Counterfeit Technique
Chemical or electrochemical modification of the finish on old or salvaged electronic components hides their true age and condition. Perpetrators of re-plating fraud often strip the original lead-based or tarnished finish and replace it with a fresh layer of tin or gold to mimic new stock. This deceptive practice is used to pass off second-hand parts as brand new to unsuspecting buyers.
Detection Method
Inspection labs use x-ray fluorescence to determine the exact elemental composition of the lead finish. A mismatch between the plating material and the manufacturer’s original specifications often indicates re-plating fraud has occurred. Visual inspection under high magnification might reveal sanding marks on the component body or chemical residue from the stripping process.
The heat from the re-plating process can also degrade the internal semiconductor junctions or the moisture resistance of the plastic package. Every suspicious batch undergoes solderability testing because the non-factory finish often fails to wet properly during the assembly process. Authenticating the provenance of the components remains the primary defense against these illicit materials.
Reliability Impact
Using these parts leads to premature failure in the field due to poor joint quality or internal damage. The chemical baths used for the fake finish often introduce ionic contamination that causes corrosion over time.
