Checking the Accuracy of Environmental Data for Compliance with Environmental Rules

Abstract

The worldwide spread of environmental rules concerning electrical and electronic equipment has increased the need for improved efficiency of Design for Environment (DfE). At present, assembly manufacturers request parts suppliers to submit parts data to confirm compliance with environmental rules. Assembly manufacturers are especially interested in the chemical content of parts. When confirming the accuracy of the data, an analytical instrument is often utilized by both assembly manufacturers and parts suppliers. However, it takes a huge number of man-hours. To solve this problem, we have proposed methodology to check the accuracy of environmental data, especially the chemical content of parts, without using an analytical instrument. Here we have developed logic to extract benchmark data and the trend of substance use from the existing parts database by applying statistical processes. "Benchmark data" are used for comparison to confirm environmental data for parts. We also developed a tool that produces a benchmark map, which is a matrix of benchmark data. As a result we found that each material or parts classification has different benchmark data and its trend. By our proposed method, we conclude that the use of benchmark data will reduce the risk of nonconformity or the number of man-hours needed for parts selection and parts qualification.