In cable assembly manufacturing, one of the most important certifications is RoHS. While most understand that it is a manufacturing certification, many customers do not know the details and benefits of RoHS compliance. To pass on the information, we are providing this blog.
What is RoHS?
RoHS is a European Union (EU) directive, which was adopted in 2003. RoHS itself is an acronym for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. It is mainly concerned with the manufacturing of different types of electronic equipment. These can range from household appliances, lighting equipment, electronic tools, to control instruments, and IT and telecommunications equipment. RoHS restricts the use of the following materials:
- Cadmium
- Hexavalent chromium
- Lead
- Mercury
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
- Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)
Why is RoHS Important?
With the continual, rapid growth of technology, many customers are throwing away obsolete equipment in large quantities. This is resulting in landfills being filled with hazardous materials. The high levels of electronic trash and e-waste is leading to mercury and lead poisoning. While recycling is being performed, many products are being shipped with some of the hazardous materials still in them. The RoHS directive was adopted to limit the amount of hazardous materials in the manufacturing equipment. The intention is to reduce the number of heavy metal poisoning incidents, and maybe even e-waste.
What are the Benefits?
There are two primary benefits of RoHS compliance, which can be accrued by electronic product manufacturers, as well as their customers:
- Reducing Instances of Heavy Metal Poisoning:Most e-waste is transported to factories in third world countries. The workers in these factories suffer the most when it comes to lead and mercury poisoning. RoHS requires the use of lead-free solders and components, thus reducing the number of heavy metal poisoning cases in these factories. Also, the state of health of the workers and users has improved tremendously.
- Product Reliability:Most of the well-known electronics manufacturers have adopted RoHS. Customers are now assured of complete product safety. As a result, the reliability of these manufacturers and their brands has improved dramatically. The popularity and sales of electronic components has increased.
As more organizations and countries are adopting the directive, there will be less landfill contamination, and poisoning cases. Overall, the benefits of RoHS compliance has not only impacted the electronics industry, but also provided solutions to electronic customers the world over.