RoHS analyzers — XRF screening and compound testing
Match the method to the material and substance: XRF for elemental screening and Py-GC-MS for suitable organic-compound testing.
RoHS inspection in electronics requires a match between the restricted substance, material and analytical method. A metal part, polymer, cable insulation and assembled component need different assessment. Results should refer to the appropriate homogeneous material rather than an unconditional average for an entire device.
XRF provides rapid screening of elements including Pb, Cd, Hg, total Cr and total Br. It helps identify samples requiring further analysis and supports incoming inspection. It does not replace the complete RoHS conformity assessment or every substance test relevant to REACH.
What does XRF establish, and what does it not distinguish?
XRF measures total chromium and bromine: it does not distinguish Cr(VI) from Cr(III), or identify individual brominated organic compounds such as PBB and PBDE. Borderline or ambiguous findings need further analysis matched to the substance and material. Phthalates require a separate molecular method, such as an appropriate Py-GC-MS procedure.
How to choose a RoHS analyzer
- Large components and inspection at receipt: handheld EXPLORER 3000 for XRF screening with suitable configuration and measurement geometry.
- Routine laboratory inspection: benchtop EDX 1800E, selected for the material, measured area and sensitivity requirements.
- Phthalates, PBB and PBDE: UPY-6800, a pyrolysis GC-MS system, for tasks covered by its analytical program and a verified procedure.
Material separation, preparation, calibration and QC belong to the analytical procedure. Thin, coated or non-uniform items require particular care in XRF screening. Powder samples may require sample-preparation accessories.
Information to include in your inquiry
Describe the material and sample form, substances, decision thresholds, item dimensions and throughput. State whether you need fast incoming screening or a confirmatory determination. Customer requirements and the intended procedure help define the instrument and configuration.
Questions about selection and measurement
Does XRF directly measure hexavalent chromium?
No. Its result is total chromium. Distinguishing Cr(VI) from other chromium species requires a selective method appropriate to the material.
Does XRF detect phthalates?
XRF does not identify phthalates. Appropriate testing uses molecular techniques such as Py-GC-MS. The procedure depends on the substance and sample.
Is a screening result a certificate of conformity?
An XRF result alone does not certify complete RoHS or REACH conformity. Assessment depends on the requirements, representative sampling, procedure and any necessary confirmatory analysis.