Factors affecting the cost of ROHS testing for computer keyboards
Date:2025-07-07 10:12:07 Classification
:【question】 Visits:479
The factors affecting the cost of ROHS testing of computer keyboards mainly include the following aspects, which are summarized as follows in combination with industry practices and testing agency standards:
I. Core influencing factors
1. Product materials and color types
- Material quantity: The keyboard contains different materials such as plastic keycaps, metal brackets, circuit boards, wires, etc. Each material needs to be tested separately.
- Color type: Coatings or plastics of different colors need to be tested separately, and the cost of each additional color increases by about ¥200.
- *Example*: Multiple keycap colors of RGB backlit keyboards will significantly increase the testing cost.
2. Scope of testing items
- Basic items: Ten hazardous substances in ROHS 2.0 (lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, 4 types of phthalates, etc.).
- Additional items:
- Wireless keyboards need to add RED directive test (electromagnetic compatibility)
- Mercury content needs to be tested for backlights
3. Product structure and complexity
- Number of components: removable keycaps, metal screws, silicone foot pads, etc. need to be tested separately;
- Special processes: electroplating layer (hexavalent chromium risk) and welding points (lead content) need to be tested in detail, which increases the cost.
2. External service factors
1. Selection of testing institutions
- Internationally renowned institutions (such as Dezewei) have higher fees, but are widely recognized; local institutions have better cost performance.
- Some laboratories provide "package testing" discounts (such as combined billing of multiple materials).
2. Expedited service requirements
- The regular cycle is 5-7 working days, and the cost will increase by 30%~50% within 3 days of expedited service.
3. Differences in certification scope
- Whole machine testing: covers all components, and the cost is higher than single material testing;
- Sub-item testing: If the supplier has provided ROHS reports for some materials, repeated testing can be reduced.
3. High-risk cost control points
1. Inadequate supply chain management
- Failure to obtain ROHS reports for raw materials leads to repeated testing.
- Suggestion: Require suppliers to provide compliance certificates for plastic pellets and metal parts.
2. Design defects increase costs
- Use of cadmium-containing plating or PVC cables (high risk of phthalates) requires additional rectification.
- Improvement: Use halogen-free flame retardants and trivalent chromium alternative processes.