Two very common uses of x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers are measuring specific coatings used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards; ENIG and ENEPIG coatings. The ENIG coating is immersion gold plated over electroless nickel on the bare board (Au/ENi/Cu) while the ENEPIG coating has a layer of electroless palladium in between the gold and nickel (Au/Pd/ENi/Cu) because it acts as a diffusion layer and limits nickel diffusion to the gold layer. These coatings have been available for some time and have become popular within the electronics industry because they provide a lead free option with a long shelf life, excellent solder-ability, and an ideal surface for wire bonding.
However, as you may already know, these coatings are relatively expensive options because of the gold, palladium, and nickel involved - so the question we hear is 'what is the best analytical tool for measuring ENIG and ENEPIG coatings?
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If your organization has utilized x-ray fluorescence (XRF) for an extended period of time, then you've probably had to deal with the costs relating to an x-ray tube replacement. A major component of XRF analyzers, a new x-ray tube can be fairly costly - ranging from $4,500 to over $8,000 in the most common systems. However, that cost can be much greater if an organization neglects early warning signs or avoids preventative maintenance.
Measuring coating thickness was one of the first applications of x-ray fluorescence spectrometry and is still one of the most common uses of the technology. So, the majority of analyzer certifications that Eastern Applied Research technicians provide are for coating thickness applications and those certifications actually reference the ASTM Standard B568. This standard is titled Standard Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thickness with X-Ray Spectrometry, and operators of ED-XRF systems (especially those new to the technology) may find it beneficial to take a few moments to read the standard.
We are often asked what additional costs are associated with owning an ED-XRF analyzer (energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence). The only cost that buyers of ED-XRF need to be aware of is the annual certification and safety radiation service. This service is provided for three major reasons:
The follow-up question from both new and experienced users of XRF is "what is involved with the annual service?" Whether you have a need to add new XRF standards or are simply looking to have an annual certification performed on your current standards, you may not be aware of what information is on an XRF standard and its certification documents.
Associates of Eastern Applied Research's in-house XRF standards laboratory developed the following brief overview of that information and are available to answer any additional questions, or concerns, that you may have. READ MORE |