Honda Electronics, known for developing and manufacturing various products using ultrasonic technology for many years—including ultrasonic cleaners and fish finders—has now begun selling its non-destructive testing equipment, the “ultrasonic imaging tester (SAT)”, in Southeast Asia. At SEMICON SEA 2024, held in Malaysia, the device was showcased with live demonstrations, attracting significant attention from many attendees.
What is the Ultrasonic Imaging Tester (SAT)? Why is Non-Destructive Testing Using Ultrasonic Advantageous?
The ultrasonic imaging tester (SAT) is a non-destructive testing equipment that utilizes the principle of ultrasonic reflection to detect defects (such as voids, cracks, and delamination) within a workpiece. It is widely used for defect analysis of components that require high reliability, including electronic parts, as well as aircraft and railway systems.
*Note: The workpiece must to be placed in a tank of water.
Principle: A probe emits ultrasonic waves towards the workpiece and receive the reflected waves. The ultrasound propagates through the interior of the workpiece, reflecting back when it encounters a defect.
The reflected signals obtained in this process are visualized using specialized software, allowing inspectors to evaluate the presence or absence of defects based on the generated images.
【Features of the Ultrasonic Imaging Tester (SAT)】
Non-Destructive Testing
It can detect internal defects without damaging the workpiece, enabling evaluation under actual usage conditions.
2. Wide Frequency Range for Various Defects
By selecting the optimal frequency probe from a broad frequency range of 10 MHz to 140 MHz, the tester can effectively detect defects of various shapes and sizes.
3. Check test results in real time
Once the ultrasonic scanning begins, the scanned images are displayed in real-time, allowing for immediate verification of the test results. *Note: The scanning time varies depending on the size of the workpiece.
The Ultrasonic Imaging Tester (SAT) by Honda Electronics Differ in The Following Ways:
The cross-sectional view allows for an instant understanding of the depth and location of defects.
▲ B-scope (cross-sectional view)
Adding probes:
⇒ Expands the scanning range, enhancing inspection speed and efficiency.
Expanding the water tank size:
⇒ A standard tank size of 200mm × 200mm × 100mm is available, with larger sizes also possible.
▲ Addition of probes
Honda Electronics has a base in Thailand, enabling prompt responses to even the smallest inquiries.
Inspection Examples of the Ultrasonic Imaging Tester (SAT) | Electronic Components (FET/BGA)
Comparison with X-rays | Benefits of Using Ultrasonic!
In non-destructive testing, X-ray inspection systems and X-ray CT inspection systems are also viable options. However, compared to these, the Ultrasonic Imaging Tester (SAT) offers the following advantages:
In the case of X-ray systems, minute delamination or cracks may go undetected because the amount of X-ray penetration remains unchanged. However, with ultrasonic equipment, such delamination or cracks can be detected through the reflection of ultrasound waves.
| Ultrasonic waves | X-rays | X-ray CT | |
| Delamination | ◎ | ✖ | △ |
| Voids | ◎ | 〇 | ◎ |
| Cracks | ◎ | △ | △ |
| Workpiece thickness: thick | △ | 〇 | 〇 |
| Workpiece thickness: thin | ◎ | △ | 〇 |
| Workpiece shape restriction | Yes(in principle, flat surface) | None | None |
X-rays are a form of radiation that require strict safety management for operators and the work environment. In contrast, ultrasonic testing poses no health risks associated with radiation, making it a safe alternative.
X-ray systems have high product and operating costs, and CT systems are even more expensive. In contrast, ultrasonic equipment can be implemented and operated at a lower cost than X-ray systems.
Anticipating Demand in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Other Southeast Asian Countries
With the accelerating global demand for semiconductors, many semiconductor companies are establishing bases in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Thailand. At SEMICON SEA 2024, held in Malaysia this year, many attendees highlighted the growing interest in the semiconductor industry in Southeast Asia. In this context, we anticipate that the demand for the ultrasonic imaging tester (SAT) in inspection processes to further increase.