The Maximum Concentration Value (MCV) for heavy metals and flame retardants covered by RoHS 3, the most recent iteration of RoHS regulations, is as follows:

• • Lead (0.1%)
• • Mercury (0.1%)
• • Cadmium (0.01%)
• •Hexavalent chromium (0.1%)
• • Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) (0.1%)
• • Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) (0.1%)
• • Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (0.1%)
• • Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) (0.1%)
• • Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (0.1%)
• • Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) (0.1%)

IEC 62321 specifies test methods for quantifying levels of these substances. XRF is recommended in part 3-1 of IEC 62321 as a screening method for lead, mercury, cadmium, total chromium, and total bromine.

Bowman XRF systems are well-suited to the important task of quickly and precisely identifying hazardous substances covered in the RoHS 3 Directive. Their small X-ray spot capability, factory-calibrated RoHS package and powerful software provide companies throughout the electronics supply chain with a reliable and cost-effective quality tool.

Key Considerations

• Conventional XRF instruments are limited to the measurement of spot sizes ˜10mm or larger, making it difficult to measure  electrical parts which are smaller, and/or have an irregular shape. Destroying the sample, a time-consuming task in itself, is often necessary.
• New generation Bowman XRFs were engineered to meet the evolving needs of the electrotechnical industry. The maximum measurement spot size of a Bowman XRF is ˜1.5mm. (The minimum spot size, used for high-end electrotechnical and semiconductor applications, is ˜ 0.01mm.)
• All Bowman systems have an integrated video camera with automated laser focus and image focus to precisely locate the intended measurement location. A photograph of each measurement spot is archived automatically.
• L Series XRFs, one of two Bowman XRF instruments with the available RoHS package, have a flexible focal distance and programmable table. Multiple samples can be measured unattended using predefined XYZ multi-point programs.
• Bowman XRF Systems are multi-use quality tools that perform 4 critical functions:
• • Plating Thickness
• • Plating Bath Analysis
• • Alloy Composition
• • RoHS Analysis

For plating thickness measurement, Bowman XRFs measure up to 4 layers, plus the substrate. For samples with a layered structure, composition and thickness results are generated simultaneously in minutes.