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Cost effective support for RoHS compliance

Edited by the Laboratorytalk editorial team Jul 31, 2006

To help US manufacturers' efforts to meet the new European Union RoHS Directives, Innov-X Systems has launched a low-cost rental programme for portable XRF analyzers

XRF testing supports due diligence standards defined by several EU enforcement agencies.

Companies faced with RoHS compliance may rent at reduced rates and apply 100% of rental fees toward purchase for up to the first month.

This allows customers to recognise the value and throughput of XRF testing and inspection for incoming and outgoing materials to verify compliance - without having to make a large financial commitment.

"Companies can rent these systems for a week or longer and see for themselves that XRF testing offers value as a RoHS compliance tool.

"The rental includes on-site training as well.

"Portable XRF can be a significant expenditure for the smaller manufacturers.

"This 'test the waters' rental programme is our way to help the electronic component suppliers, OEM's, and contract manufacturers understand how XRF testing helps with compliance.

"We see countless examples of suppliers who believe their materials are compliant based on the material test reports (MTR's) yet testing shows excessive levels of Pb, Cd or other regulated substances.

"The RoHS Directive is complex and we are helping suppliers and manufacturers mitigate the impact of them on their operations.

"Our new XRF rental programme and RoHS-Star software demonstrates our commitment to supporting this vital industry", said Don Sackett, president of Innov-X Systems.

RoHS screening approach: European Union regulations for RoHS compliance pose a challenge to most companies.

Many observers of EU directives believe they will focus on 'due diligence', and this may be a key to mitigating impact or penalties.

Due diligence is defined as a combination of obtaining and checking supplier certifications, and verifying certifications via a testing programme.

Recent studies indicate that up to 50% of supplier certifications that state products are RoHS compliant, yet fail to pass testing.

Portable XRF in many cases provides a simple, fast, non-destructive screening method to confirm suppliers' certifications.

Innov-X XRF analysers are simple yet effective screening devices that can be taken virtually anywhere.

They have the ability to alert users to restricted metals, using pass or fail criteria.

They will document total Cr, Br, Pb, Hg, and Cd.

In just seconds, prohibited materials may be identified and quantified.

Best of all, the XRF is simple to use.

The RoHS-Star software automatically determines the sample matrix - either polymer or alloy type so operators don't have to choose analysis methods and calibrations.

Also, the software classifies samples as homogeneous or mixed, so the operator knows instantly that the XRF is provided quantitative analysis or screening level data quality.

It's inherent sophistication provides incredibly easy operation for the non-scientific operator.