ROHS2.0 tester is the core equipment for detecting the content of harmful substances in electronic and electrical products. Its operation process covers four major links: sample preparation, instrument setting, detection execution, and data interpretation. It is necessary to strictly follow standard specifications to ensure the accuracy of results.
1、 Sample preparation: precise sampling and pre-processing
Representative sampling
Select high-risk areas from the product, such as solder joints, plastic casings, and circuit board coatings, to ensure coverage of all areas that may contain six hazardous substances including lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), etc. Batch products require randomly selecting 3-5 samples and taking the average value.
Surface cleaning and disassembly
Remove the oxide layer, oil stains, or electroplating layer (such as sanding with sandpaper to a metallic luster).
Separate different materials (such as plastic casing and metal pins) to avoid cross contamination.
Plastic samples need to remove paint or film and expose the substrate to detect brominated flame retardants (PBDEs).
Homogenization treatment
Cut the block shaped plastic into thin sheets or press it into a cake shape to ensure uniform density.
The powder sample is sieved (e.g. 200 mesh) and mixed to avoid particle differences affecting X-ray penetration.
Liquid samples should be sealed and stored. If hexavalent chromium is detected, it needs to be stabilized with nitric acid.
2、 Instrument settings: calibration and parameter configuration
Equipment Calibration
Use standard samples (such as metal sheets containing known concentrations of lead) for automatic or manual calibration to ensure that the instrument's detection sensitivity for each element meets the requirements.
Mode Selection
XRF mode: suitable for non-destructive rapid detection, placing the sample on the testing bench and adjusting the wavelength of the light source to cover the target element range.
Wet chemistry mode: complex samples (such as solutions containing hexavalent chromium) are analyzed by colorimetric or ion chromatography after reacting with chemical reagents.
3、 Testing Execution: Process and Precautions
Sample placement
Ensure that the sample surface is flat and in close contact with the sensor to avoid X-ray scattering or uneven penetration of chemical reagents due to gaps.
Startup detection
In XRF mode, the instrument emits X-rays to excite the sample and analyzes the element concentration through fluorescence spectroscopy. A single detection takes several seconds to minutes.
In wet chemistry mode, it is necessary to add reagents according to the steps and observe the reaction phenomenon (such as color change), record the data, and input it into the instrument for analysis.
real-time monitoring
During the testing process, observe the status of the instrument (such as X-ray intensity, chemical reagent reaction progress). If any abnormalities occur (such as sample overheating or solution turbidity), pause and reprocess.
4、 Data interpretation: report generation and compliance assessment
Result Analysis
The instrument automatically generates a report displaying the content of various harmful substances (such as 0.08% lead and 0.005% cadmium). Compare the ROHS2.0 limits (lead ≤ 0.1%, cadmium ≤ 0.01%), and mark the items that exceed the limits in red.
Report content
Contains sample information (name, batch), testing method (XRF/wet chemistry), result data, compliance conclusion ("pass" or "fail"), and testing date.
subsequent processing
Compliance sample: Archive the report and label it as "ROHS2.0 compliant" for product export or market access.
Non compliant samples: locate excessive materials (such as a batch of plastic shells with excessive lead content), replace them with environmentally friendly materials, and retest until they are qualified.
Key precautions
Avoid contamination: Use specialized tools to handle samples and prevent cross contamination (such as contacting lead containing samples without cleaning the tweezers after testing lead-free samples).
Battery management: Portable instruments need to maintain sufficient battery power to avoid data loss caused by detection interruptions.
Regular maintenance: Clean the dust inside the instrument, check the aging condition of the X-ray tube, and ensure long-term stability.
Through standardized operation, the ROHS2.0 tester can efficiently identify harmful substances in products, helping companies meet EU environmental regulations and promote the green transformation of the electronics industry.