Top international science and technology groups establish 'Global Alliance' for global good
12 February 2003
News
ERA Technology recently surveyed the state of readiness of the UK electronics industry for the transition from traditional tin/lead to alternative lead-free solders.
The EU is banning the sale of products containing lead-based solders from 1 July 2006. Although seemingly a long way off, ERA Technology says there are no existing satisfactory lead-free solders that could be used as a straight replacement. This means manufacturing techniques will have to be adapted, and in some cases, different components used.
A preliminary survey has already been undertaken by ERA to estimate the depth of the problem. This seems to indicate that whilst most companies contacted had at least started thinking about the subject, ERA says that most companies in one sector have not started any work at all. This sector comprises smaller PCB manufacturers, which are typically used by other smaller companies. A widespread reaction so far amongst those companies, says ERA, has been that they will only start thinking about the issue when their customers ask for lead-free products.
ERA Technology will use the results of the project to promulgate best practice, highlight future problems, identify training needs and help individual companies meet the EU deadline. ERA will disseminate results of the programme through seminars, conferences and the ERA website www.era.co.uk.
Further reading:
Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...
IOT secures major industry partnership
IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...
Successful Proteus training conference
Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...
Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.
Read more...
Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.
Read more...
AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Read more...
European components distribution growing
News
European electronic components distribution returned to growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures from DMASS Europe.
Read more...
Silicon Labs reports strong growth
News
Silicon Labs has reported robust financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, with significant YoY revenue gains and shifting market dynamics.
Read more...
Siemens acquires Canopus AI
ASIC Design Services
News
The acquisition extends Siemens’ comprehensive EDA software portfolio with computational metrology and inspection to help chipmakers solve critical technical challenges in semiconductor manufacturing.
Read more...
Micron breaks ground on new wafer fabs
News
Micron Technology has advanced two major semiconductor manufacturing initiatives that together reflect the company’s strategic response to sustained global demand for memory solutions.
Read more...
printer friendly version