WAYS TO DETECT COUNTERFEIT COMPONENTS
The counterfeit components industry is a business within a business. It has been a continuous problem that poses a major risk to your supply chain. This ultimately affects your customer which will result in damages to your reputation. As we all know, reputation takes years to build and seconds to destroy.
Ways to detect counterfeit:
- Incoming Inspection
- Verify the incoming box/package for any visible damages on the outside of the box
- Scan any barcode on the package to verify if any discrepancies Any Barcode mismatch when you scan the barcode?
- Verify the manufacturer logo and part number on the package. Verify the manufacturer’s logo with the manufacturer directly versus what is on the part. Is it the same? Has it been altered?
- Verify if parts are properly packaged. Proper ESD packaging? Parts in tray or bulk like packaging? Level 3 Sensitive packaging, original factory packaging etc
- Call the manufacturer to verify the date code and lot code, serial number, country of origin if any
2. Visual Inspection
- Markings on the part – compare the parts to past pictures on file that you may have or check with manufacturer
- Font Size Difference
- Placement of markings
- Any visible imperfections
- Sizing Measurements – Height x Length x Width – Compare to Datasheets
- Lead Spacing Discrepancies
- “Blacktopping” – Blacktopping is where the counterfeiters will sand down the surface of an old recycled component to remove any original markings and replace them with fake ones. A new coating may be created and applied to the components
- Date Codes – verify that the date code on label matches the date on the parts. Verify the possible date code errors for example 2716. This date code does not exist because it is in the future.
- Look for misspelled words on the package, part number
- Sanding of parts – is it one direction, is it in many directions? Is the sanding of the part smooth throughout?
- Overspray of the blacktop making the component
- Stains on part look out of the ordinary
- Oxidation
- Corrosion
- Barcode mismatch when you scan the barcode on the anti static bag
- Any scratches on parts
- Are all the info on parts located in the same place on each part?
Possible Solutions
- Compare exterior of part to your datasheets from manufacturer
- Use Acetone to check surface of the blacktop
- Use Mineral Spirit to check surface for blacktop
- Microscope to examine more in detail as the naked eye will not see many of the imperfections
- Sufficient Lighting
- Bar Code Scanner
- Digital Caliber
Any abnormalities may be an indication that the parts may be suspect.