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Some Fantastic Tips from the Counterfeit Detection Kings: American Electronic Resource

 

Over the years there has been an increase of counterfeiting in the electronic equipment industry. So much so, that American Electronic Resource has actually come out with a definitive guide for detecting them. Manufacturers and distributors of electronic components must, therefore, be on the lookout for such components that are not genuine and must be able to determine original from fake equipment. Our company has encountered many experiences and we hope to share some information that will help to equip you in relation to examining equipment to determine authenticity.

 

Tools Required (AERI Fake component detection system recommended)

 

There are some necessary tools that are needed when examining parts. These include a microscope (at least 30X magnification) with a built in camera and solvents to determine the permanence of markings on parts. </p>

 

Our Tips

 

  • Misspellings on labels, date codes, moisture sensitivity and indicator cards are a few areas that need visual screening.

 

  • During the molding process of most plastic integrated circuits indents are intentionally made. According to manufacturers, these cavities should be clean but counterfeiters have much difficulty in keeping them consistent and clean when refinishing. Thus, examination of indents is our main way of determining a counterfeit part.

 

  • The names of countries that manufacture certain components are printed on the parts, providing that these parts are large enough to contain the prints on them. Prints are usually found in indents.

 

  • Counterfeiting can also be determined by checking the texture of components. Molded packages of plastic components are usually made with a mixture of glass and plastic but the finished surface is smooth, including pin cavities. It is very difficult to determine authenticity of many components by the surface texture, with the naked eye, since counterfeiters have developed means of coming out with a similar finished surface. Therefore, a microscope must be used to take a closer look to view signs of imperfection. Manufacturers proudly claim that they have high quality standards which prevent major blemishes but some authentic components proved otherwise. This must be clarified between the manufacturers and the holder of the component directly.

 

Even as we seek to stop the infiltration of counterfeit products from ruining our industry let us share this information with all our business associates to aid in stopping this problem. Feel free to contact us about this issue.

 

 

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