Hitachi CMI500 ETP probe

Hitachi CMI500 ETP Probe for PCB (also known as the PTH hole ETP probe) is a critical, original equipment manufacturer (OEM ETP probe for PCB inspection) consumable designed to ensure the reliability of plated through holes (PTHs) in printed circuit boards. It serves as the key sensor component for the oxford cmi500 and CMI700 series Coating Thickness Gauge instruments.

The Hitachi CMI500 ETP probe Probe for PCB is an original, durable probe for PTH hole copper thickness testing, compatible with CMI500/ CMI700 testers. With 80,000–100,000 test life, eddy current tech, and temperature compensation, it pairs with calibration standard plate and Nylon brush for reliable PCB quality control.​

Technical Specifications and Measurement Technology

The Hitachi CMI500 ETP probe is unique in its use of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technology—specifically, Eddy Current—for PTH measurements. This method is crucial for accurate, non-invasive PCB Coating Thickness analysis.

Product Features and Value

The features of this ETP probe for CMI500 directly translate into reduced costs and enhanced Quality Control (QC) for Plating Thickness Testing in Electronics Manufacturing.

• Exceptional Durability: With a test life of $80,000–100,000$ cycles, the probe significantly lowers maintenance and replacement frequency, reducing the need to look for CMI500 Probe repair or ETP probe wholesale options constantly.

• Precision Testing: The combination of eddy current technology and integrated Temperature Compensation ensures consistent accuracy, which is paramount for the High Precision Thickness demanded by modern PCBs.

• Investment Protection: Full compatibility with older Oxford CMI testers extends the service life of existing Used CMI500 Gauge systems, saving significant upgrade costs.

• Compliance: The probe meets ASTM E37696 standards for eddy current testing and is RoHS/REACH compliant.

Usage Protocol and Maintenance

Operating the Oxford CMI500 ETP probe requires strict adherence to the CMI500 ETP operation manual to maintain accuracy.

A. Installation and Calibration

1. Preparation: Power off the CMI tester.

2. Installation: Align and securely install the ETP probe for Hitachi/Oxford into the tester interface.

3. Calibration: Use the dedicated CMI500 Calibration Standards Plate to run the system’s calibration wizard immediately after installation. This step is non-negotiable for accurate measurement.

B. Testing Procedure

• Insert the probe tip into the PTH hole to be tested. The aperture range (0.899 mm to 3.0 mm) covers standard PTH sizes.

• The CMI instrument automatically uses the eddy current signals to measure and display the PCB hole copper thickness.

C. Post-Use Care

After testing, the probe tip should be cleaned and stored in an antistatic environment. Companies looking to source the correct probe should consult an Oxford CMI500 ETP probe supplier or an authorized CMI500 probe manufacturer to ensure product authenticity and get the official CMI500 ETP Probe price.

Application Scenarios

The Hitachi CMI500 ETP Probe is vital across the Surface Finishing Industry and Electronics Manufacturing:

• PCB Plating QC: Crucial for confirming that the copper plating inside the PTH barrel meets strict IPC-A-600 and other global standards, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the final product.

• High-Density PCB Production: Used to accurately measure micro-vias and small PTHs common in 5G and complex consumer electronics, where deviations in copper thickness can cause critical signal issues.

• Legacy Equipment Use: Allows smaller manufacturers to maintain high-level Quality Control (QC) without investing in new, costly capital equipment, utilizing their existing oxford cmi500 instruments effectively.

Customization Options​

Production Process​