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Environmental regulations are forcing the elimination of lead (Pb) from electronic equipment. 2005 will be the year that many electronics assemblers will be transitioning their soldering processes from traditional tin-lead alloys to lead-free alloys. Many alternatives to tin-lead have been proven to be technically viable in relatively small volumes, but the implementation of the new processes in high-volume manufacturing presents a series of new challenges to engineering and operations personnel. The transition to lead-free electronics is becoming a reality for more and more manufacturing operations. The RoHS and WEEE regulations, although still with a number of implementation questions, have final implementation dates. Many electronic manufacturers have some lead-free process capacity; others are making a significant effort to learn what is required, and some are in the beginning stages of understanding the lead-free process.

Numerous scientific studies have been published regarding lead-free concerns: equipment capability, solder alloy types, component metallization, process chemistries, PWB materials and surface finishes. The scientists and engineers have shown feasibility, and in some parts of the world, full-scale production of lead-free electronics is a reality. But many assemblers, particularly those in North and South America, are still formulating their transition plan. The scientific work that identified lead-free solutions must now be translated into practice on the shop floor. This is a considerable undertaking, given all the variables that exist in a production environment.

At Speedline Technologies, we are committed to assist our customers with the challenges of transitioning to a lead-free assembly process. For about five years now we have supported a continuous internal effort aimed at understanding the details associated with implementing lead-free alloys in electronics manufacturing. Our internal experts are participating to seminars, webinars and conferences on lead-free all over the world to educate and train our customers. The lead-free process expertise we have accumulated over the past years is here to be shared with our clients.