How X-Ray Inspection Works?

X-ray inspection technology, also referred to as automated x-ray inspection, is a technology that can find hidden features within a target object. From the medical industry to aerospace manufacturing, x-ray inspection is a widely used method to identify manufacturing errors. It is especially prevalent in PCB inspection, as x-rays are an excellent way to test PCB quality and find hidden defects without risking damage to the board. 
All x-ray inspection devices are made up of three basic features:

• X-ray tube: This tube has the ability to generate x-ray photons.
• Platform: The operation platform moves the PCB in different directions, allowing it to be inspected from various angles and magnitudes.
• Detector: The detector on the other side of the PCB catches and collects x-ray photons, converting them into an image.

X-ray imaging works using x-ray photons, which are passed through a material and collected on the other side. The x-ray photons pass through materials differently based on their physical properties, including atomic weight, density and thickness.

Generally, heavier elements absorb more x-ray photons, making them easier to image, while lighter elements are more transparent. Because different materials behave uniquely, differing amounts of photons are collected on the other side of the object, resulting in an image. Components in a PCB typically consist of heavier elements, making them easy to see on an x-ray image.