IGG Component Technology, RoHS/WEEE

White paper examines ‘hidden impact’ of RoHS/WEEE on exempt industries

News Release from: IGG Component Technology Ltd
23 October 2006

Manufacturers in several industries – including space, defence, medicine and telecommunications – are, to varying extents, exempt from the RoHS and WEEE directives due to the nature of their activities and the need for extremely reliable components and systems; but, warns IGG Component Technology in a new white paper, the ability to continue using lead-based soldering processes may not solve all of their problems.

In particular, the directives will have a major impact on soldering technology as lead is phased out as a material for soldering and component plating. Component suppliers may cease production of devices suitable for lead-based processes; or, as RoHS compliance becomes routine, they may fail to distinguish between different lead finishes.

Therefore a stringent testing regime – including thorough metallurgical analysis – will, ironically, be more important than ever for RoHS-exempt industries.

The consequences of failing to institute such a regime, says IGG, will show up only when field failures escalate and long-term reliability comes into question.

“The white paper explains the potential pitfalls facing the RoHS-exempt sectors and recommends practical solutions,” says IGG’s Aerospace and Defence Manager, Lloyd Francis.

“It’s essential reading for procurement and engineering professionals in industries such as space and defence, who may not fully understand or even realise that the new directives can have a hidden impact.”

The white paper, entitled ‘RoHS Exemption – Only a Partial Cure’ is jointly written by Richard Matthews, a Director of IGG, and Sing C Luk, VP Engineering. Other recently published white papers are also available, free of charge, on the problems of component obsolescence and long-term storage.

To obtain copies, call Lloyd Francis on 01329 223500; or e-mail: lloyd.francis@igg.co.uk