General FAQ’s
“Are your products UL recognized?”
“Why didn’t I receive the exact quantity that I ordered?”
“Why didn’t I receive the exact quantity that I ordered?”
“It seems like many so-called component “manufacturers” are actually just importers and distributors. Does RCD actually manufacture its components?”
“Does RCD have traceability on its components? If so, how is this accomplished?”
“Does RCD offer lead-free RoHS versions of its products?”
“Does RCD offer tin-lead non-RoHS versions of its products?”
“Is option 25 (hot solder dipped leads) needed for reliable soldering using standard wave soldering techniques?”
“What is the recommended PCB mounting hole span and forming dimensions for your products?”
“What do you recommend for long term storage conditions of components?
“What is Popcorn Effect?”
“Why does RCD list only some of the available options on data sheets instead of all possible options?”
“Are your products UL recognized?”
RCD received UL recognition for a limited range of products however the safety considerations of UL (or CSA, VDE, etc) regarding resistors, capacitors, and inductors depend largely on how the component is utilized in the circuit. As such, our customers generally get the entire circuit UL recognized not each of the individual components. RCD can obtain UL recognition on particular products on an as-needed basis (associated UL test & maintenance costs are borne by customer). If helpful, please note that the insulation material of our standard resistor, capacitor, and inductor products meets UL-94V1 flame retardancy (some products are UL-94V0). Products designated as "flameproof" or "fusible" meet UL-94V0. These ratings are based on testing by RCD and/or our coating/molding material suppliers.
“Why didn’t I receive the exact quantity that I ordered?”
As is common in the industry, RCD strives to ship exact quantities but in order to keep our selling prices low, there are instances when we might ship a small amount more or less than the ordered quantity. This is especially true on difficult and specialty items, small quantities, and rush shipments. If we “cut it too close” in terms of the production quantity, we would sometimes need to produce an additional lot to make up for any shortages. The various set-up expenses throughout the production process on this additional lot would be very costly. In order to prevent these extra costs, small quantity allowances are allowed. RCD’s standard terms concerning over/under shipments allows us to close orders within +/-3% of the ordered quantity, +/-5% (or 1 piece) if ≤500 pieces, and +/- 10% on SWIFT™ orders. Please determine your quantity requirements accordingly. In the event that RCD’s standard terms and conditions are unsatisfactory, please let us know your requirements in advance so that we can quote appropriately (tightened allowances typically add 5% to 10% to unit prices).
“It seems like many so-called component “manufacturers” are actually just importers and distributors. Does RCD actually manufacture its components?”
Yes, RCD has been manufacturing components for nearly 40 years under the “RCD” brand as well as on private label basis for other component companies. We have no plans to reduce our capacity or capability. Actually quite the contrary, since we are increasing capacity levels.
Production plants are wholly or partially owned by RCD (or the owners of RCD). In addition, some products (such as carbon resistors in finished or unfinished form) are produced for RCD via strategic alliance. In this case, control over quality and delivery performance is achieved via contractual requirements, product traceability, inspection at the production plant and reinspection at RCD, as well as “locked” materials and manufacturing processes.
RCD’s USA plant manufactures primarily smaller quantities and SWIFT orders, as well as precision, custom, military and aerospace products. Low-cost volume efficiency is achieved at Caribbean and Asian facilities.
All products are ISO9001 certified. In addition, RCD is certified supplier to U.S. Defense Department, NATO, NASA, and is sanctioned to AS-9000 (Aerospace Quality System). RCD’s QA system is fully compliant (although not formally certified) with automotive standards QS-9000 and TS-19649. Redundant manufacturing capability is maintained on most products to ensure a steady supply, even in the event of natural disaster or other unforeseen circumstance.
RCD retains manufacturing and inspection records, and traceability is achieved by lot or date code marked on parts (or packaging). Test reports, certificates-of-compliance, and certificates-of-origin are available with each shipment.
“Does RCD have traceability on its components? If so, how is this accomplished?”
Yes, RCD maintains manufacturing records for a minimum of two years, and longer by pre-arrangement with the customer.
