RoHS Directive for RoHS compliance testing

1. About RoHS Directive
The EU 2002/95/EC RoHS Directive “On the Prohibition of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electronic and Electrical Equipment” requires that since July 1, 2006, the sale of lead, mercury, pot, hexavalent Electronic and electrical equipment containing six hazardous substances: Ming, polybrominated diphenyl ether PBDE and polybrominated biphenyl PBB. The Directive applies to eight categories of products, namely:
• Large household appliances: such as refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, etc.;
• Small household appliances: vacuum cleaners, irons, clocks, etc.;
• Information technology and telecommunication equipment: such as computers, copiers, printers, etc.;
• User equipment: such as televisions, etc.;
• Lighting equipment: such as fluorescent lamps, etc.;
• Electrical and electronic tools: such as chainsaws, sewing machines, etc.;
• Toys, leisure and sports equipment: vending machines.

RoHS testing machine

The main test substances in RoHS requirements are as follows:

2. Identification of hazardous substances in materials, components and parts:
2.1 The main forms of the six harmful substances are as follows:
Cadmium and its compounds. Packaging materials, stabilizers for plastic materials (including rubber), pigments, dyes, inks, surface treatments (electroplating, etc.), paints, electrical contact materials, low melting point solders, fuses, nickel-cadmium batteries, etc.

Hexavalent chromium compound. Anti-rust treatment, anti-corrosion surface treatment, electroplating, tanning, catalyst, paint, paint desiccant, ink, pigment, colorant, etc. of packaging materials, steel plates, screws, nuts, etc.

Lead and its compounds. Packaging materials, solders, solder materials, electroplating, resin stabilizers, stabilizers for plastic materials (including rubber), additives, rubber compounding agents (hardeners, vulcanizers, etc.), pigments, dyes, coatings, inks, colorants, Lubricants, optical materials (optical glass, etc.), lead storage batteries, X-ray blocking materials, electronic ceramic parts, various alloy materials, etc.

Mercury and its compounds. Packaging materials, coatings, inks, pigments, mercury-containing batteries, mercury-containing clocks, mercury-containing relays, switches, sensors, plastic dispensers, alkalis, manganese-chromium steel button batteries, electrodes, bactericides, antibacterial treatments, etc.

PBB (Polybrominated Biphenyls). Flame retardants, PCBs, connectors, plastic housings, etc.;
PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ether). Flame retardants, PCBs, connectors, plastic housings, etc.

3. Testing Technology and Evaluation Criteria
The specific testing requirements of the RoHS Directive for the six hazardous substances are “no”. From a technical point of view, it depends on the sample processing method and the detection limit of the analytical instrument. The relevant technical committees of the European Union have not issued relevant standard testing methods and technical requirements. Most testing institutions and multinational companies use the following testing methods.

3.1 Preprocessing method
Use one of the following methods for cadmium, lead, and hexavalent chromium:
a) Wet digestion (eg BS EN 1122)
b) Dry digestion
c) Microwave digestion

Use one of the following methods for mercury:
a) Microwave digestion
b) Use sulfuric or nitric acid to reflux in a flask to form a mercury solution

3.2 Measurement method
Lead cadmium and total chromium were detected using ICP-AES (OES) (high frequency coupled plasma emission spectroscopy), or ICP-MS (high frequency coupled plasma mass spectrometry), or AAS (atomic absorption spectroscopy).
Mercury is detected using reducing atmosphere AAS or ICP-AES (OES).
Hexavalent chromium was analyzed spectrophotometrically.
PBDE and PBB were analyzed by CC-MS (gas-mass spectrometry).

3.3 Screening methods
The above is the standard test method. For enterprises, LISUN EDX-2 RoHS tester EDXF (energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis method) can be used to quickly determine the content of cadmium, lead, total chromium and bromine, and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) can be used to determine PBDE and PBB. E.g:

Screening method

Screening method

Screening method

4. Detection limit
According to the EU Technical Adaptation Committee (TAC) advisory recommendations: lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium 0.1%: both 0.01%; PBB and PBDE 0.1%. Multinational companies have formulated more stringent corresponding regulations from the perspective of development strategies, and classified and managed the harmful chemical substances contained in the parts and materials that constitute products. In principle, as long as it is consciously added or the intention to contain is clear, regardless of the amount of ingredients and content, it shall be regarded as “contained”. If it is not consciously added, it is treated as impure matter.

Prohibited Substances:
A. Substances that are currently restricted in products or are expected to be restricted in the future as stipulated in domestic and foreign laws and regulations.
Substances that are currently restricted in products, or are expected to be restricted in the future, as specified in self-determined standards such as domestic and overseas environmental levels.
B. Substances other than the above-mentioned two types of substances, which are known to have high environmental load and there are substitute substances, and the company is in the forefront of the world trend and independently stipulates substances.
C. Substances whose use is restricted or expected to be restricted in the production process specified in domestic and foreign regulations or self-determined standards.

5. Advantages and features of EDX-2 RoHS tester:
• High-resolution, high-definition camera for easy operation.
• All imported core technology and original parts from Europe and America.
• Camera and cabin lighting system, real-time view the test position of the sample.
• Reliable power supply over-current and short-circuit protection to ensure equipment safety.
• Automatic control test system, convenient for customers to use.
• Already include the gold plate and standard material EU calibrate certificate.