Ergonomic inspection tool features a 'real-life' view

Advanced Technology & Manufacturing had been using the Mantis tool to inspect PCBs for more than 15 years, so upgrading to the Mantis Elite was an easy decision to make.​

Advanced Technology & Manufacturing is one of Australia’s premier electronic manufacturing service providers. The company has assisted with the purchasing, assembly and testing of printed circuit boards (PCB) and other electronic products since 1995, with services ranging from quick-turn prototypes to low- to high-volume production.

Investing in another Mantis inspection system

Advanced Technology & Manufacturing had been utilising Vision Engineering’s Mantis inspection microscope for over 15 years and recently upgraded to a Mantis Elite with 4x and 10x magnification lenses. The Mantis Elite is used to inspect very small components and solder joints on printed circuit boards. As the Mantis Elite is an important part of the production process, checking for alignment of the very small 0201 components and the solder joints themselves, it is imperative that it is as ergonomic as possible for potential long-term use.

Ergonomic advantage

The Mantis Elite with interchangeable turret allows users to easily rotate between two objective lenses. It also benefits from an ‘eyepieceless’ viewer, specifically designed to optimise the ergonomics of the operator. This allows the user to keep their head and back straight rather than crouched over eyepieces. Engineers can also use the Mantis while still wearing their safety goggles or glasses.

Benefits of optical inspection

With recent technological advantages in digital inspection solutions, Advanced Technology & Manufacturing still prefers to use a pure optical solution to inspect PCBs. This offers a ‘real-life’ view and, for some applications requiring a high level of intricacy, pure optics is a preferred solution. As the Mantis is designed to provide a wide field of view and enhanced hand-to-eye coordination, these features can make it easier to inspect and rework.

Jason Dean, Production Manager at Advanced Technology & Manufacturing, explained why the company decided to invest in a Mantis Elite: “The Mantis delivers great vision and high-powered inspection and is easy on eye strain with long-term use. The real-life view is what makes the Mantis stand out over digital inspection units. We also like the dual lens capability on the Mantis Elite and the difference zoom lenses available.

“We would highly recommend working with Hawker Richardson to find your inspection solution.”