Metrology and Dimensional Analysis

The lab uses advanced instruments of measure.

Gestlabs has a dedicated area for dimensional analysis in a controlled temperature and humidity environment, and it uses advanced measurement equipment.

The offered service includes a report certifying the compliance of the product with the constructive design, and the measurements are performed with high-definition optical scanning machines and benchtop instruments.

Computerized measuring machine (X, Y, Z linear axes)

Non-contact measurements

OGP Smartscope FLASH 400 optical measuring machine for non-contact dimensional measurements with a 3-D coordinate measuring machine and OGP Smartscope camera (high definition of 0.003 mm). BGA balls coplanarity and ball height.

Measurement of Bow & Twist on PCB

Bow: deviation of planarity of a sheet, characterised by an approximately spherical or cylindrical curvature so that, if the product is rectangular, its four corners are at the same level.

Twist: deformation of a panel or a rectangular sheet which occurs on its surface parallel to one of the diagonal lines, so that one corner is not at the same level as the other three.

Test method: IPC TM 650 2.4.22C (bow and twist percentage of individual rigid printed boards, rigid portions of rigid-flex printed boards, and/or multiple printed panels).

XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) for the measurement of finishing thicknesses

XRF spectrophotometry is a non-destructive analysis technique which allows the thickness of the sheet finishing to be evaluated thanks to the analysis of the x-rays released by it (the so-called x-ray fluorescence) after atomic excitation with the suitable power.

Available instruments

• Measuring microscope (field 100 x 100 mm)
• Measuring microscope (field 50 x 50 x 10 mm)
• Torque wrench up to 35 N·m
• 2 load cells for torque (up to 10 N·m)
• 2 torque screwdrivers (up to 8 N·m)
• Comparators
• Micrometres
• Analogical and digital gauges
• Samples for metric and American threads
• Precision balance up to 1000 g