RoHS Certification and the Failure Analysis Lab
It can be intimidating to first go through the RoHS certification process. To ensure that any of the aforementioned dangerous compounds are kept to an absolute minimum, every component of a product, from the largest circuit board to the smallest wire, must be taken into account. Due to the equipment expenditures, additional employment, and training of specialized staff, building the competence to check a product to guarantee it fulfils these strict requirements involves a significant financial outlay for many businesses. For smaller firms, these expenditures can be expensive; however, using a failure analysis lab for RoHS certification rather than on-site capabilities can assist to reduce this cost.
Contrary to the aforementioned startups, failure analysis businesses are unlikely to need to invest in specialized equipment simply to carry out RoHS certification audits because many of the techniques used to evaluate faulty products may also be used to detect lead, cadmium, and other dangerous substances. For instance, energy dispersive spectroscopy and x-ray fluorescence are equally useful for analysing contaminants that lead to device failure as they are for identifying ecologically dangerous components that are prohibited by RoHS standards. Fourier transforms spectroscopy can be used to examine organic substances, such as oils or resins, that might affect how a device functions. It can also be used to find PBBs and PBDEs, which are prohibited by RoHS.
In addition to the instruments found in a failure analysis lab simply adapting to executing RoHS audits, the ordinary FA tech’s analytical skill set can also be beneficial. For RoHS certification to be completed successfully, a precise, methodical approach is necessary because even the smallest components must be taken into account as potential sources of harmful substances. In addition, the analyst’s familiarity with a wide range of different goods and procedures can offer knowledge that can direct the audit’s course. For instance, the analyst may notice the sheen of lead-free solder on a few parts among several relatively unremarkable ones, leading to a more thorough inspection of those devices that stand out.
Since it would be absurd to certify a defective product, failure analysis is not strictly speaking a component of RoHS certification. Yet, the failure analysis lab’s equipment and expertise translate naturally into conducting RoHS audits, giving customers considerable confidence that any particular product can adhere to the demanding standards established by the RoHS regulation.
