> Apparently Farnellement and Rsssss are now in the process of smacking a f=
ew
> pi's to pieces to check they meet RoHS requirements.

ROHS screening:

Normal method is use of an XRF / EDXRF  gun
aka  Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer.
Prices are in the $15k - $40k range for portable and small units up to
$MORE for larger units.
These would allow built-up ROHS checking were it not for one small "problem=
".
Alas, all smd metal film resistors contain lead, and are ROHS exempt,
but give "false" positives, so yes, they are probably "smacking a few
to pieces" to eliminate the resistors, at least.

My experience has been, regrettably,  that uncertified Chinese claims
of ROHS compliance fail to withstand EDXRF scrutiny. Hopefully  TMWV.

Links and references below.

        Russell McMahon

_______________________

>From a link below:

XRF, or X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometry, is a powerful tool for
analyzing the elemental composition of unknown materials. Miniature
X-Ray tubes and PIN diode detectors have enabled this lab technology
to leave the lab in the form of portable analyzers. Niton, recently
acquired by Thermo Electron, is the industry leader in portable XRF.

All portable XRF analyzers do the same basic task. They emit low-level
X-Rays focused on a sample of interest, and examine the spectra of
even softer X-Rays emitted by the sample atoms. Using an onboard
library of spectral patterns for elements, the analyzers identify the
element by the energy, and measure the quantity by the intensity.

________________________

Comment on pricing and hire
         http://www.leadfreedesign.com/news/latest/how-to-use-an-xrf-gun.ht=
ml

Many EDXRF meters mentioned  here
(From Area 51h?)

         http://www.rohswell.com/XRF/analyzer.php

Handheld ones

       http://www.rohswell.com/XRF/Hand-held.php

Many here on Alibaba (love that name)

XRF

      http://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?Country=3D&IndexArea=3Dproduct_en=
&fsb=3Dy&SearchText=3Dxrf


EDXRF

     http://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?Country=3D&IndexArea=3Dproduct_en&=
fsb=3Dy&SearchText=3Dedxrf

__________

Some manufacturers:

Bruker AXS
Horiba Jobin Yvon
Innov-X Systems
Niton
Oxford Instruments
PANalytical
QSX Instruments
Rigaku Americas
RMD Instruments, LLC
Shimadzu
SII Nanotechnology
Spectro

Articles:

RoHSwell XRF Articles:


__________________

**** Interesting and informative article.
Describes methods, limits, capabilities:.

Electronic Parts: Material Content Analysis With XRF
http://www.rohswell.com/News/Tools002.php

___________________

Material Screening With The Innov-X XRF Analyzer
http://www.rohswell.com/News/Tools001.php

Includes eg:
I particularly enjoyed using the Innov-X analyzer to look for Pb and
other metals in plastic parts. PVC is especially troubling. I have
encountered wiring manufacturers claiming that their wires and cables
are RoHS compliant, though they still use PVC insulation. The Innov-X
revealed 4% Pb in the PVC insulation of several wire samples. This is
right in the middle of the 2% to 6% range for Pb stabilizers that were
once used in almost all PVC. Clearly, you have reason to be concerned
about PVC in your purchased parts. XRF is the quickest and most
cost-effective way to scan for such hidden risks.


_______________

RoHS/WEEE Screening With Niton's XLt
http://www.rohswell.com/News/rohs005.php

The Niton XLt Reloaded
http://www.rohswell.com/News/Tools003.php

New Hand-held XRF Analyzer From Oxford Instruments
http://www.rohswell.com/News/Tools007-New-Handheld-XRF-Analyzer.php
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