RoHS testing takes place in a chemistry lab and is generally based on internationally standardised test methods (or draft standards) by way of calibrated measuring devices
"How do I prove RoHS-compliance?" - this is the question frequently asked by trade and industry, once key issues such as lead-free solders and the availability and respectively procurement of RoHS-compliant electronic components and materials has been sorted following the implementation of the RoHS directive.
There is, unfortunately no quick answer: within the framework of the RoHS directive, it is the manufacturer - with responsibility for bringing the product onto the market - who has the opportunity to form and realise a self-defined strategy.
The measures chosen to prove RoHS-conformity depends on several different factors and varies from company to company, and is often a question of resource and budget.
What however clear is that violation of the RoHS requirements will not remain unpunished.
An example of this is the attempt of a renowned internationally active electronics company that tried to roll out products in Europe via the Netherlands.
The Dutch authorities stopped the cadmium-containing import (contravening the applicable Dutch law) and issued a fine of euro17 million and goods to the value of euro226 million had to be returned to be reworked.
Generally there are two options open to the manufacturer when it comes to proving compliance with the RoHS directive.
1: Self-declaration based on external data and information - compliance declaration following a 'paper check' of product specifications 2: Declaration of compliance, either produced internally and/or following information and data checking by a third party.
Application of chemical analysis methods within the context of quality control.
Within the scope of the so-called self-declaration, the manufacturer declares RoHS compliance based on company knowledge and information provided by suppliers.
In effect this means that the manufacturer is ratified by its suppliers, which confirm that the goods sold to them do not contain any of the six banned (limited) substances.
This proof is collected and consolidated for all components and materials in order to be able to prove RoHS compliance.
This is most certainly, an option included and permitted within the RoHS directive.
It is easy to factor in and to verify the source from which relevant information comes.
Handheld measuring instrument to test a device for dangerous substances.
Can the information from suppliers be trusted? Are there moments of doubt? Trust is good, but control is better - and here it should be played safe says SGS.
The company, with 23 accredited RoHS-labs worldwide and 3000 employees in this field, provides the RoHS analysis required to ensure trade and industry has the requisite independent data for an RoHS compliance declaration to be granted.
With chemical analysis methods an integral aspect of quality assurance, all suspicions and weaknesses will be uncovered and dispelled.
For the inspection of materials and components there are primarily three main test methods from which to choose.
The XRF screening method is a fast, low cost portable test method with which to determine the required results.
However prior to use the subject to be examined should be checked the suitability for this type of testing.
The resultant findings are evaluated in accordance with the IEC 62321 standard, version 1.
Where borderline values are concerned, a wet chemical analysis method should be used as a control test, for a high degree of accuracy and to produce the conclusive results.
XRF screening is essentially appropriate where information and data is already to hand, for example for a manufacturer checking goods in or receiving goods for shipment from overseas.
It can be seen more as a control test method than a first line test method.
The classic analysis methods, such as a semi-quantitative X-ray fluorescence analysis (non-selective for Cr-VI-compounds and for PBB und PBDEs) or a totally chemical laboratory analysis (selective for Cr VI and PBB and PBDEs) are high-precision test and analysis methods.
RoHS testing takes place in a chemistry lab and is generally based on internationally standardised test methods (or draft standards) by way of calibrated measuring devices.
With the classic wet chemical analysis methods, these are a question of first measurement methods and are completely concordant with the directive and are the kind of analysis methods often found in the research and development for new materials and components.
In the future however they are due to be available to the processing industry in the context of product release prior to rollout.
While this is not the case today, it is something worth striving for.
It is only possible for a manufacturer of end devices to declare RoHS compliance when in receipt of well-founded and audited information.
