Industrial Inspection Launches Training Division

Industrial Inspection is proud to announce the launch of its training division, dedicated to advancing knowledge and skills in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and other critical inspection methods. 

This division will be led by Megan Davey, a highly respected, award winning NDT expert with a wealth of experience in both hands-on testing and teaching. Previously she held roles at Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, and Clover Park Technical College. Megan brings with her a distinguished career in the inspection industry, having earned multiple accolades for her expertise and contributions. As a tenured instructor, she has trained countless professionals, equipping them with the technical proficiency required for precision inspection in diverse industrial settings. Under Megan’s leadership, the division aims to offer comprehensive training programs that combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands for every industry our clients are involved with.

Megan Davey's ASNT Award forAdvancement of Active Military & Veterans in NDT
Megan Davey's ASNT Award for
Advancement of Active Military & Veterans in NDT
Megan Davey's ASNT Award forAdvancement of Women in NDT
Megan Davey's ASNT Award for
Advancement of Women in NDT
Megan Davey providing Eddy Current training
Megan Davey providing Eddy Current training

visit the resources below For more information about our Training & Certification services:

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS PAGE
COURSE LIST PAGE
NDT OVERSIGHT & CONSULTING

CT Scanning PCB Microchips

CT Scanning PCB Microchips

Micro-CT (micro-computed tomography) scanning has become an essential tool for inspecting microchips and PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) in the electronics industry. The technology allows for non-destructive, high-resolution internal imaging, which is crucial for ensuring the quality and performance of microchips and PCBs.

Below are some CT scan images of a microchip and some beneficial reasons for CT scanning these critical components.

Microchip PCB Component CT Scanning
Microchip PCB Component CT Scanning Service Slice View Volume Graphics 8
Microchip PCB Component CT Scanning Service Slice View Volume Graphics 7
Microchip PCB Component CT Scanning Service Slice View Volume Graphics 6
  • Preservation of Samples: Micro-CT scanning allows for the inspection of microchips and PCBs without physically damaging them. This is especially critical for high-value components or prototypes where any damage could lead to costly delays or failures.
  • Internal Inspection: Unlike traditional techniques, such as X-ray inspection, micro-CT allows for the detailed visualization of the internal structures of microchips, such as the bonding wires, die, and underfill, without disassembling the components.
  • Inspection of Assembly Integrity: In addition to inspecting individual microchips, micro-CT scanning is highly effective in checking the quality of the entire PCB assembly, including:
    • Placement accuracy of components (such as resistors, capacitors, and chips)
    • Via integrity (e.g., detecting voids or solder bridges in vias)
    • Trace continuity and checking for potential issues in signal paths or power distribution
  • Micro-Solder Joint Inspection: Micro-CT is particularly valuable for examining solder joints, which are often located in hard-to-reach areas. It can check for the presence of solder voids, underfill problems, or even assess the amount of flux residue left over.
  • Failure Analysis: Micro-CT scanning can identify faults within microchips and PCBs that are invisible to the naked eye or traditional inspection methods, such as:
    • Solder joint failures (e.g., cracks, cold solder joints, or voids)
    • Delamination in multi-layer PCBs
    • Corrosion or oxidation within microchips
  • Process Optimization: 
    • Feedback for Manufacturing Process: Data obtained from micro-CT scans can be used to fine-tune manufacturing processes. For example, if a high defect rate is found in a specific area of the PCB, the manufacturing process can be adjusted to address that issue and improve yield. 
    • Supply Chain and Component Analysis: Micro-CT scanning can also be used to inspect incoming components from suppliers, verifying that they meet the required specifications and quality standards before they are incorporated into the final product.

Using X-Ray & CT Scanning to Identify Mystery Box Collectibles

In 2005, Hasbro launched a Star Wars collectible action figure game called Attacktix, which became a childhood obsession of mine. The game featured hundreds of characters to collect, each sold in mystery boxes containing three figures. Part of the excitement came from not knowing who you’d get until you opened the box at home, always hoping for a rare figure like Boba Fett.

Nowadays, there are all kinds of different mystery box toys on the market. I purchased 5 unique brands to see if we could use the power of attenuating radiation to see what is inside without opening them.

Starting off is Jurrasic World Captivz Hatchling Dinos.

CT scanning showed some paper, sand, & a plastic figurine. After isolating the figurine, and matching the features of the jaw & the tail it became clear that it was the brown/tan baby t-rex.

Dinosaur Egg in the CT Scanner!
Isolated 3D CT Model of Baby T-Rex

Next up is the Dragon Battle Figure Series. This one has 5 different possible figures. Using CT scanning we isolated the figure inside the pouch. Based on his pose it is clear that this one is the legendary Super Saiyan himself, Broly!

Isolated 3D CT Model of Broly

Now on to the Stumble Guys. This cool green hat packaging comes with 2 unique figurines inside. Rather than isolating the 3D models, I relied on the 2D views for this one. I was able to find a figure that looked like a lion and one that looked like a box of cereal. This can only be ‘Leonidas’ & ‘Killer Size’.

Cross Section of Leonidas & 3D Model of the Hat
Front Section of Killer Size - Check out the face details!

Onto Roblox. Here we CT scanned a mystery figure from Series 12. I was confused when I first opened up the file. I just saw a big oval, after doing a little digging it was clear it could only be ‘Lemon Head’. He got that skibidi toilet rizz.

