Ion Chromatography (IC) Testing for Electronics

Protect your electronic components from contamination-driven failures with Element's advanced ion chromatography testing. Our IC testing provides precise identification of specific anions, cations, and trace ionic species in PCBs and electronic assemblies. Get detailed contamination analysis that goes beyond basic cleanliness measurements, with industry-specific precision levels tailored to your reliability requirements.

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What is Ion Chromatography (IC) Testing for Electronics at Element?

IC testing delivers detailed qualitative and quantitative evaluations of ionic contamination in electronic components. Unlike conventional cleanliness testing that only provides single numerical values, Element experts identify specific ionic species, weak organic acids, silicates, carbohydrates, and amino acids. This comprehensive detection capability helps you prevent potential failures caused by high resistance shorts between electrically isolated areas. Our testing adapts its precision to your specific end-use requirements, whether for consumer, military, aerospace, telecommunications or medical applications.

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What can Element offer you for IC Testing for Electronics?

Key Tests Offered

Element's Ion Chromatography testing solutions include whole sample analysis, localized extraction techniques, and detailed ionic species identification. We offer both routine cleanliness testing and investigative analysis for failure scenarios. Our methods align with established industry standards while providing flexibility for your specific needs.

Components and Materials We Test

We provide comprehensive IC testing for electronics manufacturing, from bare PCBs to fully assembled components. Our testing capabilities cover a wide range of materials including circuit boards, assemblies, soldering fluxes, unit housings, and surface mount adhesives. We adapt our testing precision to meet your industry-specific requirements.

Which Labs Offer This Service

Notably among our circuit board testing labs, our Anaheim, CA and Baltimore, MD labs, formerly known as Microtek and Trace Labs, have more than 30 years of experience partnering with leading OEMs and manufacturers.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

Alloy Composition: IPC/J-STD-001, IPC/J-STD-006

Bisphenol A Content: GCMS

Bonding: IPC-TM-650, Method 2.4.9.2

Chemical Resistance / Solder Resistance: ASTM D543, IPC-SM-840, IPC-4101, IPC-TM-650 Method 2.3.2, 2.3.32.3.4.2, 2.3.4.3

Cleanliness / Ionic Impurities: IPC-TM-650, Methods 2.3.25, 2.3.26, 2.3.28, 2.3.28.1, 2.3.28.2. Delphi-Q-1000-119, Delphi-Q-1000-127

Composition: IPC/J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.6.15, 2.3.32

Density / Specific Gravity: ASTM D792, IPC-TM-650 Method 2.3.5

Flammability: UL94, ASTM D635, ASTM D2863, IPC-4101, IPC-SM-840, IPC-TM-650 Methods 2.3.8, 2.3.8.1, 2.3.9, 2.3.10, 2.3.10.1, 2.3.29

Hazardous Substance Analysis: RoHS/WEEE, CPSC, REACH

Heavy Metals/Lead Content: ASTM E1613, CPSC-CH-E1002-08.2, CPSC-CH-E1003-09.1, CPSC-CH-E1001-08.2

Ion chromatography (IC): IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.28, 2.3.28.1, 2.3.28.2. Delphi-Q-1000-119, Delphi-Q-1000-127

Organotin Content: GCMS

pH: IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.30

Phthalate Content: CPSC-CH-C1001-09.3

Porosity: ASTM B735, IPC-TM-650, Methods 2.3.24, 2.3.24.1, 2.3.24.2

Purity: IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.15, IPC-6012, IPC-6013, MIL-PRF-31032

High Voltage Arc Tracking: UL746A

Resistivity of Solvent Extract (ROSE): IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.25, IPC-6012, IPC-6013, IPC-6018, J-STD-001

RoHS: GCMS, ICP-OES

Solderability: IPC/J-STD-002,IPC/ J-STD-003, IPC-SM-840

Tack / Slump / Wetting / Dryness / Spitting: IPC/J-STD-005, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.4.35, 2.4.44, 2.4.46, 2.4.47, 2.4.48

Viscosity: IPC-TM-650, Method 2.4.34 and 2.4.34.1

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Miniaturization Increases Failure Risk

Our detailed ionic analysis identifies potential contamination before it leads to high resistance shorts between electrically isolated areas, particularly crucial for today's smaller board and assembly circuitry.

Variable Precision Requirements

We adapt testing precision to your specific industry needs, tailoring our analysis methods for military, medical, aerospace, or consumer electronics applications.

Complex Contamination Detection

Our localized extraction techniques and comprehensive ionic analysis identify specific contaminants like anions, cations, weak organic acids, and silicates in both whole samples and targeted areas.

Quality Assurance Demands

We provide both qualitative and quantitative evaluations following established test methods like IPC-TM-650 and MIL-STD-883, supporting your quality control requirements.

Why Choose Element

Element materials testing engineer operating precision measurement equipment for quality analysis

Industry-Leading Experience

30+ years of PCB testing expertise and continuous innovation in testing methods.

Comprehensive Testing Solutions

All PCB testing services under one roof, from raw materials to finished assemblies.

Technical Excellence

We deliver high-quality, reliable test resorts. Expect precise identification of ionic species, with capabilities for whole-sample and localized extraction analysis.

End-End Contamination Analysis

Full spectrum of contamination analysis from routine cleanliness testing to complex failure investigation, supported by established test methods.

Frequently asked questions

How does IC testing differ from conventional cleanliness testing?

The decreasing size of board and assembly circuitry has made product failures due to shorting more likely. Contaminated boards are more likely to suffer these kinds of failures, so manufacturers have become more attentive to how clean their components are and what ionic species the components might be contaminated with. While conventional testing provides only a single numerical cleanliness value, IC testing identifies and quantifies specific ionic species, enabling precise contamination source identification and more effective quality control.

When is ion chromatography testing needed?

Ion chromatography provides accurate qualitative and quantitative evaluations of specific anions and cations, which are often formed when electrons are transferred between metal and non-metal materials. IC testing is most effective when you need very detailed information about the cleanliness of your products, rather than a general measure of overall cleanliness.

Can you test specific areas of concern on my PCBs?

Yes, our localized extraction techniques allow us to investigate specific areas where residue or foreign material is observed, providing targeted analysis of problem spots.

What types of contaminants can IC testing detect?

Our IC testing can detect and separate trace ionic species, weak organic acids, silicates, carbohydrates, amino acids, and other substances that could impact product reliability.

How do you adapt testing precision for different industries?

We adjust our testing protocols based on your industry's reliability requirements, whether for military, aerospace, medical, telecommunications, or consumer electronics applications.

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