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Increasing use of PCBs in everything we use is leading to more Electronics in our land fills.

International pressure to eliminate/reduce the use of lead in electronic assemblies is accelerating due to the European Directives - WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and RoHS (the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment) that will be effective August 2005 and 1st July 2006 respectively.

– Asia
The lead-free initiatives in the Japan OEM segment continue to be the most advanced in the industry.
  • Key OEMs driving lead-free technology throughout their manufacturing operations.
  • China “Management Methods for the Prevention and Control of Pollution Caused by Production of Electronic Information Products” In draft form for consultation and relates to production of EEE.
– Europe
Led by the major European and Japanese OEMs, Europe’s electronics market will be the second most prevalent global lead-free market by 1/7/06 behind only Japan.
  • Installation and commissioning of lead-free manufacturing processes is the number one issue for European producers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE).
– North America
In the United States, the lead-free activity, although in its infancy, is accelerating due to a combination of environmental and competitive pressures in the industry.
  • California Senate Bill 20 - the bill has been passed but the matching enforcement bill is not on the books.
In Summary
  • It is forecast that by mid 2006 that greater than 30% of the global PCBs manufactured will be Lead-Free
    – Lead by Japanese and European consumption
    – European automotive segment could increase this percentage significantly if the current ELV exemption is ever adjusted
  • The interpretation of the maximum Pb levels is an important issue for materials producers regarding capability, and users regarding process control for Wave Soldering.
  • The Lead-Free Alloy Patent landscape remains complicated and it is important for the entire value chain through the OEM segment understands the issue.
  • Certain increased costs associated with Lead-Free will remain in perpetuity

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