ERA Technology receives funding to survey British companies’ readiness to implement new EU ban on solders containing lead.
	Parts of British industry seriously underestimate the implications for its products and markets

The Reliability and Failure Analysis Group of ERA Technology has received support from the ERA Foundation to carry out a survey to determine the state of readiness of UK industry for the transition from traditional tin/lead to alternative lead-free solders.

The EU is banning the sale of products containing lead-based solders from July 1st 2006. This may seem a long way off, but there are no existing satisfactory lead-free solders that could be used as a straight replacement. That means manufacturing techniques will have to be adapted, and in some cases, different components used.

A preliminary survey has already been undertaken by ERA to estimate the depth of the problem. This seems to indicate that whilst most companies contacted had at least started thinking about the subject, most companies in one sector have not started any work at all. This sector comprises smaller PCB manufacturers, which are typically used by other smaller companies. A widespread reaction so far amongst those companies contacted has been that they will only start thinking about the issue when their customers ask for lead-free products. One lesson, which is already emerging, must be that the onus is on companies to talk to their sub-contractors.

The results of the project will be used to promulgate best practice, highlight future problems, identify training needs and help individual companies avoid not being able to meet the EU deadline. ERA will disseminate results of the programme through seminars, conferences and the ERA website.

Background

The Restriction of use of Certain Hazardous Substances” (RoHS) directive, which was approved by the European Parliament in December 2002, will ban the sale in the EU of many types of electrical equipment that contain lead solders from 1st July 2006. Manufacturers, therefore, have 3½ years in which to:

	Identify the most appropriate lead-free solder materials,
	Design new products and modify existing ones
	Optimise production processes
	Commission new equipment (in some cases)
	Test products for reliability
	Sell all stocks of their lead solder based products

About ERA

ERA Technology Limited works at the leading edge of many advanced technologies. The business was founded in 1920 and today provides specialist, high value added, technology-based services including design and development, testing, assessment and expert advice. ERA helps businesses resolve problems that they lack the technical expertise to do themselves; and assists business that rely on substantial infrastructures, including power generators, railways, telecoms, airports and oil refineries.

ERA's Reliability and Failure Analysis Business Unit specialises in providing rapid, independent technical analysis and consultancy in:

	Diagnosis of engineering and electronic reliability problems
	Technology of electronic manufacturing materials and devices
	Implementation of recycling electronic waste (WEEE) and hazardous substance ban (RoHS) legislation

For general enquiries e-mail: info@era.co.uk
Business contact: Dr Paul Goodman (01372 367221, paul.goodman@era.co.uk)