Ardencraft Technology

New EU Regulation on Digital Product Passports (DPP) Starting in 2024, the European Union will enforce a new regulation requiring almost all products sold in the EU to include a Digital Product Passport (DPP). This initiative aims to increase transparency, sustainability, and accountability across industries. So, what is a DPP? In simple terms, it’s a digital document containing detailed information about a product's entire lifecycle, from its design and production to its use and eventual recycling or disposal. For consumer electronics, this means buyers will have access to key details like the materials used, the device’s energy efficiency, and how easy it is to repair. For instance, when purchasing a smartphone, you’ll be able to see whether it uses recyclable materials, its carbon footprint, and how to recycle it once it’s no longer in use. The benefits? Manufacturers will be pushed to adopt better environmental practices, and consumers will be equipped with the information needed to make more sustainable choices. By promoting responsible consumption, this new regulation could significantly reduce electronic waste and contribute to a circular economy in the electronics industry. In the coming weeks, we will be putting out posts around the Frequently Asked Questions on this topic. Stay tuned! 🌿 #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #EURegulations #ConsumerAwareness #EcoFriendly #Electronics

I have a customer who opted to use a factory that we would previously warn against using “We’ve used worse performing factories in the past with no issues, this new one is slightly better so it should be fine” - Direct quote from one of my customers We carry out an #InitialFactoryAudit on the new factory, to find out The factory had basic #ESDProtection for workers but when we followed the wiring we found that the ESD protection was not grounded. The wire led to a box that was not connected to anything. Usually, we expect a large Copper Annode in the ground - this was not present The factory did not have the correct business license to have a factory there. Turns out the reason the Copper Annode was missing was because they were not legally allowed to have a factory on those premises. #BusinessLicense #NonCompliance The factory did not have an online system or an #ERPSystem. Everything was done on paper which was not properly organised What’s the worst that can happen? Article below. Our findings found that the factory did not have the right #mindset, it was focused more on making money. Seems harmless? Then we find out they are not classifying their batteries correctly and in some cases not declaring them properly. What’s the worst that can happen? The article shows worse-case scenarios with #LithiumIonBatteries. If you’re using batteries in your product, you need to understand they are Dangerous Products and classed as #DangerousProducts for a reason. They catch on fire and explode. #BatteryRisk #BatterySafety The Ningbo port fire and explosion shows how a mis-declared battery pack, started a fire and was placed next to a flammable container. Why? The port didn’t know there were Batteries in the container next to the flammable container, resulting in both containers igniting and causing a large explosion. #FireSafety #SupplyChainDisaster Luckily no one was injured or hurt. The incident was not my customer’s product but it could easily have been. Mindset is important and when we see a lot of “#RedFlags” during our inspections, we strongly recommend not to use the factory as this mentality will be adopted throughout the factory - during the design, manufacturing and logistics. You won’t find out until you are 1-2 years into shipping the product that all of your #QC issues stem from selecting the wrong supplier. #FactoryRisk #SupplierAudit

What defines a High-Quality Battery? (A must-read for anyone in #Manufacturing) A #highqualitybattery is more than just a power source, it’s a blend of #Innovation, #Durability, and #Safety. Here’s how you spot one: 1️⃣ Premium Materials Top-grade materials like #Lithiumion or #AGMbattery (Absorbed Glass Mat) make all the difference. They offer higher #Energy and a longer lifespan compared to traditional batteries. Bonus? They resist environmental wear and tear. 2️⃣ Strict Quality Control #HighQualityBatteries face rigorous testing in extreme temperatures, charge-discharge cycles, and deep discharges. These tests simulate conditions (think underhood heat or cold) to ensure the battery can take it. 3️⃣ Superior Performance Advanced designs, like AGM, provide longer service life and withstand deep discharges without major degradation. Look for specs like Cold Cranking Amps and #ReserveCapacity to judge #Reliability. 4️⃣ Safety First Built-in #SafetyFeatures prevent short circuits, thermal runaway, and leaks. These don’t just extend battery life, they protect against dangerous failures. 💡 Pro tip: Although #HighQualityBatteries come with a higher price tag, their longevity makes them a cost-effective solution over time. So, a high-quality battery = advanced materials + strict testing + top-notch performance + enhanced safety features. Which feature matters most to you when choosing a battery? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️ P.S. Don’t forget to share this post ♻️ to help your network make smarter choices!

In one of our recent projects, we noticed a battery factory was opting to label their batteries as “Electronic Components” which we immediately stopped. Those familiar with #DangerousGoods know this is a really bad idea. People unfamiliar with China assume that what the factory is telling them is correct! The mis-declaration was because they wanted to Air freight the units and Chinese customs were not allowing them due to the presence of batteries within their prototypes. The factory saw it as an inconvenience, not as fire and explosions can occur with #lithiumIonBatteries. If it’s put as “electronic Components” then these batteries can be on Cargo planes or worse, commercial airlines. I don’t think anyone would be comfortable sitting in an aeroplane transporting mis-declared batteries in the cargo hold - a fire within a commercial plane can be #disastrous This customer and factory saw it as an “inconvenience”. Asking the right questions is important. How do you ship these #batteries and can you show the shipping documentation? Weird but this can save lives. Lithium Ion battery fires don’t happen often but when they do, they can have deadly consequences. The article shows worse-case scenarios with Lithium Ion batteries. If you’re using batteries in your product, you need to understand they are #DangerousProducts and are classed as Dangerous Products for a reason. They catch on fire and explode. Why? The port didn’t know there were batteries in the container next to it, resulting in both containers igniting and causing a large #explosion. Luckily no one was injured or hurt. The incident was not my customer’s product but shows the importance of Engineers and manufacturers integrating failure mode analysis, real-world testing, and continuous improvement strategies into every step of their #design and #production processes to ensure that safety is prioritized at every stage. Read More: https://lnkd.in/eQmcgSAY

Post-Test Analysis: Why It Matters & How It Drives Product Reliability Let's take you through what happens after a product faces environmental testing. This phase is called post-test analysis, and it’s the unsung hero that ensures products meet the toughest standards. Here’s a simple breakdown of what happens: 1. Inspecting for Problems After a product undergoes #EnvironmentalTesting, engineers dive in to check for any signs of damage. They look for cracks, malfunctions, or anything that’s not working as it should. 2. Comparing Performance Before the test, baseline data is recorded under normal conditions. After the test, engineers compare this data to post-test results, focusing on key metrics like voltage, current, and efficiency. This is crucial for #QualityAssurance and #ReliabilityEngineering. 3. Finding Ways to Improve If the product shows any weaknesses, engineers note these issues and suggest design or material changes to strengthen the product for future use. #DesignImprovement Let’s Take Power Banks as an Example: Post-Test Check: Engineers inspect for physical damage and ensure the power bank still charges devices properly. #ProductTesting Performance Comparison: They evaluate the charging capacity before and after the test. #TechInnovation Improvements: If issues arise, they may suggest stronger casings or better battery materials. #ManufacturingExcellence Why is Post-Test Analysis Important? 🔍 Ensuring Reliability: It confirms that the product can withstand real-world conditions, even in harsh environments. #ProductReliability 🛠️ Improving Design: The insights from these tests help create future versions of the product that are stronger and more durable. #ProductDevelopment ✅ Quality Assurance: It ensures that products meet high safety and performance standards before reaching consumers. #QualityControl Are you ready to improve your product's reliability? Let’s discuss how we can help your products pass the toughest tests and exceed expectations. Book a meeting with us today - https://lnkd.in/eXtX2VfB