Altus Group Launches New X-ray Inspection Services for Electronics Manufacturers

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Altus Group, a leading distributor of production equipment and consumables for the electronics manufacturing sector in the UK and Ireland, is pleased to announce the launch of its new X-ray inspection services. This addition is designed to help manufacturers optimise their production processes and maintain the highest standards of quality through non-destructive testing solutions where owning a unit outright themselves may be difficult to justify.

Known for its complete turnkey solutions across SMT and THT assembly, back-end processes, and component management, Altus now offers advanced X-ray inspection services using the Xspection 3000 system from Scienscope. This state-of-the-art 2D X-ray machine features a high-power microfocus sealed X-ray tube, spot sizes as small as 5µm, and a wide range of inspection capabilities for PCBA and final assembly needs. The service supports customers with rapid, high-quality inspections, from initial process validation during NPI to field failure analysis.

Mike Todd, Senior Operations and Planning Manager at Altus Group, said: "We are always evaluating ways to add more value for our customers, and the introduction of X-ray inspection services is an exciting step forward.

“The significant investment required for in-house X-ray systems can be a barrier for many manufacturers, particularly for those who need it only for specific applications. Our new service provides a flexible solution, allowing customers to leverage our technology when they need it, without the capital expenditure. This is just one example of how we plan to continue expanding our service offerings to address customer challenges and solidify our position as the ideal partner for manufacturers. We plan to go further and develop more services across 2025, all with the aim of creating value in existing customer needs.”

Altus’ X-ray services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Whether supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and initial process validation, conducting ongoing production inspections, or providing failure analysis for field issues, the company is positioned to help manufacturers achieve the highest quality control and process optimisation levels.

The service is especially beneficial for contract electronics manufacturers (CEMs) who require X-ray inspection as part of customer contracts but do not justify purchasing their own system. It’s also ideal for manufacturers looking to verify the quality of high-value components, such as BGAs, or analysing products that have encountered issues in the field. In addition to its state-of-the-art technology, Altus offers a team of highly skilled industry experts, certified in X-ray systems and IPC standards, ensuring reliable results and comprehensive support for all customers.

The new service offering is part of Altus' broader strategy to operate as a one-stop shop, providing customers with flexible, high-quality solutions that can help streamline their operations and improve their products. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, Altus plans to introduce additional services in 2025 to support manufacturers across the UK and Ireland further.