Laminography – find manufacturers and suppliers

Laminography is a special non-destructive testing method that is used for three-dimensional imaging of internal structures and is similar to computer tomography, but is optimized for special geometric requirements and flat, extended objects.

While CT has difficulties with large, plate-shaped or very wide components, laminography offers clear advantages here and enables a meaningful volumetric analysis in high resolution.

Below you will find the functionality and types of laminography, typical areas of application and the advantages of the process:

How laminography works:

In contrast to classic CT, where the source, detector and test specimen are usually arranged in a rotational geometry, laminography is based on oblique or lateral projections.
The aim is to reconstruct a 3D volume from many images of different angles without subjecting the test specimen to complete 360-degree rotations.

Three principles are central:

1. Oblique projection:
   In classic laminography, the X-ray source and detector are moved or rotated at an angle to the object surface.
   This allows layers of the object to be dissected out.
2. Movement in a limited angular range:
   In contrast to CT, which requires complete rotation, laminography works with a limited angular range.
   This is particularly advantageous for objects that are not accessible from all sides or are very large.
3. 3D reconstruction from partial projections:
   The individual projections are assembled into a three-dimensional volume using special algorithms.
   Modern iterative processes reduce artifacts resulting from the limited angular range.

This means that laminography allows high-resolution imaging even when CT methods reach their physical or geometric limits.

Types of laminography:

1. Classic geometric laminography:
   This is the original form. The source and detector are usually moved linearly or rotated, while the test specimen remains relatively static.
   The method is robust and is suitable for flat objects such as printed circuit boards, weld seams or thin-walled components.
2. Computed Laminography (CL):
   This is the computer-aided further development. It is based on images from a limited angle range and uses advanced algorithms for 3D reconstruction.
   CL offers significantly better image quality, fewer artifacts and more precise volumetric analyses than classic laminography.
3. 3D laminography / volume laminography:
   Modern industrial systems allow full volumetric imaging of complex objects, especially those that are flat, wide or irregularly shaped.
   These variants use precise mechanics and iterative reconstruction for high resolution.
4. Inline laminography:
   Developed for mass production, it enables fast, automated testing at high throughput rates.
   It is typically used in electronics production, e.g. for inspecting solder joints on assembled PCBs.
5. Synchrotron laminography:
   In research, high-energy synchrotron radiation is used to achieve extreme resolutions.
   This is particularly relevant for materials science and biological samples.

Typical areas of application for laminography:

Laminography is used wherever computed tomography reaches its limits with flat, large-area or partially mechanically constrained objects.

1. Electronics industry:
Inspection of assembled printed circuit boards (PCB)
Inspection of solder joints, BGA balls, fine-pitch components
Detection of delaminations, voids and hairline cracks

2. Aerospace industry:
Analysis of composite materials such as CFRP and GFRP
Investigation of structural defects in large panels
Testing of bonded joints and sandwich structures

3. Automotive industry:
Quality testing of lightweight components
Analysis of weld seams or adhesive seams on flat components
Testing of battery modules and cell connections

4. Materials research:
Examination of laminates, films, thin-walled materials
Analysis of layer structures in plastics and ceramics

5. Medical technology:
Testing thin implants or microstructural components where CT would be geometrically unsuitable

wherever the ratio of component thickness to expansion is extreme, laminography shows its particular strengths.

Advantages of laminography:

• Optimized for flat, wide and extended objects: While CT is often unable to capture large, thin or flat parts completely or only with poor image quality, laminography enables clear and detailed images.
• High resolution despite difficult geometry: The process achieves microscopic resolutions for objects where CT reaches its limits due to the large dimensions.
• Less rotation required: As only a limited angular range is required, the method is particularly suitable for heavy, sensitive or awkwardly shaped components.
• Faster scanning times: The limited range of rotation and movement often means shorter inspection times - an important advantage in series processes.
• Flexibility with regard to material and shape: Whether electronics, composite materials or thin-walled metals, laminography enables structures to be visualized that would only be accessible to a limited extent using CT.
• High reproducibility: The stable geometries and modern software enable very high measurement and inspection quality to be achieved.
• Integration into inline processes: Especially in electronics production, laminography systems can be fully automated and operated at high speed.

Laminography is an indispensable inspection method for large, flat or geometrically complex objects that are unsuitable for conventional computed tomography. Thanks to modern reconstruction algorithms, powerful X-ray sources and optimized geometries, it offers high-resolution and reliable 3D analyses. Whether in electronics production, aviation, automotive engineering or materials research - laminography provides precise insights that have become indispensable in industrial quality management. It combines high image quality with flexibility and productivity, thus closing a decisive gap between classic X-ray systems and complete CT systems.

Here you will find an overview of the most important points to consider when purchasing laminography systems:

Laminography has become a key technology for the non-destructive testing of flat, large-area or complex components, especially where classic computed tomography reaches its system-related limits. Modern laminography systems provide high-resolution 3D data, enable inline inspections and reliably detect even the finest defects. The professional purchase of such systems requires a precise analysis of the requirements, as geometry, mechanics, X-ray technology and software vary greatly and are decisive for image quality, throughput and integration capability.

