October 23rd, 2006
Folks,
Last week, I presented at the SMT/RIT's Implementing Lead-Free: A Hands on Workshop . The keynote speech at this event was by Dan Shea, chief technology officer (CTO) of Celestica. The title of his talk said it all: "Cradle to Rebirth -The Electronics Industry Goes Green." Other speakers solidified this perspective.....there is no turning back, get with the WEEE/RoHS programs (EU and the world) or expect difficulties.
I also asked why we aren't hearing of more problems with products being rejected at the borders. The consensus was that it was happening, but the countries are respecting the companies right to privacy. One speaker said that 150 companies have had products rejected at the Netherland's borders alone.
Plasma TV's may be an example.
Cheers,
Dr. Ron
R. Hansen:
Has anyone talked to an aerospace or military contractor lately? Obviously not. We are suffering consequences of RoHS that seem to be largely ignored. We MUST use tin/lead processes in the assembly of our devices. Yes, I know, we're an exempt industry. Just try to deal with parts that now come in lead free variants while carrying the old leaded part number. Now try to go through the myriad of approvals, drawing changes and procurement procedures to secure a compliant part (if one is still available). All this just so we can maintain a reliability factor in a proven assembly method.
What's the big deal? How would you like to be at 40,000 feet when a critical system fails on that 747? You say I'm crying wolf? Great. you can be first in line at the gate. Enjoy your flight.