X-ray fluorescence demo shows due diligence

Visitors to Innov-X's Booth 637 at the DesignCon Conference and Exposition (Santa Clara Convention Center, 30th and 31st January 2007 ) will learn how using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) can screen components, parts and PCBs for compliance with the European Union's RoHS Directive. Recent studies indicate that up to 50% of supplier-certified RoHS-compliant products fail to pass testing. Portable XRF in many cases provides a simple, fast, nondestructive screening method to confirm suppliers' certifications and mitigate users' risks.

Innov-X XRF analysers are simple yet effective screening devices that can be taken virtually anywhere.

They have the ability to alert users to banned metals, using pass or fail criteria.

They will document total Cr, Br, Pb, Hg and Cd.

In just seconds, prohibited materials may be identified and quantified.

Innov-X is helping manufacturers and component suppliers achieve RoHS compliance.

'We have cut pricing virtually to our cost as a means of helping the US manufacturers become compliant'.

'This is our way to help the electronic component suppliers, OEMs and contract manufacturers mitigate the impact of RoHS.

It is a complex directive and we are helping suppliers and manufacturers reduce the impact on their operations'.

'Our new XRF rental programme and RoHS-Star software demonstrates our commitment to supporting this vital industry', notes Don Sackett, President of Innov-X.

Sackett further observes: 'Many companies have not yet reported the financial impact of RoHS'.

'Manufacturers, particularly those that are attempting to address compliance for the first time, tend to underestimate the true costs of noncompliance'.

'The withdrawal of some Apple and Palm noncompliant products from EU markets are examples of effects on the bottom line'.

'Furthermore, as responsibilities of management, RoHS' impact can fall under the reporting provisions of Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) law'.

European Union regulations for RoHS compliance can pose a challenge to most companies.

Many observers of EU directives believe they will focus on 'due diligence', and this may be a key to mitigating impact or penalties.

'Due diligence' is defined as a combination of obtaining and checking supplier certifications, and verifying certifications via a testing programme.

Using the Innov-X Alpha Series XRF analyser in a screening test programme, prohibited materials can be identified in just seconds.