Trace Laboratories

Technical Spotlight - Bisphenol-A (BPA)
BPA is used to make polycarbonate plastics, including baby bottles, sports bottles, reusable food and drink containers, bicycle helmets, CDs and DVDs. It is also an ingredient in the epoxy resins used to line metal cans. A number of laboratory studies have linked BPA — a synthetic estrogen — to birth defects, low birth weight, cancer, early puberty and other health problems in rats. However, 11 safety agencies around the world have said that BPA is safe for use in food-contact applications.

Technical Spotlight - Organotins
Organotin compounds have been used as heat stabilizers in PVC, biocides, wood preservatives, and marine anti-fouling agents. There are 4 classes of organotins with tri-substituted organotin compounds having the most toxic effects on the environment. These compounds are endocrine-disruptors and cause severe reproductive effects in aquatic organisms. There are also concerns in regards to neurotoxic and immunotoxic effects in higher animals.

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News

Trace Introduces Its New Certification And Testing Program For Tin Whisker Growth On Lead-Free Components– posted 2.25.09

PALATINE, IL - Trace Laboratories, Inc., a full-service, internationally accredited, independent testing organization, introduces a new certification and testing program for tin whisker growth on lead-free components. Tin whiskers can bridge conductive materials causing a costly and potentially dangerous short in circuits. Trace’s new program complies with the RoHS (Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances) Directive, incorporates the JEDEC Standard, JESD201: "Environmental Acceptance Requirements for Tin Whisker Susceptibility of Tin and Tin Alloy Surface Finishes," and includes the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) recommendations.

Trace’s tin whisker testing is a cost-competitive program consisting of three segments: two isothermal tests and one thermal cycling test. Trace will assemble, pre-condition (incorporating different re-flow profiles per standard), and conduct an initial screening inspection. The testing program typically consists of, at a minimum: 1) a high temperature/humidity aging test for 3,000 hours; 2) a storage test at ambient conditions for 3,000 hours; and a 3) rapid thermal cycle test for 1000 cycles. The program also includes tin-whisker inspection at the mid-point of each of these exposures to provide additional data on the tin-whisker growth characteristics of the test samples.

Trace inspects the product using SEM and SEM-certified stereomicroscopic equipment, providing detailed tin-whisker inspection at recommended intervals. The lab measures and records the total number of leads with tin-whiskers, the maximum whisker length, and whisker density. Comprehensive written test reports are provided and complete failure analysis is available.

With extensive testing experience, state-of-the-art equipment, and an understanding of RoHS requirements, Trace is a global leader in testing electrical and electronic equipment and systems for reliability in the lead-free marketplace.

For more information on tin whisker testing or any of Trace’s extensive testing capabilities, please contact: Trace Laboratories, Inc., 1150 W. Euclid Ave., Palatine, IL 60067. Phone: 847-934-5300. Fax: 847-934-4600. Web:www.tracelabs.com. Email: info@tracelabs.com.

About Trace Laboratories, Inc.: Established over 25 years ago, Trace offers state-of-the-art testing, qualification, analysis, automation, and training in the areas of compliance, life cycle testing, printed circuit board design and best practices. Trace Laboratories has the ability to design and fabricate automation equipment for long-term reliability testing. Trace Laboratories, Inc. has facilities in Hunt Valley, MD, Palatine, IL, Carthage, IL, and Shanghai, China.