International Business Machines Corporation
Non-destructive testing for plating defects

Abstract:

A method and a system for non-destructively detecting defects within and/or on plated-through holes are provided. The method includes sealing a plated-through hole on a printed circuit board to detect for possible defects along the sidewall of the plated-through hole. The method further includes applying an airflow through the plated-through hole and measuring the airflow entering the plated-through hole at the gasket to determine the initial airflow calculation. The method also includes measuring the airflow again as it exits the plated-through hole to determine an exit airflow calculation. A determination of the quality of the plated-through hole is made by the method by analyzing the initial airflow calculation and the exit airflow calculation.