Re: lead free solder
- From: "Arfa Daily" <arfa.daily@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2006 08:44:37 GMT
<wizzzer@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1156919213.362147.197170@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I was planning on getting into electronics as a hobby seriously, and I
read that they have or will ban lead solder. Is it already illegal? Is
traditional lead/tin/rosin solder still available to buy? Do we really
need such a ban? I think I should stock up on the traditional solder if
I can because from what I read, lead free solder is terrible,
especially since I want to mainly work on repairing old electronic
equipment. I'm wondering if it will even be possible to be an
electronics hobbyist anymore.
The situation is complex, and it depends on where exactly you are located.
As far as Europe goes, leaded solder is NOT illegal, and is unlikely to
become so. Supplies are still fairly readily available, although not as
abundantly as they were, as obviously, there is less demand. The directives
regarding the use of lead-free solder, allow for amateur and non-commercial
use of leaded solder, basically without restriction. Any equipment which was
"placed on the market" prior to July 1 2006, can be repaired, commercially,
using leaded solder if you wish. If it was constructed originally using
leaded solder, then the general opinion is that it should be repaired using
leaded solder, as there is considerable controversy as to whether leaded and
lead-free solder alloys mix to produce a joint with long-term stability.
If the item was originally constructed using lead-free, then for the same
reason, use lead-free to repair it. Any item that was placed on the market
after July 1 2006, will definitely be constructed using lead-free solder,
and lead-free components ( the other angle to staying within the terms of
the directive ). If you are a commercial repairer, you MUST use lead-free
solder and direct replacement or compatible lead-free RoHS ( Restriction of
Hazardous Substances ) certified components to perform any repair on this
equipment, and not commit a theoretical criminal offence. I say theoretical
because to date, I am not aware of anyone being prosecuted, or any means
being in place to police the directive.
You are not required to follow the terms of the directive for this
equipment, if you are working on it non-commercially ie for your own
personal purposes. Most commercial equipment has been manufactured in
lead-free for more than 2 years now, and some manufacturers - Sony for
instance - have been insisting for some time that their dealers use only
lead-free solder for carrying out repairs to their equipment, irrespective
of age or original construction materials, so apparently, they don't believe
that there is an issue with mixing alloys.
There is a lot of information on the web about this if you search " RoHS "
directive. Also, there is a lot of valuable information on the major
component suppliers' websites such as Farnell and RS Components. If you can
get hold of a copy of " Technology @ Home " magazine ( last issue ) -
www.technology-at-home.co.uk you can find the more comprehensive article
that I did.
Arfa
.
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- From: wizzzer
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