-
-
News
News Highlights
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueThe Hole Truth: Via Integrity in an HDI World
From the drilled hole to registration across multiple sequential lamination cycles, to the quality of your copper plating, via reliability in an HDI world is becoming an ever-greater challenge. This month we look at “The Hole Truth,” from creating the “perfect” via to how you can assure via quality and reliability, the first time, every time.
In Pursuit of Perfection: Defect Reduction
For bare PCB board fabrication, defect reduction is a critical aspect of a company's bottom line profitability. In this issue, we examine how imaging, etching, and plating processes can provide information and insight into reducing defects and increasing yields.
Voices of the Industry
We take the pulse of the PCB industry by sharing insights from leading fabricators and suppliers in this month's issue. We've gathered their thoughts on the new U.S. administration, spending, the war in Ukraine, and their most pressing needs. It’s an eye-opening and enlightening look behind the curtain.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
Mek's Next-Gen AOI Technology Takes Center Stage at IPC APEX EXPO 2024
March 19, 2024 | MEKEstimated reading time: 2 minutes

Mek is excited to announce its presence at IPC APEX EXPO, North America's largest electronics manufacturing event, in Anaheim, California, from April 6-11, 2024. Attendees are invited to visit Mek at booth #1433 to explore the latest AOI technology offerings. Witness firsthand how Mek AOI systems are helping to shape the future of electronics inspection technology.
Mek will be showcasing their cutting-edge 3D AOI, ISO-Spector. As Mek's flagship full 3D Automatic Optical Inspection system, the ISO-Spector M2 boasts unparalleled hardware specifications and incorporates Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize the inspection process. Its exceptionally convenient fast automatic programming method ensures swift integration into production lines, delivering inspection results with remarkably short cycle times. What sets the ISO-Spector M2 apart is its programmer-independent programming, facilitated by AI technology. This ensures consistent inspection results regardless of the programmer's expertise. ISO-Spector M2 will be available for demonstration via an offline station.
For those involved in through hole assembly, the event will be the Americas premier of the SpectorBOX X series, a modular full 3D AOI system for THT solder joints and THT components. SpectorBOX X1 redefines Through-Hole Technology (THT) inspection and can be used bottom-up for volume measurement of THT solder joints and pin height measurement, or Top-Down for a groundbreaking 150mm + clearance for 3D THT components measurement - making it the first compact 3D AOI system truly capable of inspecting THT solder joints and components with precision.
Mek will also be exhibiting the VeriSpector THT assembly station AOI, a low-cost assembly station AOI for use on manual and semi-automated SMD and THT assembly lines. Featuring an overhead orthogonal camera and LED lighting system the VeriSpector is designed for a wide verity of inspection needs.
Initially, available as a manual inspection system, VeriSpector is now available as both an in-line system and as a modular system for self-integration. These new developments allow manufacturers to easily integrate the VeriSpector Assembly Station AOI into their existing production lines, giving them even more control and flexibility in their inspection processes.
Mek EZPro Software on the ISO-Spector 3D AOI system and the full range of Through-Hole Technology (THT) AOI systems, allows for the preparation of approximately 70% of an AOI program in typically 20 minutes using only CAD + Gerber data, eliminating the need for a PCB. Additionally, with ODB++ integration, the software achieves even faster programming times, taking a maximum of approximately 10 minutes. versatility and compatibility across multiple inspection platforms.
Also at the show, visitors can experience the powerful PowerSpector benchtop AOI equipped with 9 cameras: 1 top and 8 side cameras. New, Selective 3D Laser Measurement Technology allows users to conduct selective height measurements of any object with unprecedented precision. The systems are suitable for use in pre-reflow, post-reflow, post-wave and post-selective soldering, and can also be used for 2D solder paste inspection and first article inspection.
For manufacturers for whom value for money is an absolute priority the Mek entry level iSpector JDz desktop AOI system is designed to inspect component bodies and solder joints by use of LED light sources from three different angles offering full inspection coverage at an entry level price. Powerful algorithms achieve an optimal balance between defect detection and false reject levels in the shortest time.
Suggested Items
Smarter Machines Use AOI to Transform PCB Inspections
06/30/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineAs automated optical inspection (AOI) evolves from traditional end-of-process inspections to proactive, in-line solutions, the integration of AI and machine learning is revolutionizing defect reduction and enhancing yields, marking a pivotal shift in how quality is managed in manufacturing.
SolderKing’s Successful Approach to Modern Soldering Needs
06/18/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Chris Ward, co-founder of the family-owned SolderKing, discusses his company's rapid growth and recent recognition with the King’s Award for Enterprise. Chris shares how SolderKing has achieved these award-winning levels of service in such a short timeframe. Their secret? Being flexible in a changing market, technical prowess, and strong customer support.
ZETWERK Enhances Manufacturing Capabilities with TRI
06/04/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading test and inspection systems provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, is pleased to announce that ZETWERK Electronics has integrated TRI's Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) solutions into its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu.
Axxon-Mycronic Enhances Conformal Coating Quality with New Inline AOI and Thickness Measurement Technology
06/03/2025 | Axxon-MycronicAxxon-Mycronic, a leading, global supplier of innovative and production-ready, dispensing and conformal coating systems, announced a breakthrough in automated optical inspection (AOI) technology for conformal coating with the introduction of its Modus inline conformal coating AOI system—CCAOI.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/30/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007I don’t have a scorecard, but I do have a weekly wrap-up of must-reads that I think deserve another “bite of the apple,” so to speak. IPC’s Rich Cappetto shares his perspective on everything from tariffs to the CHIPS Act. Columnist Josh Casper discusses the use of AI in 3D AOI systems and the immediate benefits that AI can bring about. Columnist Anaya Vardya explains how technologies like AI can improve our customer service, as well as our manufacturing processes.