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IPC launches RoHS certification program
Rob Spiegel -- Design News, February 5, 2006
The Association Connecting Electronics Industries (IPC) of Bannockburn, Ill. has introduced a Good Housekeeping style RoHS certification program for electronic manufacturing services providers (EMS) and product manufacturers (OEMs). The IPC Certification for RoHS Lead Free Electronics Assembly Process Capability Program is an in-depth audit program that will examine electronics manufacturing facilities to ensure they are capable of producing products that meet the lead-free requirements of the European Union’s RoHS directive.
The program consists of 15 technical categories covering assembly-related issues such as equipment capability and compatibility, employee training, materials compatibility, component handling, and materials declaration and documenting procedures. The audit itself will consist of over 300 questions, plus an on-site review by an IPC-trained auditor. By passing both the written and on-site audits, manufacturers will confirm their lead-free process capability.
IPC notes that the audit will be rigorous and not simply a rubber-stamp certification. “This is an in-depth program that requires an exhaustive and thorough audit of one’s processes,” says John Kania, director of IPC industry programs. Kania believes IPC is the appropriate organization to provide a RoHS certification program because of its record in certification activities. “IPC has been conducting certifications for the past two decades,” says Kania. “In that time, nearly a quarter of a million people have been certified under IPC certification programs.”
The program was developed by content experts with experience in RoHS lead-free electronics assembly process implementation. Experts come from IPC’s EMS and OEM member companies, including AIM, Apsco, Celestica, Cooksen Electronics, Fawn Industries, Flextronics, GE Healthcare, Hewlett-Packard, Raven Industries, Solectron and others.
Solectron and Raven Industries have agreed to be beta sites for the first audits, which will take place in February. “The reason I volunteered for the beta site testing was because I think it is important for the industry to communicate to its customers that we understand lead-free,” says David Bair, Raven’s VP and general manager of electronic systems. “From my point of view, being IPC-certified is a critical aspect in dealing with my customers because it says that I have done due diligence in trying to meet their needs.”