• The basic prerequisite for a successful investment is a clear definition of the intended use:
• As laminography was developed specifically for flat and wide components, expansion, layer thickness and material combination are important criteria.
• Type of defects to be detected: Open solder joints, delaminations, pores, cracks or structural defects in composite materials require different resolution requirements.
• Resolution and accuracy requirements: Should only qualitative images be generated or is a metrological evaluation required?
• Higher resolutions are required for electronics or microstructures than for CFRP panels.
• Are we talking about laboratory applications, functional testing, incoming goods inspection or fully automated series testing?
• Inline systems place significantly higher demands on speed and stability.
• The X-ray source is the heart of a laminography system and is largely responsible for resolution, penetration and artifact behavior.
• Important criteria are therefore:
• Voltage and power range. Higher voltage enables the inspection of dense materials, while a low voltage often provides better contrasts for electronics.
• Focal spot size: A small focal spot is crucial for detail resolution - especially for printed circuit boards or finely structured CFRP layers.
• Source stability: Constant radiation power reduces noise and improves reproducibility.
• Service life and serviceability: X-ray tubes are wear components. Good accessibility and availability of spare parts are important.
• The detector significantly determines the image sharpness and the efficiency of the system.
• The following must be considered in this context:
• Pixel size: Smaller pixels enable the detection of fine defects, but increase the need for light intensity and computing power.
• Detector size: For large-area components, a sufficiently dimensioned detector is crucial for complete detection without major mechanical movement.
• Dynamic range and sensitivity: A high dynamic range facilitates the imaging of mixed materials (e.g. metal contacts on plastic substrates).
• Image noise and temperature stability: A stable, low-noise detector significantly improves reconstruction quality.
• Laminography is often realized by linear or limited rotary movements. Precise and stable mechanics are therefore a critical factor.
• Important aspects here are
• Accuracy of the movement axes: Low backlash, high repeatability and vibration-free movement are important for consistently good data.
• Load capacity and size flexibility: Large surfaces must be able to be positioned securely, especially with composite materials or battery modules.
• Temperature and long-term stability: Mechanical drift can cause reconstruction artifacts and impair measurement accuracy.
• Reliability of sample handling: Automated loading systems are often a must for inline applications.
• Since laminography is particularly susceptible to image artifacts due to its limited angular range, software plays a central role.
• Decisive in this area are:
• Modern iterative reconstruction methods: They reduce blurring, improve contrasts and minimize typical laminography artefacts.
• Automatic artifact correction: Ring artifacts, scattered radiation, noise and precision errors can be greatly reduced by software if the algorithms are of high quality.
• The following analysis functions are required in particular:
• Porosity analysis, solder joint evaluation, layer thickness measurement, 3D defect detection, comparison with CAD and trend analysis in series processes.
• The workflow intelligence of a system determines productivity.
• A clear interface reduces training costs and error rates.
• Laminography is frequently used in industrial environments, particularly for electronic assemblies or lightweight structures.
• Important criteria for use are
• Cycle time: the system does not have to slow down the production process. Short scanning and reconstruction times are crucial.
• Robustness and availability: Every percent of additional availability pays off in 3-shift operation.
• Automated evaluation and decision logic: AI-based classifiers and automatic pass/fail evaluation are essential for inline inspection.
• Interfaces: MES, ERP, CAQ or robot interfaces must be designed to be reliable and open.
• Laminography systems are subject to strict radiation protection requirements.
• Important:
• Complete certifications and evidence.
• Documented leakage radiation values.
• Emergency stop systems.
• Access controls.
• Clear operating and maintenance instructions.
• Training in accordance with applicable radiation protection legislation.
• A missing or incomplete safety concept is a knock-out criterion.
• In addition to the purchase price, the long-term operating costs must also be taken into account.
• Maintenance intervals and costs for wearing parts: The X-ray source, detector and mechanics are subject to natural wear and tear.
• Service level and response time: Fast and competent support avoids downtimes.
• Availability of upgrades: Software development and optional hardware upgrades are crucial for future viability.
• Energy and space requirements: Laminography systems require different amounts of infrastructure. This should be included in the cost planning.
• Only real tests can objectively determine whether a system meets the requirements.

The professional purchase of a laminography system requires comprehensive technical and organizational considerations. The X-ray source, detector, mechanics and software must be optimally matched to ensure high resolution, reliable artifact suppression and fast scanning times. The intended use, resolution and throughput requirements and integration into existing processes are particularly important. The quality of service, operating costs and future-proofing of the system are equally important. By carefully evaluating these factors and comparing real test scans, you can ensure that the chosen laminography system delivers the highest inspection quality in the long term and is economically viable.

Laminography systems can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Laminography systems from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.