In the last decade, there has been a gradual shift in circuit board assembly services from leaded to lead-free assemblies. Many PCB manufacturers have embraced this change and have reaped a number of benefits from the same. However, there is still criticism on lead-free assemblies. Some of the well-known issues brought up are reliability and moisture sensitivity. Yet, when one looks at the business and environmental benefits of lead-free assemblies, the reasons speak for themselves.
Reasons for Supporting Lead-free Assemblies
There are a few points that need to be properly considered before resorting to criticizing lead-free assemblies.
- It Helped Achieve PCB Size Reduction: The use of lead-free solder made the PCB design simpler, enabling the manufacturer to create printed circuit boards of smaller sizes. This has led to mass production of PCBs for high speed, hand held devices such as cell phones and tablets.
- It Supports Fine Pitch Components: Lead-free soldering allows for the production of a circuit board with extremely tight and fine pitches. High density semiconductors can be assembled in small designs. Lead-free solders can help to reduce the number of problems that may occur with this change.
- It has Maintained PCB Reliability: Ever since the induction and implementation of Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS), the number of PCB problems have reduced dramatically. Also, PCB manufacturing companies have not received any extreme complaints from customers regarding the reliability of their PCBs.
- It has Reduced the Environmental Impact of PCBs: Lead-free soldering has made PCBs more environment-friendly. The use of RoHS and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) have made it easier for PCB manufacturing companies to recycle their PCB products and components.
These various benefits should certainly lay to rest any apprehensions that industry experts and customers may have about lead-free soldering in circuit board assembly services. To know more about our assembly services, kindly visit our website www.acceleratedassemblies.com
