In their history of more than 50 years, it has been self-evident for COMET to pursue actively any opportunity to reduce the use of hazardous materials in their production processes. Namely, lead and other potentially dangerous materials have been classified as ??special products?. An appropriate procedure has been set up to procure, store, use and dispose these special products in a matter of utmost care and caution.
Effective July 2006, The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2004 (RoHS) will come into force.
The RoHS Regulations / EU Directive 2002/95/EG regulates the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, and PBDE in electric and electronic equipment up to 1000 V alternating current.
Within COMET??s product portfolio, the new legislation will particularly affect the following products:
Industrial X-Ray - Control units of integrated X-Ray sources, Measuring Chambers, CIR tubes
FEINFOCUS Microfocus X-Ray Vacuum Capacitors - Control units of integrated modules such as the Integrated Drive, HV Tester
Dosimetry The process included and will include the following steps:
True to their tradition, COMET is preparing to comply with the new regulations.
June 2005 - In depth information and training of management and procurement
July 2005 - Information of all employees
- Inventory of all hazardous materials
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August 2005 - Introduction of procurement documents with special instructions
??Free of hazardous materials according to RoHS Regulations / EU
Directive 2002/95/EC
September 2005 - Order of substitute materials
November 2005 - Replacement of non-compliant materials by new substitute materials
December 2005 - Disposal of non-compliant materials with appropriate controlling and documentation
March 2006
COMET delivers only products in compliance with RoHS Regulations / EU Directive 2002/95/EC
However, as lead is a vital and irreplaceable component to X-Ray and vacuum products, COMET will be subject to the following exemptions granted by the RoHS regulations. The use of lead is allowed in glass of cathode Ray tubes, electronic components and fluorescent tubes. Lead or more specifically lead oxide, is often used in glass for electrical and electronic equipment to obtain specific characteristics, such as radiation protection (CRTs, medical applications), filtering (photography, image processing) and strengthening purposes.
In electronic ceramic parts (e.g. piezoelectronic devices). Ceramic materials are used in a variety of electronic devices including capacitors, insulators, piezoelectric, magnets and integrated circuit packages. The specific chemical composition and manufacturing process of these materials determine their electrical parameters in high melting temperature type solders.
Thus, COMET will reduce the use of hazardous materials down to the absolute minimum and comply with international legislation in time. |
