Various Testing techniques used for RoHS testing
Many electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) are manufactured using various parts containing substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which are considered hazardous. These substances are usually found in electrical devices such as crystal displays (LCDs) of flat-screen TVs, mobile phones, computer monitors, and many other electronic devices. The electronic waste from these devices has historically been found to be highly toxic. To reduce the adverse effects of such hazardous materials found in electronic waste, RoHS is a mandatory standard enforced by the European Union (EU) to control the usage of hazardous substances in the manufacturing and distribution of electronic products in the European market.
What is RoHS?
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) is a European Union (EU) directive. It was formed in 2003 and fully came into enforcement by 2006. The RoHS testing is aimed to prevent electronic components exceeding the allowed limits from being distributed, sold, or imported into the European market. It has proven to effectively minimize the distribution of electronic products containing harmful substances such as lead, mercury, etc., to minimize adverse effects on health and the environment.
As per the specific guidelines under the EU, RoHS testing is mandatory for the manufacturing, selling, and buying of different types of electronic equipment, including household appliances, lighting equipment, electronic tools, etc. Compliance with the RoHS is mandatory for all distributors, manufacturers, and independent sellers in Europe to sell, buy, and distribute electronic devices or electronic parts.
The RoHS limits the usage of the following hazardous materials in electronics:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Hexavalent chromium
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
- Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)
- Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
- Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
- Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
What are the tests performed during the RoHS Testing?
The RoHS testing is performed using a combination of different testing methods. These testing methods are as following:
- X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectroscopy
The XRF Spectroscopy testing is a non-destructive chemical analysis method that focuses on particular parts of the electronic device to detect the number of hazardous substances to ensure it adheres to the specified limit. It is used as a pre-screening method to identify the presence of substances in electronics with the highest risk of containing hazardous substances.
- Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy
FTIR Spectroscopy, commonly known as FTIR Analysis, is used to analyze the absorption, emission, and photoconductivity of the substances used in electronic devices using infrared. This technique is primarily used to identify the compounds and general materials used in the composition of particular electronic devices.
- Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
It is a method used to scan the surface of a material and produces images of the sample via a focused electron beam. It provides detailed images of the cell structure of the components used in the device’s manufacturing process. It is a critical method used for RoHS process control.
The RoHS testing can be conducted with an in-house team, or you can depend on a reliable third-party testing company such as Resion to perform the RoHS testing. Resion is a reputed industry-leading distributor of electronic components used in military, aerospace, defense, and commercial industries. We also provide comprehensive electronic, XRF, and other testing services as required to comply with the relevant industry standards. So, if you need electronic components testing or counterfeit mitigation solutions, feel free to consult with our certified professionals. We are well-equipped to assist you with your various compliance testing needs that meet all required industry measures.
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