Defense & Military
This sector faces specific problems linked to RoHS exemption, harsh environments, vibrations and obsolescence. Find out how Retronix can help you.
Our processes validated by OEMs
Many military and defense systems rely on electronic parts that are no longer produced by the original manufacturer or sold by its authorized distributors. This dependence is partly due to the long life cycles of these systems.
An electronic part may be manufactured for two years, but many defense systems that use these parts may be in service for more than twenty years. Older components often need to be tested and re-engineered to avoid solderability problems such as tin whiskers.
To source rare parts, defense buyers often turn to independent distributors or brokers. In doing so, however, they run the risk of acquiring faulty or counterfeit components.
The Retronix test laboratory detects counterfeit and defective parts and prevents their acquisition. When we recover genuine PCB components, safe, reliable and tested devices can be purchased instead of taking the risk associated with non-franchised brokers.
Applications include :
- Tin Whisker Mitigation
- Lead-free (Pb Free) to lead (Pb) conversion and vice versa
- Restoring the existing alloy to avoid weldability problems
- Double-tinned for more reliable solder joints in harsh environments
- Micro hot dip welders
Would you like to find out more about how Retronix
can help you?
Contact our team today to discuss your requirements
Conversion
of alloys
The high-reliability sector benefits from an exemption from RoHS compliance, due to the problems associated with lead-free solder. To avoid problems such as tin whiskers, reintroducing lead into the IC alloy is considered the best solution.
Retronix offers a fully automated solder immersion process, compliant with the ANSI/GEIA high-reliability industry standard. This process ensures reproducibility of immersion length, dwell time and temperatures, whether for small chip components or larger components such as QFPs and through-hole components.
We can then confirm the alloy’s composition using our in-house XRF system. We also offer conversion services between lead-free and tin/lead alloys, depending on your requirements.
Retronix plays a role in the circular economy
A circular economy is vital if we are to transform the impact of the electronics industry on human health, the environment and biodiversity. It is essentially based on the principles of eliminating waste and pollution, conserving products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.
Service
obsolescence
Many high-reliability systems rely on electronic parts that are no longer produced by the original manufacturer or sold by its authorized distributors.
This confidence is based in part on the long life cycles of these systems. So, if a component isn’t available from normal sources, what are the options?
Many high-reliability components are used on multiple systems, and can therefore sometimes be found on unused, but obsolete, printed circuit boards at the system manufacturer itself.
These components are known and have had no hours of use, so reclaiming them is often a better option than buying supposedly “brand new” components on the grey market.
Retronix uses a unique component recovery process that avoids reflow cycles.
