circuitnet
Sponsor
SCHUNK
What are your economic depaneling needs?
Our depaneling machines are high-performance machines for single circuit boards with electronic components. The cutting principles are fast, the best quality.
SCHUNK
Introducing New Board-to-Board Connectors
Sponsor
ECD
Affordable Profiling Excellence
Four channels of precision data capture from the most trusted name in thermal profiling. New and improved V-M.O.L.E.™ 2 is the ideal solution for budget-conscious electronics pros. Learn more here.
ECD
Ask the Experts
QUESTIONS
  
SUBMIT
  
MEMBERS
  
JOIN
November 20, 2006 - Updated
July 4, 2007 - Originally Posted

Lead levels in lead-free process

There is a lot being written on controlling the lead in lead-free soldering. Contamination is introduced in the solder process by way of component plating, board surface finish, migration from soldering iron tips/tooling and the original lead content in the solder. The RoHS Directive has and allowance of 0.1% for compliance with its standards. From a manufacturing process control standpoint, I am interested in whether the industry has established a level/standard at which the percentage of lead results a significant reduction in solder joint strength. Has this been identified specifically for the SAC alloy, family of lead-free solders?
Richard Neblett
Expert Panel Responses
The introduction of lead does not, in of itself, reduce the inherent strength of the solder joint. The primary concern is where and how that lead is present in the solder. If the lead is segregated, especially preferentially in the interfacial regions, you can have a Pb-rich region which is very weak. If the Pb is well-mixed, Pb levels as high as 5, 10 ,15% do not seem to result in a reduction in solder joint reliability under temperature cycling. Less data is available on the behavior under mechanical loading.

Dr. Craig D. Hillman
Dr. Craig D. Hillman
CEO & Managing Partner, DfR Solutions
Dr. Hillman's specialties include best practices in Design for Reliability, strategies for transitioning to Pb-free, supplier qualification, passive component technology and printed board failure mechanisms.
Submit A Comment
Comments are reviewed prior to posting. You must include your full name to have your comments posted. We will not post your email address.

Your Name


Your Company
Your E-mail


Your Country
Your Comments



Free Newsletter Subscription
Circuitnet is built for professionals who bear the responsibility of looking ahead, imagining the future, and preparing for it.

Insert Your Email Address

Sponsor
Plasma Etch
Contaminant Removal with Plasma
Plasma provides organics removal and other benefits to increase bond strength! Many chamber sizes available, all with a low environmental impact. Learn more.
Plasma Etch
Innovation in Every Drop