How to Choose an XRF RoHS Analyzer?

An XRF RoHS analyzer screens electronic and electrical products for restricted hazardous substances — lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium (Cr VI), and others — without damaging the sample. It is widely used as a first-line screening tool for manufacturers and quality teams before products ship, with laboratory testing used when further confirmation is required.

What Is the RoHS Directive, and Why Does It Matter?

The EU introduced two related directives on February 13, 2003: the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC), covering producer responsibility for waste electrical and electronic equipment, and the RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC), which restricts the use of specific hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products.

RoHS has since expanded. RoHS 1.0 restricts six substances: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and two brominated flame retardants (PBB and PBDE). RoHS 2.0 added four phthalates — DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP — bringing the total to ten restricted substances.

Choosing the Right Instrument

RoHS screening typically involves different analytical technologies because XRF and gas chromatography are suited to different substances:

The XRF-B210 uses a down-facing design suited to flat samples, measuring plating thickness on single or dual-layer plating in addition to RoHS 1.0 element screening — useful for components where both plating quality and substance compliance need to be checked in one pass. The GCT-2400 fills the gap XRF cannot cover: phthalates are organic compounds that XRF technology cannot detect, so gas chromatography is used for the four RoHS 2.0 phthalates. Manufacturers who need broader screening coverage across the ten-substance RoHS 2.0 list typically use both analytical methods together.

How XRF Screening Works?

XRF RoHS analyzers rely on X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy paired with a digital multichannel pulse signal processor to identify and quantify elements in a sample. Combined with EFP (Empirical Fundamental Parameters) analysis, this technology supports stable, repeatable results at high testing throughput. It is used both for standard RoHS screening across full samples and for micro-area RoHS analysis, where only a small region of a component — such as a solder joint or a small plated part — needs to be checked for lead, mercury, chromium, chlorine, arsenic, barium, antimony, selenium, and other restricted or monitored elements.

Because XRF provides rapid, non-destructive elemental screening, it works well as a first-line inspection method. Samples that clearly pass can move forward, while borderline or non-compliant results can be flagged for further laboratory confirmation when required.

An instrument that combines plating thickness measurement with RoHS screening — such as the XRF-B210 — can support both plating inspection and micro-area RoHS screening in the same unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What substances does RoHS restrict? 

A: RoHS 1.0 restricts six substances: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and the flame retardants PBB and PBDE. RoHS 2.0 added four phthalates — DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP — for a total of ten restricted substances.

Q: Can XRF testing detect phthalates for RoHS 2.0? 

A: No. Phthalates are organic compounds that X-ray fluorescence cannot detect. Screening for the four RoHS 2.0 phthalates requires gas chromatography, such as the GCT-2400.

Q: Is XRF RoHS screening destructive to the sample? 

A: No. XRF analysis is non-destructive, so the tested component is not damaged and can continue through production or be returned to inventory.

Q: Can XRF and gas chromatography be used together for RoHS screening?

A: Yes. XRF can be used for elemental screening, while gas chromatography can be used to analyze the RoHS 4phthalates. This combination can provide broader screening coverage.

Q: Can an XRF RoHS analyzer also measure plating thickness?

A: Yes, on instruments designed for both functions. The XRF-B210, for example, measures single- or dual-layer plating thickness on flat samples in addition to RoHS 1.0 and halogen screening.

Q: How accurate is XRF RoHS screening compared to lab testing?

A: XRF screening is useful for quickly identifying samples that clearly pass or exceed applicable screening limits. Results close to a regulatory threshold may require confirmatory laboratory analysis, depending on the applicable compliance procedure.