2D Slice Planes & 3D Model of Mr. Lemon Head & His Mouse

Lastly is a Series 5 set from Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron. At this point I decided to challenge myself and see if I could detect what was inside with just a single, quick 10 second x-ray image. I had a hard time telling by the figurine alone, but the features of the speeder made it obvious that this is the blue mandalorian.

2D X-ray of Box Showing Figurine, Speeder, & Base Inside

Modular Surface Roughness Inspection of Large Assemblies

Surface Roughness of Large Components

Our modular & portable Keyence optical scanner offers significant advantages for surface roughness mapping of large components. Its high-precision laser scanning enables detailed, accurate measurements across expansive surfaces, ensuring consistent quality control.

The modular design allows for flexible data acquisition, making it suitable for various industrial applications and capable of handling components of different sizes. Its ability to produce high-resolution, 3D surface profiles enhances the detection of minute imperfections and variations. 

This case study demonstrates the scan head fixed to the edge of a table with the test specimen lifted into focus below the scan zone. The test specimen is an x-ray source with a peculiar roughness condition near a vacuum sealing surface.

SURFACE ROUGHNESS MAP +-.002 MICRONS

The below 3D scan shows a range of surface deviation between +.0018mm and -.0022mm.

X-Ray & CT Imaging of Endoscopy Medical Device

X-Ray CT Inspection of Pillcam

Pill cameras, or “pillcams,” are small, ingestible devices used to capture images of the inside of the gastrointestinal tract. They are particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcers, and cancers in areas that are hard to reach with traditional endoscopy, such as the small intestine. The main benefit of pillcams is that they offer a minimally invasive, comfortable alternative to more traditional procedures, allowing doctors to observe the GI tract in real time as the pill moves through the system.

Industrial CT scans can assess the alignment and assembly of small, complex parts inside medical devices like pillcams, ensuring that all components are correctly positioned and functioning as intended. This technology offers high-resolution 3D imaging, allowing for precise analysis of intricate details that would be difficult to detect with traditional inspection methods like X-ray or visual inspection. Thus, CT scanning plays a critical role in ensuring that medical devices meet safety, performance, and quality standards before being released for use.

  1. Battery evaluation for alignments, connections, and spring contact
  2. Micro-PCB showing solder joint porosity

Megan Davey – Manager of Training & Quality

Megan Davey Rocket Nozzle Industrial Inspection

Megan Davey

Manager / Training & Audits

Megan Davey, our Manager of Training and Quality, is an ASNT Level III in RT. With 15 years of experience in military aerospace and space flight and holding NDT roles at Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, and Clover Park Technical College, Megan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. She is a tenured instructor in the state of Washington and a multi-time ASNT award recipient for her outstanding work as an NDT Instructor. She served on the ASNT Pacific NW Section Board of Directors as the Educational Chair and the David Hall Student Scholarship Chair.

Her extensive background as a responsible NDT Level III, NDT Instructor, and Quality Inspector, coupled with her commitment to program improvement and quality assurance, reflects her strong passion for integrity and excellence.

Megan Davey's ASNT Award forAdvancement of Active Military & Veterans in NDT
Megan Davey's ASNT Award for
Advancement of Active Military & Veterans in NDT
Megan Davey's ASNT Award forAdvancement of Women in NDT
Megan Davey's ASNT Award for
Advancement of Women in NDT
Megan Davey providing Eddy Current training
Megan Davey providing Eddy Current training

Measuring Transparent Geometry using Repliset

MEASURING GLASS USING STREURS REPLISET

The Streurs RepliSet produces replicas that are dimensionally correct and have an ultrafine detail reproduction. RepliSet can replicate details with dimensions less than 0.1 micron over the whole replica surface, which can be of any size or shape. RepliSet has no shrinkage and can thus be used for highly accurate metrological measurements.

For example, RepliSet was used to coat this lens for surface roughness inspection. The below shows data using Repliset and data from our Keyence VR6000 without ReliSet. The right (blue-to-green) data shows no lens contour and is not able to be measured because the white light fringe pattern passed through the material.

Measuring Piston Groove Surface Roughness

SURFACE FINISH OF PISTONS

Surface finish is a critical factor in the performance and longevity of engine pistons. As the primary component that converts combustion energy into mechanical motion, pistons operate under extreme conditions, including high temperatures, pressures, and friction. The surface finish of a piston directly influences its ability to retain oil for lubrication, form effective seals with the piston rings, minimize friction with the cylinder wall, and manage heat dissipation.

Surface finish of pistons is difficult to achieve due to their complex shapes, inaccessible geometries for tactile probes, varying material properties, and tight tolerances. Our non-contact optical profilometer (Keyence VR6000) allows us to three dimensionally capture these geometries and specify exactly where optimal measurements should be performed.

Piston Oil Grooves - Surface Finish Keyence VR6000 Optical Profilometer

PIN BOSS GROOVE

Due to the short run available for measurement, tactile profilometers may struggle to perform this measurement. By angling the piston a few degrees we can capture 30-40 degrees of the groove. Below are some descriptions of the measurements:

  1. Ra & Rz values
  2. 3D map of surface with deviation values
  3. Multi-line profilometer measurements across the groove
  4. Surface profile and roughness profiles, sampling lengths

COMPRESSION RING GROOVES

These narrow but deep grooves make inspection particularly difficult, if not impossible for tactile probes. A distinct advantage of non-contact optical profilometry is the fast acquisition, repeatable measurements, and robust visualization of the geometry.