Carl: As stated XRF and EDX can be used to determine if there is Pb. We have
both but due to cost a lot of companies do not have this capability.

You do not say if you are looking for a quantitative or qualitative test to
see if lead is present and to what level of accuracy. Also is this an
occasional test or ongoing?

If you simply want to test for lead there are chemical spot tests available.
They are cheap, a few dollars per test. The
chemical(diphenylthiocarbizide)is swabbed on the part and a color change
noted if lead is present. Unless you really know what you are doing, buy the
pre-made test kit. There are a variety of these suppliers available, a
Google search will sent you to them. However they are not going to tell you
the amount of lead present.

If you want a more sophisticated test but not a bank breaker, I would
recommend a handheld XRF. Niton Corp. makes a pretty good unit.



Regards

Michael Barmuta

Staff Engineer

Fluke Corp.

Everett WA

425-446-6076

-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Carl VanWormer
Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2005 8:27 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Lead-Free testing


Is there an easy way to verify that an assembly has been produced with
lead-free solder?  Conversely, is there a quick and easy test for lead in a
solder joint?

Carl Van Wormer
Cipher Systems
1800 NW 169th Place, Suite B-100
Beaverton, OR  97006
Phone (503)-617-7447    Fax (503)-617-6550

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