...The man responsible for ensuring the WEEE Directive is adopted by the UK has called on those affected by it to respond to the current consultation soon. The formal end to the consultation is October 17, but the DTI's director of sustainable development, Tony Pedrotti, yesterday urged stakeholders to respond before this date if possible.... more...

...The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) in coordination with the Japan Green Procurement Survey Standardization Initiative (JGPSSI), will update the current Joint Industry Guide for Material Composition Declaration for Electronics Products (JIG 101).... more...

...With the continual parade of new environmental laws stretching from California to Asia, analysts say companies need a high-level leader to manage compliance - the environmental compliance officer. As an alternative, companies can outsource this task to a consulting firm, sometime a product lifecycle management company - but analysts warn that while tasks can be outsourced, accountability cannot. Environmental compliance is likely to require high-level corporate management for decades to come.... more...

...Indium Corporation's Vice President of Technology, Ning-Cheng Lee, Ph.D., and Senior Technologist, Ronald C. Lasky, Ph.D., PE, will present at Implementing Lead-free: A Hands-on Workshop, October 16-19, 2006 at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Campus in Rochester, NY USA.... more...

...Electronics markets in Europe and Asia Pacific are moving to control the level of hazardous substances such as lead and mercury in products, but the US market still seems reluctant to jump on the RoHS bandwagon.... more...

...This consultation relates to draft new regulations which will implement in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland a European Directive (2005/32/EC) establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-using products.... more...

...Global trade association IPC has released a white paper report entitled the 'Cost of Lead Free Solder Materials', which discusses metals costs, density versus volume of leadfree and tin lead solders, and manufacturing challenges and then applies these issues to solder paste, solder bar and ingot, and cored solder wire.... more...

...As the industry scrambled towards RoHS compliance, manufacturers of mission-critical products successfully campaigned for exemption because of fears over tin-whiskers and the lack of field-data on the reliability of lead-free components. It is ironic, therefore, that many of these manufacturers have now discovered they have been using RoHS-compliant, lead-free components.... more...

...The US Commercial Service is part of the US Department of Commerce and its role is to anticipate and respond to the needs of US exporters to the European Union, especially new-to-export, small and medium sized businesses, as well as US businesses already operating in the EU.... more...

...A visible, flat-rate charge on new consumer electronics to pay for the recycling of old ones is the best way to fund their safe and sustainable disposal, according to manufacturers.... more...

...In total 88 requests were evaluated. 27 requests were recommended to be granted and 38 were recommended to be refused. 17 requests were withdrawn by the applicant. For 2 requests the evaluation procedure was not applicable. Due to lack of information for 4 requests a final recommendation was not possible during the duration of the contract.... more...

...CALCE presents "Assessing the Risk Posed by Tin Whiskers" presented at the SMTA Capitol Vendor Show held on September 7, 2006 in Columbia, MD... more...

...Mike Martel, Editor, Circuitnet I've been listening to voices on both sides of the RoHS issue and the more I hear, the more foreboding the tone becomes. Despite what some writers have suggested to me, i.e., don't fight it, get with the program - I think the electronics manufacturing industry has a real mess on its hands that will only grow in complexity as new lead-free assemblies age in the field.... more...

...A report has been published by the EU on the reasons for the recent changes in exemptions to the RoHS directive. This 148 page report details the case made by each requestor, supporting evidence, the process followed, and the final decision. It is another invaluable tool for any company that might want to seek an exemption.... more...

...The conversion to lead-free PCBs requires the collaboration of all supply chain partners to ensure the right design choices are made for surface finishes, laminates, and solder types.... more...

...As many of you will know the Oko institute (the RoHS technical consultants for the EU) refused to even consider my recent exemptions requests, even though they were backed up by a plethora of scientific data including the EPA report on lead in solders lifecycle.... more...

...While European Union (EU) member states adjust to RoHS Directive guidelines, many members of the SMT industry in the U.S. are calling for similar standards domestically.... more...

...July 1, 2006 has come and gone. Most of us expected many problems at the borders of the EU countries Re customs after this date. All appears quiet. I have heard few stories of customs disasters. Since it appeared that less than 50 percent of companies were RoHS compliant, I am wondering what happened.... more...

...Readers' Rant, RoHS is still a hot topic.... more...

...Dublin based ACK Solutions have partnered leading electronics laboratory Soldertec Global to provide the Irish electronics industry with a RoHS Assurance screening service.... more...

...Ageus Solutions, a North American leader in end-to-end Japan Green, RoHS, and WEEE compliance solutions is now offering updated China RoHS compliance services that include new labeling and Table of Toxic and Hazardous Materials Names and Contents requirements. Ageus Solutions provides manufacturers with the expertise to meet and surmount the challenges presented by China RoHS and other emerging environmental regulations.... more...

...The Commission updated its FAQ document on RoHS/WEEE in August 2006, providing the latest guidance on some key questions on scope, exemptions and definitions... more...

...On the heels of the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, which took effect July 1, Newark InOne is calling for a comparable law to be enacted in the United States.... more...

