Relifing
Relifing is an essential process for assessing the dependability of electronic components stored for long periods, ensuring they remain suitable for high-reliability applications. In industries like aerospace, where extended storage is common to accommodate project schedules or handle obsolescence, this evaluation validates the usability of components while addressing potential wear or degradation.
Understanding the importance of component reliability, the relifing process rigorously examines stored EEE parts to confirm their functionality and safety in demanding environments, such as space electronics, ensuring they meet stringent performance requirements.
Storing electronic components is a cornerstone of space technology operations. Project timelines, budget constraints, and technological obsolescence often require the long-term storage of parts. Strategic stockpiling ensures the availability of components for equipment manufacturing beyond their typical lifecycle.
The Relifing process enables:
- Validation of usability for stored components.
- Detection of latent or visible degradation.
- Assurance that components meet the necessary quality and reliability standards.
If a component becomes obsolete, our complementary service, doEEEt, helps you find the best market alternatives.
What does the Relifing process involve?
Relifing adheres to the stringent European ECSS-Q-ST-60-14C standard, designed to evaluate components stored for extended periods. This non-destructive process includes specific inspections and optimized tests, ensuring reliable results with a focused approach.
Key steps in the Relifing process:
- External Visual Inspection: Identifies corrosion, sealing material degradation, or other visible defects under magnification.
- Electrical Measurements: Checks for potential wear caused by storage.
- Seal Test: Confirms the hermeticity of the component.
- Additional Specific Tests: Such as solderability tests, performed on limited samples to further ensure functionality.
This methodology validates components for integration into printed circuit boards (PCBs), even when their manufacturing date exceeds the recommended storage period.
Optimal storage conditions at ALTER
To prevent damage or contamination, we provide ideal handling and storage conditions for our customers:
- Precise Temperature and Humidity Control: 24/7, 365 days a year (22°C ± 3°C; 55RH% ± 10%).
- Nitrogen Storage Options: Using dry cabinets or moisture barrier bags (MBB) filled with nitrogen, supplemented with desiccant bags and moisture indicators.
- Advanced Inventory Management: Specialized software for quick and accurate part location.
These measures eliminate risks such as oxidation, electrostatic discharge (ESD), and other storage-related issues that could compromise component integrity.
Benefits of Relifing with ALTER
- Compliance with International Standards: We strictly adhere to the ECSS-Q-ST-60-14C standard, the leading European guideline for component relifing.
- Risk Mitigation: We identify and address potential threats to long-term performance.
- Resource Optimization: Validate stored components, reducing the need to purchase new parts and mitigating risks of obsolescence.
Trust ALTER to ensure the reliability and performance of your long-term stored electronic components. Contact us today to learn more about our Relifing services.