(openPR) - Woburn, MA--Visitors to Innov-X’s Booth 610 at the Military Technologies Conference † will learn how using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) can screen components, parts, cables and PCB’s for leaded vs. non-leaded compliance. Because of the push for RoHS* compliance, manufacturers of high-reliability systems are left with dwindling supplies of high reliability, lead-containing components. Those responsible for building and maintaining electronics for military, aerospace, and medical use are justly concerned over the abundance of "lead-free" and "RoHS compliant" components and devices that can be co-mingled with leaded parts. Component marking issues and incorrect product certifications can lead to inventory mix-ups, which can impact reliability and become severe problems in the field.

Why screening? This key testing approach keeps production throughput high while confirming that materials are as required -- either leaded or lead-free. Screening involves appropriate sampling, and comparing to known and expected results on those parts and areas at risk. To identify every homogeneous material within circuit boards, testing the components and materials may appear to be a sound approach, but it is neither cost-effective nor necessary. Recent studies indicate that up to 30% of supplier Certifications stating products are compliant, but fail to pass testing. Portable XRF tests in many cases provides a simple, fast, non-destructive screening method to confirm suppliers’ Certifications and mitigate your risk by identifying problems before they can go too far in the production process.

Innov-X XRF analyzers are simple and effective screening devices that can be taken virtually anywhere. They have the ability to check for lead (Pb) and the other RoHS substances in a simple point and shoot test.

Handheld XRF Innov-X analyzers for demanding testing applications: Two hand-held analyzer models solve most challenges, from testing Pb coated or plated parts to applications requiring broader capabilities. The Inspector Series™ can check for lead with a fast non-destructive test that provides a definitive positive or negative result in seconds. They provide a single-element analysis which is ideal for lead (Pb) screening. They test a wide variety of samples, including wire and components, and can be used by non-technical operators.

For more general screening tests, the Alpha Series™ of hand-held XRF analyzers provide fast, accurate results of up to 25 elements in a single test. The non-isotope design of the “Alpha Series” provides on-the-spot, fast and precise elemental analysis from phosphorus to uranium.

Innov-X’s field-proven, breakthrough design uses an x-ray tube in a compact, ergonomically designed handheld unit. The tube-based system eliminates costly re-sourcing or loss of speed and eliminates isotope licensing or travel restrictions. They also use a PDA for unprecedented flexibility in hand-held analyzers. A rear-facing display makes the units easy to read, supplementing the color I-Paq ® screen. They provide test solutions for screening of electronics; solder identification and sorting; and a host of NDT applications on solids, liquids, coatings and powders.

The I-Paq ® PDA runs with software suites using fundamental parameters, spectral matching and/or empirically generated calibrations. Easy upgrades will “future-proof” the unit as well as cutting edge technology that defies obsolescence.
For analyzing complex components, Innov-X now offers a hand-held analyzer that uses a laser to place a pinpoint test area of down to 3 mm diameter. The image and sample target are displayed on the color PDA screen real-time. You can switch from collimated pinpoint to full-field analysis with the touch of a button. Snapshot images of samples analyzed plus laser-targeted small-spot analysis are saved as part of your test records.

By using an Innov-X Systems XRF analyzer in a screening test program, materials can be identified in just seconds.

† The Military Technologies Conference (MTC), Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA, March 27-28, 2007

*RoHS= An EU Legal Directive for environmental regulations concerning the Restriction of use of Hazardous Substances. More information can be accessed at: www.innov-x-sys.com/interior//rohs/overview.

Product photos may be downloaded at “www.innov-x-sys.com/pressroom/.

About Innov-X Systems
Innov-X Systems is a vital new force in the x-ray fluorescence (XRF) industry. Their systems perform fast, accurate chemical analysis in seconds to identify, differentiate and quantify most materials by elemental composition. Founded in 2001, they pioneered handheld XRF instrumentation using a miniature x-ray tube rather than radioactive isotopes.
With R&D and manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Innov-X has offices in Europe (the Netherlands), and Asia (Hong Kong). They maintain sales and service alliances in Canada, the Middle East, Latin America and worldwide. Service, installation and training is available in over 100 countries.

Contacts:
781-938-5005
Suzanne Moler, Sales Manager- North America
Email:sales@innov-xsys.com

Advertising/Media Contact:
Carrie-Ann Doucette, Marketing Specialist Adv & Media
E-mail: advertising@innov-xsys.com

Public Relations Contact:
Jim Martin
Email:pr@innov-xsys.com

Innov-X Systems, Inc.
100 Sylvan Road, Suite 100
Woburn, MA 01801
Toll Free: 866.4.Innov-X or 781.938.5005
Email: info@innov-xsys.com