Component microsectioning

Analyse failure modes and assess manufacturing quality by examining a component’s internal structure

There are many reasons why you might want to see a cross section of a component, PCB, piece of material or an assembly: perhaps something has failed and you want to assess the failure mode; perhaps you want to check the internal structure of an item; or perhaps you want to measure something such as a through-hole plating thickness. Whatever your goals, one way to do this is to microsection the item.

Microsectioned items are cut with a precision saw, which was designed for the demands of material analysis where sample integrity is paramount. The saw swiftly sections electronic components, as well as a broad range of materials including metals, plastics, ceramics, composites, biomaterials, mineral and rocks, providing an as-cut surface which is as free as possible of damage and distortion.

Once sectioned the item can be examined with a variety of microscopes, including our Vision Engineering Hawk Non-Contact Measurement System.

 

Click on each heading below for further information

Typical applications

Our microsectioning equipment can be used to carry out:

• fault analysis on PCB and solder structures
• quality checks on PCBs and soldered joints
• assess wave solder fill
• inspection of voids on solder joints
• checking de-lamination of PCB substrates
• reviewing under-fill penetration of staking adhesives
• failure-mode analysis on components and materials
• manufacturing accuracy assessments on components and materials

 

Microsectioning equipment description

Buehler IsoMet precision sectioning saw

Cast-able vacuuming system

Grinder/polisher

 

Microsectioning equipment hire

Customers can use the equipment themselves at our Leeds facility. Time on the equipment can be hired by the hour or by the day, and will include training on the use of the equipment where required.

 

Microsectioning investigation services

Alternatively, samples can be sent to the Electronics Yorkshire Technology Centre along with a clear description of the problem and the investigation needed, and our trained and skilled team will conduct the investigation on your behalf. If there is any uncertainty or if unexpected issues are discovered then the team will involve you by phone. Once the investigation is complete a report will be prepared, usually including images of the sectioned item. The sectioned sample can be returned to you or safely disposed of.

 

Costs for equipment hire

Call us for a personalised quotation for either time on our equipment or our investigation and report services. Discounts can also be offered for block bookings of equipment time or investigation services.

Electronics Yorkshire Full Members will receive a 20% discount on equipment use, investigation, analysis and report costs.

 

Location and contact details

All our equipment and investigation services are run from our advanced technology centre:

Electronics Yorkshire
Airedale House
Clayton Wood Rise
Leeds
LS16 6RF

 

Contact details

For more information call us on 0800 610 1602 or email: info@eytechnology.org.uk.