---
title: Large PCB Quality Inspection with HD Apeiron/42 | Contex
description: Manufacturers of large PCBs use the contact-free HD Apeiron/42 to inspect and document full boards at 1200 dpi, revealing defects down to about 40–50 μm.
image: https://contex.com/hubfs/Press-release_PCB-manufacturers_Topimage_Hubspot%20copy.webp
---

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1. [Insights](https://contex.com/insights/all)
2. [PCB inspection](https://contex.com/insights/tag/pcb-quality-inspection)
3. Manufacturers of large PCBs turn to HD Apeiron/42 for unmatched quality assurance

News

# Manufacturers of large PCBs turn to HD Apeiron/42 for unmatched quality assurance

[Part of: **PCB quality inspection: Guides and cases**](https://contex.com/insights/tag/pcb-quality-inspection)

In short Manufacturers of large PCBs, including space-industry suppliers and semiconductor test providers, use the Contex HD Apeiron/42 for quality assurance. It scans boards up to 42×60 in at 1200 dpi without contact or shadows, revealing surface defects of about 40–50 μm in a single scan.

![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png?width=48&height=48&name=Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png)

[Contex team](https://contex.com/insights/author/contex-team)  
 Published November 10, 2026 · 3 min read

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In this article

**Documenting PCB assemblies?** See how contact-free scanning captures full boards in one image. [Explore PCB inspection](https://contex.com/pcb-inspection/)

**Manufacturers of large PCBs, including suppliers to the space industry and global semiconductor test solution providers, use the contact-free Contex HD Apeiron/42 for quality assurance. It captures a whole board in one evenly lit 1200 dpi scan, revealing surface anomalies as small as about 40–50 μm.**

In the high-precision world of printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, ensuring quality at scale is a relentless challenge. Today, leading manufacturers are adopting a new imaging standard to inspect and document their most complex, large format PCBs: [HD Apeiron/42](https://contex.com/product/large-format-art-scanner-hd-apeiron-42/) from Contex.

HD Apeiron/42 has quietly gained traction in electronics manufacturing. These PCB producers have found that the scanner delivers something their existing equipment can’t: the ability to reveal ultra-fine surface details across large formats, without contact, shadows, or distortion.

## Why QA often fails for large PCBs

Traditional quality assurance systems struggle with the growing scale and complexity of large PCBs. Manual inspection is time-consuming and inconsistent. Standard camera rigs often introduce shadows, miss fine defects, or distort edge areas, especially on oversized boards.

For PCB and PCBA manufacturers operating in industries with zero tolerance for error, such as aerospace and semiconductors, these limitations are critical. Quality escapes at this level mean product failure, compliance risks, and costly rework.

> “We are happy to see the possibilities arise in this field, where we know high quality is everything. Even companies using large and oversized PCBs that experience failures from their suppliers can document their incoming deliveries very meticulously.”
> 
> **Jacob Bendix**, CCO, Contex

## Rethinking QA for electronics

The crossover into QA for electronics makes perfect sense. HD Apeiron/42 offers a massive 42×60 in scanning area with up to 5.1 in scan height, making it ideal for inspecting complex, multi-layer PCB assemblies and large rigid-flex circuits.

Six quad-linear CCD cameras paired with precision lighting and laser-controlled focus capture images at 1200 dpi optical resolution, revealing surface anomalies and trace irregularities as small as about 40–50 μm. The focus depth of ±10 mm ensures all parts of the PCB are in focus.

![Scanned printed circuit board shown in Nextimage Apeiron software](https://contex.com/hubfs/insights/new-2025/Monitor-wo-foot_Nextimage-Apeiron_right_PCB-scan.webp)

## Safe, detailed, reliable

Because HD Apeiron/42 operates without contact, it is exceptionally suited for delicate boards or pre-assembled components. There is no need for mounting or handling: the entire board is captured in a single, evenly lit scan.

## Test it yourself

While Contex cannot disclose the names of its current users in this segment, the company confirms a rising demand among manufacturers requiring full-field inspection, non-destructive documentation, and visual QA processes for large-scale electronics.

Any manufacturer can test the capabilities of HD Apeiron/42 for themselves. Samples or trial scans can quickly demonstrate what this scanner reveals, before production moves forward or issues scale up.

---

## About Contex

Contex is the world’s leading manufacturer of large format scanning solutions, empowering organizations in sectors from cultural heritage to industrial manufacturing. With nearly a century of innovation, Contex scanners are known globally for precision, reliability, and image quality.

**Media contact:** Jacob Bendix, Global CCO, Contex, [marketing@contex.com](mailto:marketing@contex.com), +45 4814 1122

## Want to know more?

- [PCB quality inspection with Contex scanners](https://contex.com/pcb-inspection/)
- [How RocketEMS documents PCB assemblies with HD Apeiron/42](https://contex.com/insights/rocketems-pcba-traceability)
- [HD Apeiron/42 in aerospace paint verification](https://contex.com/insights/aerospace-paint-verification-hd-apeiron-42)
- [Book an online live demonstration](https://contex.com/hd-apeiron-42-demo-room/)

## Frequently asked questions

Why do camera setups struggle with large PCB inspection?

Standard camera rigs can introduce shadows, miss fine defects and distort edge areas, especially on oversized boards, and manual inspection is slow and inconsistent.

How small a defect can HD Apeiron/42 reveal on a PCB?

At 1200 dpi optical resolution it reveals surface anomalies and trace irregularities as small as about 40–50 μm.

How large a PCB can HD Apeiron/42 scan?

The scan area is 42×60 in, with up to 5.1 in scan height and a focus depth of ±10 mm, so multi-layer assemblies and large rigid-flex circuits stay in focus.

Is contact-free scanning safe for PCB assemblies?

Yes. Nothing touches the board and no mounting or handling is needed, which suits delicate boards and pre-assembled components.

Can manufacturers test HD Apeiron/42 on their own boards?

Yes. Sample or trial scans can be arranged through a Contex distributor.

Topics [News](https://contex.com/insights/tag/news)[PCB quality inspection](https://contex.com/insights/tag/pcb-quality-inspection)

![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png?width=64&height=64&name=Contex_Logo_R_RGB.png)

About the author

Contex team

The Contex team shares news and practical know-how on large format scanning. Contex has made large format scanners for decades and sells them through distributors worldwide.

[More from Contex team](https://contex.com/insights/author/contex-team)

## Keep reading

[All PCB inspection insights](https://contex.com/insights/tag/pcb-quality-inspection)

### [![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Camera-scanner_Topimage_1920x640.png?width=700&height=438&name=Camera-scanner_Topimage_1920x640.png) Guide Solved with a scanner: 9 challenges of art photography November 10, 2026](https://contex.com/insights/scanner-vs-camera-art-photography)

### [![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Original-to-print_Topimage.webp?width=700&height=438&name=Original-to-print_Topimage.webp) Guide Original to Print: 10 Essential Steps to Accurate Color in Fine Art Reproduction October 22, 2026](https://contex.com/insights/standardize-color-art-reproduction)

### [![](https://contex.com/hs-fs/hubfs/insights/soundwaves-art-foundation/John-Stendrini-from-Soundwaves-Art-Foundation.webp?width=700&height=438&name=John-Stendrini-from-Soundwaves-Art-Foundation.webp) Case study Soundwaves Art Foundation frees up time to raise more money for charity July 2, 2026](https://contex.com/insights/soundwaves-art-foundation-case-study)

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