Inspection, Programming & Functional Testing

Built-in Confidence for Every PCB Assembly

Whilst reliable PCB assembly is achieved through carefully controlled manufacturing processes and systems, it also requires disciplined inspection and testing processes that verify performance, ensure compliance and remove risk before assemblies reach your line. As a UK contract electronics manufacturer, we take a structured, methodical approach to inspection and test, giving customers confidence that every unit has been checked, verified and signed off to a consistent standard.

Our inspection capability ensures stable product quality, reduced rework, predictable downstream flow and long-term reliability in the field. It’s about protecting your production environment and delivering electronics made effortless through certainty and clarity.

Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) for Every Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Assembly

All SMT assemblies pass through our Aleader AOI system, providing comprehensive placement and solderability verification at high speed. AOI verifies:

  • Placement accuracy
  • Correct rotation of polarised devices
  • Solder fillet acceptability
  • No bridging or opens

This automated checking ensures consistency of inspection in high-density assemblies and reduces the possibility of human error compared to manual inspection methods.

Electronics Testing

Ball Grid Arrays (BGA) Inspection

For packages that cannot be readily assessed visually from above, we offer additional inspection methods:

  • ErsaScope optical inspection for underneath BGA devices
  • X-ray inspection service, available where required

These tools can verify the integrity of solder joints on complex or hidden-footprint components, supporting long-term field performance.

mhorwood_Camtronics_100222_163-img

Plated Through-Hole (PTH) Inspection

Through-hole inspection is supported by our Yestech comparator system, providing the inspector assistance with rapid verification of:

  • Component orientation
  • Device values
mhorwood_Camtronics_100222_81-img

Manual Inspection to IPC Standards

Alongside automated tools, our experienced inspection team carries out manual checks and visual verification in line with IPC workmanship standards. This combination of automated and human review ensures:

  • High-quality joints
  • Accurate component placement
  • Compliance with specification
  • Consistency across repeat builds

It adds a final layer of assurance across mixed technology assemblies, and offers a more subjective view of an assembly that machines can sometimes struggle with.

mhorwood_Camtronics_100222_115-img

Device Programming

We support a wide range of programming requirements.

  • On-board, with a selection of different Manufacturers’ in-circuit debuggers
  • Off-board volume programming prior to assembly through one of our partners
  • Off-board at lower volumes for devices supported by our Dataman 48LV
mhorwood_Camtronics_100222_60-img

Collaborative Functional Testing Approach

Whilst product-specific test equipment is customer supplied, we encourage a joint approach to testing, providing feedback and ensuring your product’s requirements are fully understood and correctly implemented. Whether you already have a mature test strategy or need support adapting procedures for production, we work with you to strengthen reliability and reduce downstream issues.

This collaboration helps ensure smoother operations, reduced rework, fewer field returns and more predictable product performance.

mhorwood_Camtronics_100222_69-crop

Frequently Asked Questions

How do You Inspect a PCB Board?

A finished PCB board should be compared to the design documents and/or a working prototype to ensure that it meets specifications and has no differences.

What is meant by Optical Inspection?

An optical inspection uses an automated camera (AOI) or an experienced worker to look at a circuit board and compare it to the original design.

How Does AOI Work?

An automated camera captures the image of the PCB, which is then sent to image analysis software that compares the PCB in the photograph to an established standard. If there are differences, the board is reported as defective to the operator.

Europlacer-img

Testing that supports predictable production

By combining automated inspection, optical analysis, functional test and collaborative engineering support, we give customers confidence that your assemblies arrive fully verified and ready for integration.

Electronics made effortless — through inspection and testing that remove uncertainty.

mhorwood_Camtronics_100222_105-crop

Speak to us about your needs

Find Out More