Leading manufacturers conduct successful UK trials of Lead-free soldering process for PCB assembly

• Collaboration between Wilson Process Systems, Grosvenor Electronics Supplies, and Seho UK proves the usability of Lead-free processes well in advance of 2006 EU-wide RoHS legislation

Wilson Process Systems, a major contract manufacturer of printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies, has held successful trials at Grosvenor Electronics Supplies’ newly established lead-free soldering facility, together with Seho UK Ltd, to prove the viability of manufacturing lead-free PCB assemblies. The development of Lead-free soldering processes is imperative as manufacturers will no longer be able to use traditional solders since Lead is listed in the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Legislation, which comes into effect on July 1st 2006.

The trials were recently carried out using the new 96SC Tin Silver Copper alloy at Grosvenor's facility in Hessle, Yorkshire, using the Multicore Ecosol MF101 VOC free liquid flux. Production batches of both conventional and mixed technology PCB assemblies were successfully produced using Grosvenor's purpose-specified Seho wave soldering machine for customer lead free evaluations. All joints conformed to IPC-A-160C Standards. Surface mount soldering trials had previously been undertaken at WPS’ premises under the guidance of Nick Hirst, UK Sales Manager for Grosvenor. The surface mount joints, examined in laboratory testing, were all acceptable with good wetting on both PCB pads and component terminals. The same laboratory tests found that the conventional soldering showed good joints at both the solder and component side.

The development of Lead-free soldering will have a significant impact on many areas of production, affecting industries such as IT, telecommunications, consumer equipment and electronic tools.

Nick Wilson, Managing Director of WPS said: "We are very happy with the quality of the trials and feel confident in being able to offer this process well ahead of the RoHS legislation in 2006, which will enable our clients to accommodate the necessary changes with minimum disruption. We are planning to install new equipment shortly to enable us to run lead-free on site in Hastings and will then phase our production over as the legislation approaches. We will maintain a conventional tin/lead soldering line for customers who are exempt from the new regulations”.

"These trials have proved the viability of using different alloys in the manufacture of electronics goods," commented Nick Hirst, Grosvenor's UK Sales Manager. "Grosvenor is now able to offer our clients a range of alternatives to the use of Lead in their manufacturing process. Not only do we have the 96SC alloy, as we tested with Seho and Wilson Process Systems, but we also have the choice of other lead free alloys available. The alloys are held in separate prefilled solder pots at our facility and can be quickly changed so that clients can trial different materials in one visit to determine which will best suit their needs." During trials we are finding that the Multicore MF101 VOC free liquid flux gives superb results with all alloy choices, with the added bonus of a wide process window.

Peter Bagshaw, Seho's Operations Director added: "This successful trial is the latest advance we have made in our preparations for the introduction of RoHS. Worldwide we now have 40 of our wave soldering lines converted to operate with Lead-free solder. Several of these systems have now been successfully running for four years. We were extremely impressed with the recent trial and expect the further roll-out of Lead-free processes to gain pace in the UK as a result of the progress made."

The RoHS legislation, which comes into force across the EU in July 2006, stipulates that Lead, along with other hazardous elements, must be removed from the manufacturing process of specified product groups.

Note to editors: a high-resolution image to accompany this story is available from wps@targetwire.com

About Wilson Process Systems:
Wilson Process Systems is a contract manufacturer of PCB assemblies, electronic sub-assemblies and full turnkey electro-mechanical assemblies to include in-circuit and full functional testing. It specialises in the auto-placement of surface mount, conventional leaded (through-hole) and mixed technology components using single-sided, double-sided, PTH (plated-through-hole) and multi-layer printed circuit boards.
To maintain its worldwide competitiveness, Wilson Process Systems is continually investing in the latest technology. This equipment, coupled with approvals to ISO9001:2000 standard as well as those of major international Manufacturers, has ensured a consistent growth, putting it among the top employers in Hastings. Wilson Process Limited now employs over 100 people and has a turnover of approaching £6 million. www.wps.co.uk

About Grosvenor Electronics Supplies:
Grosvenor Electronics Supplies (UK) is a specialist distributor of high quality, high specification materials for advanced electronics and other industrial applications, with five technical staff available to speak to at any time. Grosvenor's goal is to provide not only the traditional solder related products, but also to enhance its overall range with complimentary items responding to each of its customer's requirements. It provides a single source capability for its clients, which eliminates unproductive and costly down time. The recent installation of the Seho wave solder machine at the Hessle site, enables customers to evaluate lead free alloys and fluxes, using their own components and PCBs. This service is open to both existing and prospective customers. www.grosvenor-group.com

About Seho UK Ltd:
Seho UK Ltd is a subsidiary of the World-renowned Seho GmbH. It focuses solely on Soldering Technology including Wave, Reflow Selective, Vision Inspection, Training and after Sales support. Founded in 1997 Seho UK has achieved continuous growth within the UK. Success has been achieved by continuously exceeding customer expectations. In addition to the Seho range of soldering equipment Seho UK Ltd is also an agent for the highly regarded Heller Industries Forced Convection Ovens and Asscon Vapour phase Reflow soldering machines. With such a diverse range of soldering technology Seho UK Ltd is able to offer the optimum solution for almost any Automated Soldering application. www.sehouk.com

For more information please contact:
Nick Jones
Wilson Process Systems
Tel: 01424 722222
Email: nickj@wps.co.uk

Nick Hirst
Grosvenor Electronics
Tel: 01482 627327
Email: nickh@grosvenor-group.com

Peter Bagshaw
Seho UK Ltd
Tel: 0161 654 9117
Email: peter@sehouk.com