Lead-Free PCB Assembly Services
A new EU directive came into force on
July 1st 2006. It is referred to as "RoHS" This stands
for "the restriction of the use of certain hazardous
substances in electrical and electronic equipment".From July 1st
every PCB assembly put on the market in the EU must be Lead-Free
unless special exclusions apply. The Lead-Free PCB assembly
process requires machines that operate with more precise control
over temperature. This is because Lead-Free solders melt at higher
temperatures. The temperature
required for Lead-Free is potentially problematic for some plastic
components. So when using Lead-Free solders, the temperature
'operating window' needs to be more precisely controlled. Most
pre Lead-Free machines are not up to the job. Generally speaking, one
can't just turn up the temperature on an older machine in order to
produce a Lead-Free PCB assembly. This would likely cause problems with
connectors and other plastic parts or would risk low quality
Lead-Free joints. TS
has been preparing for Lead-Free PCB assembly for several years, and by February
of 2006, TS had a new production line especially geared up for
Lead-Free PCB assembly. So we've been working with Lead-Free and
sourcing Lead-Free parts for
some time. RoHS and PCB
Assembly
Lead-Free is the better-known
requirement of RoHS. There are other requirements that affect PCB
assembly. In order to help the environment, the EU is
also banning the following substances. Cadmium, mercury, hexavalent
chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl
ether (PBDE) flame retardants.
This affects fasteners, relays and
switches, cables, paints, plastics and other components that may be
used in PCB assembly.
These changes represent a great
challenge to the industry. Everyone involved with PCB assembly needs procedures
of ISO quality in order to navigate these new requirements.
At the end of the day, it's your
product that needs to comply. We'll work with you to ensure
compliance.
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