Military parts are typically marked with a Year/Week
date code in accordance with the particular Mil-spec.
The date code is typically comprised of 4-digits, the first
two representing the year, and the second two the week.
For example, “0719” indicates that the parts were made
during the 19th week of 2007.
Commercial parts include an internally-generated lot number on the packaging, which gives RCD traceability to the inspection records. Some alpha-numerically printed commercial parts also have a manufacturing lot number marked on the component body (when space and process conditions permit). The lot code is typically comprised of a pre-assigned 6 or 7-digit alpha-numeric combination.
In the unlikely event of a quality problem, or for general date/aging purposes, RCD staff can research lot numbers and cross reference to the pertinent inspection/production lot. Customers that have any particular marking, labeling, traceability, or record-keeping requirements should discuss with RCD.
“Does RCD offer lead-free RoHS versions of its products?”
Yes, a lead-free version is available on almost all of our products (resistors, capacitors, inductors, delay lines). You simply need to add Option W to the part number (i.e. MC0603W, PW10W, etc). For additional information refer to the RoHS section of RCD’s website.
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“Does RCD offer tin-lead non-RoHS versions of its products?”
Yes, a tin-lead (SnPb) version is available on most products, intended primarily for military, space, and medical customers. Specify Option Q at the end of the part number. Depending on the product, there may be a small price premium associated with this option, especially in small-to-medium sized orders.
“Is option 25 (hot solder dipped leads) needed for reliable soldering using standard wave soldering techniques?”
Opt 25 isn't necessary for most applications. Opt 25 is specified primarily by military subcontractors who need essentially perfect solderability even after extended storage periods.
“What is the recommended PCB mounting hole span and forming dimensions for your products?”
Refer to Engineering Report R-37 for details
“What do you recommend for long term storage conditions of components?
In order to keep terminations “fresh” to facilitate the soldering process, customers should adhere to the following guidelines…
a) Try to control purchases and inventory levels so that stock is replenished every two years or less, following a FIFO (first-in first-out) policy. In most instances the actual usability of components is much longer than 2 years and in fact can reach a decade or longer however this depends on the storage conditions and component processing (i.e. plating thickness, solder alloy, etc.).
b) Store parts in sealed poly bag including a packet of desiccant.
c) Store in cool/dry location. In order to maintain optimum solderability for extended periods, parts should be stored in an inert atmosphere. Specialty nitrogen-based desiccator cabinets are available for this purpose at www.terrauniversal.com and other similar firms.
d) Another option is to arrange for RCD or one of its distributors to stock the various items and replenish customer stock on an as-needed basis.
“What is Popcorn Effect?”
“Popcorn effect” is a problem that generally occurs when a component is mounted to a PC board via wave or infrared soldering techniques. The rapid heating associated with these procedures causes moisture in the package to vaporize. The resulting pressure exceeds the yield strength of the epoxy (or silicone) mold compound and may cause electrical or physical damage. Electrical damage may be detected as an open or intermittent contact. Visual defects may not be obvious, but may include cracked package, missing package material, bulging or deformed package. Visual anomalies does not necessarily imply device failure. In some instances, the component forcefully detaches itself from the PC board… i.e. “pops” off the PCB.
“Why does RCD list only some of the available options on data sheets instead of all possible options?”
As a manufacturer specializing in customized components, RCD offers an incredible range of product options. These options number into the hundreds and include a wide range of specialty termination platings, lead wire sizes and formations, custom markings/colors/coatings/testing/burn-in, non-magnetic designs, low thermal-emf designs, etc. In addition, RCD offers numerous design modifications to enhance performance under a variety of conditions such as temperature or humidity extremes, harsh solvents, salt, or acidic environments/ high frequency, voltage, current, power, surge, dielectric strength, creepage, flame retardance, vibration, etc. Since most of these options are rather obscure, we only list the most popular ones on the catalog data sheet. If a customer actually needs an official “spec sheet” listing the option (such as for UL certification), RCD’s Sales Department can prepare one.