4. In-Line Optical & X-Ray Inspection (SPI recap, AOI, AXI, SPC)

A core principle in manufacturing is that you cannot manage what you do not measure. In modern PCBA, components have become too small and densely packed for the human eye to reliably inspect at production speeds.

Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and Automated X-Ray Inspection (AXI) provide the empirical data necessary for effective Statistical Process Control (SPC). In this chapter, we will discuss how to program these systems to minimize false calls while assuring reliable defect capture.