The implementation of RoHS compliance requirements has caused some major supply chain disruptions. As many manufacturers did not change part numbers over after being transformed from SnPb alloy to Lead-Free. 

There often grey areas in what alloy has been used on the terminations of some components. Therefore, XRF Testing/XRF Analysis is required to determine whether components are leaded or lead-free.

Our XRF analysis facility undertakes a non-destructive method to determine what alloy a termination contains. All devices can be XRF tested including, BGA’s, QFP’s, TSOPs, Capacitors, Resistors and Connectors. The test consists of analysing both the composition and termination to determine whether a component is leaded or lead-free. After testing, we supply a certificate indicating the alloy composition.

As part of our PCB rework service, Retronix provides an alloy conversion service. We either convert the alloy of the terminations or simply refresh the existing alloy.