TESTING ON PCB BOARDS AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
The APM Materials Testing and Analysis Laboratory in Turin is a highly specialized center for conducting analyses and tests on PCB (Printed Circuit Board) boards and electronic equipment, with a particular focus on soldering quality and the corrosion of electronic components. With a wide range of advanced testing methods and adherence to international standards, APM Turin ensures the highest level of precision and reliability for companies requiring in-depth inspection of their electronic products.
PCB BOARD ANALYSIS AND TESTING FOR QUALIFICATION AND SAFETY OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS IN TURIN
Electronic boards and the components mounted on them are subjected to stress and highly variable operational conditions, which can affect their longevity and functionality. Therefore, it is essential to conduct specific analyses and tests to ensure that PCB boards are resistant to corrosion, that the solder joints are of high quality, and that the materials used comply with international standards.
At APM Turin, we offer a comprehensive service for soldering analysis, ionic contamination testing, and RoHS compatibility verification to ensure your products meet reliability and sustainability requirements.
The corrosion of electronic boards and components is one of the most critical aspects to monitor, as it can cause malfunctions, connectivity issues, and premature failures.
IPC A610 TESTING AND IPC STANDARDS FOR ELECTRONIC BOARD QUALITY: PCB TESTING
Electronic boards must comply with international standards to ensure they are of high quality and free of defects. APM Turin conducts testing according to IPC A610 standards, which provide guidelines for solder qualification and verification of the quality of electronic board construction. Additionally, we perform tests according to IPC TM 650 and IPC J STD 001 standards, which define the requirements for soldering and assembling boards, ensuring that each product complies with industry standards and can withstand environmental and operational stress.
ROHS COMPLIANCE: COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS
RoHS compliance is a fundamental requirement for companies manufacturing electronic devices intended for the European market. The RoHS directive limits the use of hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium, which are harmful in electronic equipment. At APM Turin, we conduct specific tests to verify that materials and electronic components comply with the RoHS directive, ensuring that your products are safe, eco-friendly, and compliant with international regulations.
ANALYSIS OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND CIRCUITS
In our laboratory, we perform a wide range of targeted analyses and tests essential for verifying the quality and reliability of electronic products:
MACROGRAPHIC AND MICROGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF SOLDER JOINTS
One of the fundamental aspects of ensuring the quality of electronic boards is the analysis of solder joints. Macroscopic and microscopic examination of solder joints helps to identify surface and structural defects, such as porosity, flux inclusions, cracks, or other imperfections. Micrographs are useful for detailed analysis, examining the fine structure of the solder joints and intermetallic layers. Macroscopic analyses, on the other hand, allow for the observation of larger defects that could compromise the quality of the electrical connection.
MEASUREMENT OF THICKNESS AND INTERMETALLIC LAYER
Measuring thickness and evaluating the intermetallic layer are crucial for determining the robustness and durability of solder joints on electronic boards. The intermetallic layer, which forms between the solder material and the base material of the electronic component, is a key indicator of solder quality. If the intermetallic layer is too thin or too thick, the solder joint could be prone to premature failure or corrosion.
IONIC CONTAMINATION TEST: PURITY ASSURANCE
In our laboratory, we perform ionic contamination tests, including the ROSE Test (Resistivity of Solvent Extract) following the IPC TM-650 method:
- Conductometric method to assess total contamination levels.
- Ion chromatography to identify specific contaminant ions.
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS WITH EDS MICROPROBE
Chemical analysis with EDS (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) microprobe is a highly accurate method for analyzing the solder alloy and electronic components at a microscopic level. This technique allows us to determine the chemical composition of materials and identify any solder residues or contaminants that could affect the performance of electronic components. It is essential for examining the quality of solder alloys and ensuring that the materials used comply with the required standards.
Using technologies such as Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), we analyze the chemical composition of solder alloys and components, verifying their compliance with the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive. This process is essential to ensure that materials meet environmental standards and do not contain hazardous substances.
CORROSION PREVENTION AND ANALYSIS
Corrosion is a critical issue for electronics, capable of irreparably damaging components and connections. In our laboratory:
• We identify corrosion phenomena on electronic boards and components.
• We determine the primary causes, such as ionic contamination, humidity, or corrosive environments.
• We offer customized solutions to prevent and mitigate the issue.
SECTIONING AND ANALYSIS OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
(resistors, capacitors, diodes, etc.) to identify internal defects or failures caused by assembly.
EXAMINATION OF SOLDERING FLASHES AND RESIDUES
Useful for optimizing production processes and reducing waste.
APPLICATIONS AND ADVANTAGES
Our services are applied across a wide range of industries, including:
Automotive
Where the reliability of electronic circuits is crucial for safety.
AEROSPACE
Where performance is closely tied to the quality of the components.
MEDICAL
Where the precision of electronic equipment is critical for health.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Where the continuity of service depends on the integrity of electronic circuits.
Contact Us for More Information
Don’t leave quality to chance: trust the APM Laboratory in Turin for your electronic board and component analysis and testing needs. Contact us for a quote or to receive more information about our services. The quality of your product is our mission!