ARINC Introduces Solder Verification Program for DoD Depots, Electronic Repair Facilities
February 26, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS
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ARINC Engineering Services unveiled a two-part solution designed to enable U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) manufacturers and supply chain managers to verify the solder composition on electronic parts and assemblies used in military and other high reliability applications.
ARINC introduced a portable hand-held analyzer package based on X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology to enable personnel with minimal training to positively identify unknown solder metallurgy within a few seconds.
The solution can be used to quickly inspect incoming orders and to verify replacement part inventories, according to ARINC.
The company also unveiled a support program for military depot managers and electronic repair facilities designed to address techniques for avoiding the trouble-prone lead-free solders.
Lead-free solders can grow " tin whiskers," which may cause short circuits, degraded performance or catastrophic failures.
"OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] and electronic part manufacturers have switched to using lead-free solders to meet RoHS ( Restriction on Hazardous Substances) requirements," said Walt Tomczykowski, ARINC director of Life Cycle Management.
"Because of part number errors, incomplete replacement part marking, or even counterfeit parts, presence of lead-free solder is now a huge concern for the military and OEMs."
The ARINC solder verification program includes:
- On-site evaluation of repair or depot procedures.
- Personnel training.
- Assistance in modifying technical manuals.
"We'll come to the customer, examine their current procedures, and recommend ways to verify solder composition to eliminate the lead-free concern," Tomczykowski said. To help facilitate integration, ARINC also will offer assistance to help write standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical order changes related to this problem.
The ARINC program includes a customized portable XRF Analyzer from Innov-X Systems. The unit can be programmed for pass-fail operation, to simplify parts inspection and reduce the possibility of human error.
Source: ARINC.