...On the heels of the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, Newark InOne has issued a warning about the need for a comparable US law. The complete text can be viewed at www.newarkinone.com/fedlaw.... more...

...Recently, PLM vendor Arena Solutions polled manufacturers who are not currently using Arena PLM to gauge their RoHS readiness. Arena's survey found "83% of respondents were at severe to high risk of not being able to demonstrate compliance or due diligence for RoHS based on their documentation management capabilities. In addition, 60% of respondents are not confident that they track all parts and materials in their products."... more...

...Ok, I admit that I am a little put-out that the Oko institute threw out my support applications for a lead in solders re-think on some of the recent applications. Bear in mind that I am only doing this because I am, along with many others, concerned for the environment as well as the negative impact on the industry that the RoHS lead in solders ban is having and would point out that I make no money from the issue should it sink or should it fly.... more...

...The UK DTI has published a report of a mission to European WEEE recycling facilities to assess the status of technologies... more...

...PCB Manufacturer - Calumet Electronics Corp. (CEC) announced that it has completed the addition of Taiyo-America’s Halogen-Free LPI Soldermask PSR-4000 HFX. Content restriction is a growing concern in the electronics industry. The European Union RoHS Directive has caused many of our customers to lead-free alternatives to the tradition tin/lead solder surface plating on the circuit boards we build for them. Electroless Nickel / Immersion Gold, Immersion Silver, and lead-free solder are gaining in popularity.... more...

...Manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic products in France must register with the Environment Agency ADEME by 30 November 2006. The WEEE registration process began on 1 September and further information is available at www.b2bweee.com/fr. Failure to register can prevent products being sold in France.... more...

...The July 2006 version of the Oko Institut report on RoHS exemptions requests has been made available on the web by the Commission. It contains open details on the EU consultant's analysis and recommendations for all but the first round of exemptions, as well as a critique of the evaluation process itself.... more...

...A fact-finding mission to Europe sponsored by the DTI has found that material recovery targets are proving hard to meet under the European WEEE Directive. "The consensus amongst virtually all experts visited was that the easy part of the directive, collection targets, was already being achieved," said the report. "However, the material recovery targets were proving more challenging."... more...

...Location: Fort Worth, Texas. Dates: 9/10/2006 - 9/14/2006. Description: It's here, like it or not. European legislation-- Requirements of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)... more...

...iNEMI and IPC announce a half-day forum, "Life after EU RoHS," on September 28, 2006 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. (Chicago). This forum will look at emerging environmental regulations around the globe and identify collaborative efforts to close policy and technology gaps in preparation for future legislation.... more...

...Shortages of some non-RoHS compliant components which are being used in products exempt from the new rules on use of lead and other hazardous materials are pushing up prices and extending leadtimes.... more...

...Speedline Technologies will host short presentations at the company's booth 5702 at ATExpo 2006, September 26-28, in Rosemont, Ill. This is an excellent opportunity for visitors to tap into the broad process knowledge of Speedline experts.... more...

...Preparation to Production to Reliability to Rework. Come to discuss and find out the information and answers!!!!... more...

...Folks, The bad news is that China RoHS starts to take effect in a little over 6 months. The good news is that the scope at this date covers only marking and disculosure of the six identified hazardous substances and their location(s) in the product.... more...

...Another directive affecting electronic products is coming down the pipeline from the European Union (EU). The EuP, or Eco-Design Requirements for Energy Using Products, will take form over the coming year. By August 2007, the EU will clarify the new restrictions affecting electronic products. The goal of the directive is to reduce the consumption of energy in the process of manufacturing electronic products as well as limiting the energy used in operating those products.... more...

...The International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) will hold several meetings at the SMTA International conference later this month in Rosemont, Ill. (Chicago). Project formation meetings will give companies the opportunity to get involved "on the ground floor" of new collaborative efforts, and workshops/forums will promote information sharing and development of industry strategies.... more...

...Manufacturers seeking RoHS/WEEE compliance will find the job easier thanks to a new family of products from JNJ Industries, Inc. JNJ Industries' Lead Eliminator, Lead Test Kit, and Lead Remediation Kits help manufacturers find lead and other heavy metals and remove them from workbenches and manufacturing areas, tools, machinery, and a wide variety of surfaces.... more...

...Ask your potential electronics recyclers seven simple questions to ensure they handle your e-waste properly. Why? Environmental violations can cost up to $15,000 per incident and $25,000 per day for non-compliance, and the average total cost of a "lost" hard drive can exceed $7 million when legal expenses and customer revenue impact is considered.... more...

...The European Commission's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment web page was updated 9/12/06.... more...

...The International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) and IPC-Association Connecting Electronics Industries(R) announce a half-day forum, "Life after EU RoHS," on September 28, 2006 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. (Chicago). This forum will look at emerging environmental regulations around the globe and identify collaborative efforts to close policy and technology gaps in preparation for future legislation.... more...

...KIC, the leader of thermal process development and control products, and winner of multiple industry awards, announces a new profiler kit that will be highlighted in booth 5207 at the upcoming Assembly Technology Expo (ATExpo), scheduled to take place September 26-28, 2006, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (Chicago), IL.... more...

