FEBRUARY 25--FEINFOCUS (Garbsen, Germany; www.feinfocus.com), a manufacturer of x-ray inspection systems and tubes, and GOEPEL electronic (Jena, Germany), a vendor of electronic and optical test and inspection systems, have combined their 30 years of expertise in the field of test and inspection in a technology partnership. The new cooperation and development project has resulted in the launch of the OptiCon X-Line inspection system, which was unveiled at Productronica 2003. The new system combines high-performance AOI and x-ray inspection technology for the automated analysis of hidden solder joints.
The OptiCon X-Line, based on the OptiCon series from GOEPEL, provides automatic recognition of shorts and solder bridges, as well as missing solder balls on BGA and μBGA devices. FEINFOCUS contributed to the development of the system with innovative x-ray tube technology that was implemented according to GOEPEL's specifications. The companies will publish joint technical papers and application findings through the use of the combined technologies.
Founded in 1991, GOEPEL electronic currently employs 80 people in its headquarters in Germany. More than 250 additional specialists ensure the on-site and local availability of products and services through GOEPEL electronic's international distribution network. Furthermore, GOEPEL electronic runs three support centers for the North American market.
FEINFOCUS, founded in 1982, is an ISO-certified company specializing in high-resolution x-ray inspection systems and tubes. Pioneers of microfocus and nanofocus x-ray inspection technology, the company developed the first patented "open" x-ray tube. FEINFOCUS offers both x-ray sources and radiation-shielded x-ray equipment, as well as full in-house services, such as failure analysis services, component defect detection services, technical service, and preventative maintenance for both FEINFOCUS and third-party systems.
In the USA, FEINFOCUS maintains headquarters in Stamford, CT, and a Technical Resource Center in San Jose, CA.
