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Non-Destructive Testing with CT: Advancements in Electronic Inspection



The Expanding Electronics Industry 

The global consumer electronics industry is experiencing significant growth, fueled by rapid technological advancements, an influx of tech-savvy consumers, and rising affluence across various regions. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend by increasing reliance on remote work, which in turn drove up the demand for mobile devices. In 2021, the number of mobile devices in operation globally reached nearly 15 billion, a substantial increase from the previous year. Projections estimate this number will climb to 18.22 billion by 2025. 

Consumer electronics manufacturers, facing short development cycles that span months rather than years, are under immense pressure to maintain rigorous quality control. Defective devices pose substantial risks, not only in terms of liability but also in reputation, as exemplified by high-profile incidents involving faulty smartphone batteries. 

Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Cornerstone of Modern Technology 

Lithium-ion batteries have become essential in various applications, from e-mobility solutions to everyday consumer electronics. They are key to achieving the goal of CO2 emission-free mobility, as demanded by the global climate crisis. Lithium-ion technology offers significant advantages over other storage options, including a lack of "memory effect," reduced self-discharge, and notably higher power density. For instance, a lithium-ion cell provides three times the power of a comparable metal hydride cell and nearly double that of a lead battery cell. 

However, the involvement of lithium, a highly flammable alkali metal, introduces significant safety concerns. High currents within the batteries, particularly during rapid charging, can lead to dangerous conditions. Incidents such as cell explosions and recalls due to overheating or deformation underscore the critical importance of stringent quality assurance standards. 

The Future of Non-Destructive Inspection: Computed Tomography 

Industrial inspection technologies are advancing rapidly, providing new solutions that are both efficient and non-destructive. Traditional testing methods, often time-consuming and destructive, are being replaced by innovative techniques like X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT). These methods allow for non-destructive monitoring and testing, integrated seamlessly into the engineering and development phases, as well as the rapid spot-checking of samples. 

Industrial CT exemplifies the future of non-destructive quality control. By enabling early detection of failures without damaging components, CT technology helps manufacturers avoid costly downstream issues. The integration of CT inspection directly into production lines (in-line testing) is on the horizon, promising 100% inspection coverage for critical parts such as batteries and electronic assemblies. 

Waygate Technologies: Leading the Way in Industrial CT Systems 

Waygate Technologies stands at the forefront of industrial CT innovation. Having established itself as a leader in high-resolution laboratory CT inspection, the company is now addressing the evolving quality and process control needs of electronics production lines. Waygate Technologies offers higher-resolution imaging at production speeds, meeting the industry's increasing demands.