...Kyzen Corporation, a world leading provider of environmentally responsible precision cleaning products for the electronics and high-technology manufacturing operations, announces that it will exhibit lead-free solutions ? AQUANOX A4520 and A4630 in booth 5138 at the upcoming Assembly Technology Expo (ATExpo), scheduled to take place September 26-28, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (Chicago), IL.... more...

...For FlexOne Technologies, a small but growing electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) law, has been both a challenge and an opportunity.... more...

...Aviation, Aerospace, and Military users of commercial off the shelf components are faced with a potentially dangerous parts shortage. It is possible that electronics thought to contain 3% tin lead specified for high reliability applications will be mislabeled and replaced with 0% lead components. As a result, tin-whiskers could occur resulting in dangerous consequences.... more...

... The Government Electronics and Information Technology Association is publishing three industry consensus documents to help aerospace, defense and other electronics segments comply with the EU RoHS and WEEE Directives.... more...

...Join Tetra Tech and ENOVIA MatrixOne for an informative and interactive webcast to learn more about China's Management Methods for the Control of Pollution Caused by Electronic Information Products: also known as the China RoHS law, set to go into effect on March 1, 2007.... more...

...I am writing today to ask for your assistance in addressing a grievous wrong that is having a major impact on our industry; the ill considered legislation and directives of the European Community banning lead in most electronic products.... more...

...One of many issues raised by the transition to Pb-free manufacturing is mixed metal assembly. For a situation like this, when using Pb-free solder paste (e.g. SAC alloy based), higher reflow temperatures are used. These higher temperatures alloy for greater chance of homogenous mixing of the SAC and Sn/Pb alloys.... more...

...Many mid-market firms will not be ready to comply with an imminent law governing IT asset disposal, and a high-profile prosecution may be required to shock them into action, according to Andrew Blocksage, business development executive at IT asset management services specialist Redemtech.... more...

...Today, the most common type of wave-soldering conveyor is the finger system. Although more expensive than the chain system, finger conveyors are more versatile as the conveyor may be opened and closed for different board widths. They also allow direct and automatic loading of boards from an in-line feed conveyor, helping to automate the wave soldering process.... more...

...The July 1 deadline to implement new European Union environmental standards has come and gone with little fanfare, but the nail biting continues. Some companies are confused about how to interpret the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive or are concerned about meeting what some feel are vague guidelines.... more...

...To avoid overpaying for hidden IT disposal costs, selecting the best vendor for your company means taking the time to compare all costs associated with outsourcing disposal, and putting a process in place to manage these services on an ongoing basis.... more...

...Dataweek will be hosting a one-day seminar targeted at professionals involved in the design and manufacture of electronic and electrical engineering systems. Entitled 'RoHS/Lead-Free in a Day', the event, which will be held in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, will be chaired by Bob Willis, an international expert who provides world-wide training and consultancy in most areas of electronics manufacture.... more...

...Waste firm Shanks is running a series of free seminars next week to update businesses on key legislation concerning packaging waste, hazardous waste and waste electronics.... more...

...Some companies seem to be prepared to risk breaking the law in order to avoid the additional expensive of ensuring their products are compliant with the RoHS directive.... more...

...Many mid-market firms will not be ready to comply with an imminent law governing IT asset disposal, and a high-profile prosecution may be required to shock them into action, according to Andrew Blocksage, business development executive at IT asset management services specialist Redemtech.... more...

...New rules involving the environment--which many believe will directly affect the electronics industry--are being drawn up by China, South Korea, India and California. Regulators need to listen to the concerns from industry and involve industry executives, since these rules will be restrictive on business activities and cost billions of dollars to implement.... more...

...The product compliance initiatives of Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and their effects on the global supply network are the tip of the iceberg when considering the environmental compliance initiatives with which manufacturers must deal. Environmental compliance includes regulations such as ISO 14001, EPA Clean Air Act Title V, EPA Clean Water Act, EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), US SARA 313 and Canadian NPRI Reporting, Health & Safety Management (OHSA 18001, COSHH), Social Accountability (SA 8000), Risk Management (AS/NZS 4360), and Information Security (BS/ ISO 17799). Also, conformance has to be summarized in sustainability reporting (GRI).... more...

...The information superhighway is littered with the technology used to get on it. As the time between purchase and planned obsolescence becomes shorter and shorter, finding appropriate methods for dealing with the collection, recycling and recovery of all types of electrical goods is becoming increasingly important.... more...

...RoHS and WEEE compliance have been high on nearly everyone's list of tactical issues, and the stress from legislative deadlines, late standards, supply-chain scrambles, and lack of codified procedures has burned out more than a few managers and budgets.... more...

...China has taken a different approach to the European Union's Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) legislation in a number of critical areas. These include the date the restrictions become effective, labeling and testing requirements, and exemptions.... more...

...There are typically nine cost components associated with an environmental compliance failure including lost revenue, crisis mode costs and long-term capability building costs. Find out how your company can mitigate risk by identifying and understanding these costs.... more...