSpector and SpectorBOX range of AOI machines including a combined top/bottom version.

The GTAz delivers true stereoscopic imaging using its 9 high speed (90 Fps) CameraLink cameras operating in full 24 bit color. This new generation optical head precludes the need for external capture cards. Full-color 3D enables the user to actually see the side of components rather than extruded 2D images from single camera systems. The result is a perfect combination of the 2D fast programming advantages and 3D features such as verification of body height, tilt and coplanarity, pin height and solder meniscus profile analysis in addition to component presence/absence, polarity, value, angle, offset, color, extra part detection, solder ball detection and short detection.

Unique stereoscopic 3D imaging is achieved utilizing the full 9 cameras of the GTAz. In the case of chips, for example, the height measurement of chip capacitors in combination with color analysis produces a more reliable inspection of the chip capacitors value.

Line sourced DOAL (Direct On Axis Lighting) coaxial lighting with high resolution Telecentric Optics enables the inspection of solder joints without shadow effects from tall components nearby, as well as accurate inspection model building. Omnidirectional multi angle, multi color LED lighting provides optimal illumination regardless of component direction.

Mek's flagship PowerSpector AOI featuring the GTAz head stands out in situations where production quality is the top priority. The PowerSpector series is available in Desktop, Inline and Dual Inline AOI in an 18 camera, top/bottom configuration for simultaneous inspection. Simultaneous Top/Bottom inspection delivers a huge efficiency and speed boost in both inline and island configurations.

The SpectorBOX GTAz modular AOI can be used for bottom up/top down inspection of THT solder joints and the detection of solder bridges and solder balls. Component clearance over 5", a 3" Z-Axis and 9 cameras per module allow for maximum THT versatility.

Also on display will be the Mek iSpector, a desktop AOI solution with exceptional defect coverage. The iSpector is an entry level machine for manufacturers requiring high-quality AOI with a low price tag. Providing a rapid, repeatable inspection process at an affordable cost, it’s a plug-and-play installation with iMentor online training and is exceptionally easy-to-program.

The Mek team will be on hand to host live demonstrations of unique AOI capability across a very wide range of applications and budgets.

Mek will be in Booth 1211. For more information, click here.

About Mek (Marantz Electronics Ltd)

A former division of Marantz well known for its high quality Audio/Video products, Mek Japan (Marantz Electronics Kabushiki Kaisha), developed its first AOI system in 1994. Developed to inspect PCB assemblies for correct component placement and soldering, the company’s original AOI system was designed for use in Marantz factories. Proving to be a highly successful, cost-effective alternative to traditional human inspection, Mek developed its first generation commercial system in 1996. With a steadily growing installed base, MEK Japan and its European/American headquarters, Mek, have sold over 6000 units worldwide to date. Now well established as a leading force in AOI technologies, the company also manufactures a 5D post-print SPI system which combines 3D and 2D image processing methodologies to deliver unprecedented defect detection. At the beginning of March 2014 the company opened US offices in Las Vegas.