In July 2006 the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive along with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) legislation in the European Union will restrict the use of certain hazardous substances in new electronic and electrical equipment. The RoHS directive restricts the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).  California (senate bill 20 and 50) and other states in the US are purposing similar legislation.
TLS, being part of the consumer electronics industry, has tremendous experience in the testing of both electronic components and products.  TLS is able to determine compliance to RoHS as well as other regulations by utilizing state of the art XRF equipment (along with other test methods) to provide fast turn around times at a very competitive cost.  Most samples require minimum preparation and can range from sub-components to complete assemblies or the entire product.
Plating Identification – In order to establish standards for tin (Sn), tin/lead (Sn/Pb) and lead free (Pb-free) finishes on parts such as terminals, pins, connectors, eyelets, wire and hardware, the thickness of the top-coat finish and undercoating needs to be measured by cross-sectioning and microscopic examination. It particularly applies to parts that will be soldered.  It is also applicable to insertion connectors and mechanical parts like galvanized protective finishes and accessory cables. Materials can be identified by EDS and XRF techniques.	Cross-Section of Insulated Cable
X-Ray Fluorescence – XRF provides both qualitative and quantitative determination of the elements from Silicon to Uranium within a sample.  XRF is a nondestructive technique that can be used on a wide variety of samples including solids, liquids, and powders.  The XRF is particularly suited for RoHS analysis and can determine ppm levels of Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, and Br in various matrices.  This process provides a rapid turn around time at a low cost.	X-Ray Flourescence Equipment