Inspection: The Last Line of Defense

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

Traditionally a non-value-added step, inspection is still the best, last line of defense against defects and a bad reputation. In this interview conducted by Publisher Barry Matties, Viscom’s Guido Bornemann discusses the true value of inspection and how to best use the tools to prevent defects, including head-in-pillow, from being shipped to customers.

Barry Matties: Guido, tell me about Viscom’s role in inspection.

Guido Bornemann: We are one of the top three AOI/AXI makers in the world. We are a market leader in Europe with our stronghold mainly in the automotive industry. So in Europe we are growing, and now we are getting more active in China by addressing the contract manufacturers, EMS companies, and local Chinese automotive companies.

Matties: The automotive industry certainly is growing in China—probably one of the largest areas of growth. I’ve been coming to China for nearly 15 years and there used to be more bikes than cars, and now you hardly see a bike. It’s all about cars.

Bornemann: We see that a lot of our main customers, especially those from Germany, are setting up factories here, like BMW, Audi, etc. They are all here. With this occurring, of course, their suppliers are coming here as well.

Matties: We’re seeing the same in America. Companies like Cadillac and Lincoln are introducing cars for the high-end Chinese market. But getting back to inspection, 3D is obviously a big area.

Bornemann: It started with 3D SPI/3D AXI and now everybody’s talking about 3D AOI. People are still figuring out, “What do I need? Do I need a full 3D? Do I need partial? Can I combine the best of worlds, 2D and 3D?” Then definitely there are certain defects where you really need 3D, but also situations where maybe 2D is absolutely fine.

Matties: Doesn’t it just depend on where they are in their process or their product development?

Bornemann: Yes, it basically depends on the design. If you have small chip components in the shadows of big ones, 3D is limited because you have shadowing. It’s good to be able to switch back to 2D. Glass 2D is offering a higher resolution, working on the real images, and speed, of course.

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Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the June 2015 issue of SMT Magazine.