XRF Applications Blog

Friday, November 2, 2007

XRF Application: Lead Testing

In recent months, the most talked about use of XRF technology is easily 'testing for lead content' - and, the most discussed application is testing for lead content in toys.  With major recalls taking place, primarily because of lead in paint, conversations have begun on how to most effectively test for lead and other hazardous substances.

A variety of methods are available through testing laboratories (generally destructive, chemical testing) but many manufacturers, importers, etc are taking control with in-house testing.  The most popular, effective and efficient method for in-house testing are various non-destructive Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) Instruments.  The XRF units are relatively inexpensive, simple to operate and an accurate screening tool.

Popular (but limited) styles of XRF for RoHS/Lead-Free Testing are hand-held models.  While portability is an obvious strength; the hand-held testers have serious limitations in detection limit, correction functions, data analysis, reporting system and inflexibility in measurement ways (such as only time fixed analysis).  All of these issues are addressed with the Seiko 1000A bench-top XRF.

The SEA-1000A, distributed by Eastern Applied Research, was designed specifically for RoHS/Lead-Free Testing and measures specified toxic heavy metals at very low levels (~10 ppm).  Simply by placing the toy (or other product) in question into the XRF Instrument, you are able to detect hazardous substances specified by RoHS legislation (cadmium, lead, mercury, etc).

The unit not only quantifies the results but through advanced optics, captures a picture of the specific area tested.  This allows the user to see if specific colors (of paint, plastics, etc) are the source of contaminants while analyzing the material for the heavy metals.  Also, with SIINT (Seiko) Hazardous Substance Software (HS-Easy), results can be obtained in less than one (1) minute per sample.  With the available reporting options, false-positive readings can also be addressed.

In the coming months discussions will continue on methods for lead testing.  Eastern Applied will be adding more specific and detailed application blogs related to this testing and the various industries that it is affecting.
- JGH

• RoHS and Lead Testing