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Handheld RoHS Screening units |
Dr. Ron Lasky's article on the use of handheld XRF "guns" in screening for banned RoHS substances acknowledges that the units have limitations.The guns can't differentiate between Hex-Chrome and Trivalent-Chrome, and they are only testing a sample lot; not precise measurements:
...these devices have limitations, can produce false positives when testing materials for banned substances, and can't discern critical differences between similar substances like Cr VI vs Cr III and brominated flame retardants.
Their real value is in providing quick incoming component inspection.
Unless you are absolutely sure of the quality, labeling and origin of your lead free components, you should be doing statistical incoming component inspection for at least the next year. The chance of receiving counterfeit, mislabeled or non-compliant parts is extremely high, especially from lesser known overseas origins.
Remember, while the current specification is, effectively, the "honor system", the EU docks will be checking for RoHS compliance. Better to eat the costs of statistical incoming inspection for a year than risk your EU revenue and market share if you are found non-compliant.
However, the handheld units are pricey for such short term use (about $44,000 USD). Outsourcing the inspection for the short term makes financial sense.
If you would like a quote on statistical incoming inspection service, please contact us.
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