Bowman products

The G Series’ two most distinctive features are precision video imaging, and `bottom-up` measurement using a motorized Z-axis with laser-based auto-focus. The latter is a feature unique to Bowman. An available manual XY stage with 1.5 X 1.5` travel facilitates easy positioning of small and large parts. The chamber is relatively small when compared to other models like the B Series. The smaller chamber and footprint is well suited for jewelry and other precious metal analysis applications, and components such as connectors and fasteners. The standard configuration includes a single fixed collimator and a fixed focus camera. The solid-state PIN detector is included along with our long-life micro-focus x-ray tube. As with all Bowman models, the components can be upgraded to include multiple collimators, variable focal camera, or SDD detector.

The B Series is the most basic top-down measurement configuration. The sample stage is a fixed base plate; operators manually position parts in the desired area for testing. This is accomplished by placing parts into the chamber and using the video image to align the desired location within the crosshairs on the screen. The sample chamber is the same as the P Series, with the slotted configuration, but without the programmable X-Y sample stage.

The P series offers the flexibility of measuring a wide variety of sample sizes, shapes, and quantities. It is equipped with a high precision programmable X-Y stage that offers several convenience factors over a fixed stage. Operators can use the mouse and software interface to move to desired measurement locations easily. Multi-point programs can be created to automatically measure multiple sample locations with the click of a button. Pinpoint control is achievable for testing critical areas. Larger sampling volumes are possible through multi-point programming.

The O Series combines high performance with a small x-ray spot size. This is made possible by the poly-capillary focusing optics system that replaces the collimator assembly installed in standard Bowman systems. The optics are designed to focus the x-rays coming from the tube exit window to a very small spot size (80μm FWHM) while retaining virtually 100% of the tube flux. So instead of attenuating the x-rays that can`t fit through the small apertures, as is the case with collimator systems, the poly-capillary optics assembly allows almost all of the x-rays from the tube to reach the sample. The result is much greater sensitivity for testing very small components or thin coatings. Shorter test times can achieve even better repeatability when comparing optics systems vs. a similar sized collimator.

The M Series is the ultimate in high performance plating thickness measurements for the smallest features. The poly-capillary optics in the M Series is more advanced than the O Series, focusing the x-ray beam down to 15μm FWHM. To measure features on that scale, a 150x magnification camera with an even higher digital zoom is included. The field of view becomes more restricted with higher magnification, so a second camera takes a macro-image of the part to be measured. The dual-camera system allows operators to see the entire part, click the image to zoom in with the high-mag camera, and pinpoint the feature to be measured.

The L Series is Bowman’s most versatile instrument. It combines all of the features of the P Series with a larger sample chamber and greater X-Y stage travel. For samples larger than ~12 inches (300 mm) in any direction, the L Series is a must-have. The large sample stage and travel allows both large parts, or large sample fixtures holding multiple parts, to be measured. The chamber is fully enclosed and holds samples up to 22″ (550mm) x 24″ (600mm) x 13″ (330mm) (LxWxH). The X-Y stage travel distance is 10″x10″ (254mm x 254mm).

The W Series Micro XRF uses poly-capillary optics to focus the X-ray beam to 7.5 µm FWHM, the world’s smallest beam size for coating thickness analysis using XRF technology. This makes it ideal for measuring samples such as BGAs and smaller solder bumps. A 150X magnification camera is used to measure features on that scale; it is accompanied by a secondary, low-magnification camera for live-viewing samples and birds-eye macro-view imaging. Bowman’s dual-camera system lets operators see the entire part, click the image to zoom with the high-mag camera, and pinpoint the feature to be programmed and measured.