Lead-free PCB is a PCB that was made with solder paste and did not contain any lead during the soldering paste printing process.
Solder of PCB was made with lead in the past because it soldered well and was inexpensive. Lead is harmful to our health and development and is not environmentally friendly, although it is not reflected in the electronic products I use daily. The environment will be polluted by lead in electronic products that are thrown away. It is our duty to protect the environment.
Our company has launched lead-free PCB Assembly Services in response to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive proposed by the EU. This is a contribution to environmental protection.
The Importance of Lead-Free PCB
Globally, ROHS regulations are the same, so lead-free PCBs and electronic products should be considered when selling or manufacturing them. In the event that ROHS regulations are not followed, significant losses to company profits may occur. Lead-free solder is a better option for PCB assembly.
• Protect Environment
Reduced lead in PCBs protects wildlife and human health by preventing lead contamination of land, air and water. Recycling lead-free PCBs can help reduce electronic waste and provide a sufficient supply of electronic resources.
• Protecting Workers Health
Lead can cause abnormalities to our bodies, including headaches, fatigue and memory loss. It can even lead to infertility. Lead-free printed circuit board production meets ROHS standards, protecting our health.
• Special Region Sales
In EU countries, the sale of PCBs that does not comply with ROHS standards is prohibited. Producing lead-free printed boards and selling them to these economically developed areas will result in high profits.
• Technological Advancement
Engineers are always exploring new technologies to produce lead-free PCBs. They may lower the process temperature, improve mechanical properties or develop lead-free solders in order to reduce costs.
• Lead-Free Solder and Lead Solder
project | Lead-free solder | Lead solder |
Main Ingredients | Tin, silver, copper | Tin, Lead |
Melting point | High (217 degrees) | Low (183 degrees) |
Wettability | Poor (indicates that the weld joint is more solid) | better |
Strength and hardness | Higher (can withstand l heavy mechanical and thermal stress) | Poor |
Mechanical behavior | Lead-free solder is higher than lead-containing solder | |
cost | Higher | Low |
Applicable performance | Environmentally friendly and recyclable | poisonous |
Summary Comparing the physical properties and chemical properties solder, lead-free PCB has more advantages than lead-containing PCB in terms of environmental protection, soldering quality, and process. Many electronic equipment manufacturers choose lead-free manufacturing processes for circuit boards. They also face many challenges such as equipment upgrades and temperature adjustments.
You don't have to worry about these issues if you purchase our PCB service. Our lead-free PCB assembly and manufacturing cases, professional team and advanced welding equipment will ensure that you receive high-quality products.
Lead-Free PCB Assembly
• Material Analysis and Inspection
It is important to inspect all components before starting PCB Assembly. Manufacturers should bake lead-free components in an oven because they are susceptible to moisture.
• Solder Paste Inspection
The PCB outline is checked and the solder paste is tested according to IPC 610D standards. This step also tests the humidity levels because circuit boards are exposed to higher levels of moisture when using lead-free soldering than traditional soldering. PCB assembly begins after the above steps have been completed.
• Solder Paste Printing
Apply the solder paste evenly after placing the template. SAC305 is the general lead-free material for solder paste.
• SMT Assembly
Automated machines mount the electronic component onto the circuit board after applying solder paste.
• Welding
This stage is done with lead-free hand-welded or through-hole soldering. Lead-free solder must be used regardless of whether SMT or THT is used.
• Reflow
The PCB board should be placed in the reflow-oven, where the solder paste melts at high temperatures and cools down to solidify when it reaches room temperature. This will fix the electronic components onto the circuit board.
• Test Packaging
Test solder joints on lead-free PCBs according to IPC 600D standards. Visual inspection, AOI and X-ray are used. Test the functionality of printed-circuit boards before packaging.
Our Lead-Free PCB Services
• Lead-free printed Circuit Boards
• Turnkey Lead-Free PCB Assembly
• Lead-free PCB Assembly
• Lead-free SMT Assembly
• Wave soldering without lead
• Lead-free Materials
• Rework with lead-free alloys
When to Choose Lead-Free PCB Assembly Services?
Lead-free PCB services are a good choice if you have any of the following concerns.
• You sell products in a region or country that has lead-use regulations, like the European Union.
California, USA, for example, requires that all lead-free products be used.
• You're concerned about potential financial losses from products that contain lead.
• You're concerned about the health and safety of your customers when they use electronic products containing Pb
You don't want miss out on the trend of lead-free PCB.
Summary
Green development is an important social trend. It is our duty to protect the environment as a member and steward of nature. PCBs that are lead-free not only meet regulatory requirements, but they also have the features of environmental and safety protection. The future of the electronics industry is very bright. It also faces many obstacles.