Lead-Free Solder Europe
Lead free solder is solder material parts that no longer include any lead components. On July 1st 2006 the European Union Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive along with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive decided to prohibit the addition of lead to most electronics produced in the EU.
Lead free solder is used to join items and parts together securely during manufacturing. At later dates the lead in solder materials proved problematic in trying to recycle or dispose of dead products. Lead free solders were needed in a greater supply, instead containing tin, silver, bismuth, zinc and copper.
Most of these lead free solder materials have higher melting points although this does not overly affect production. During the soldering process the lead free solder is melted and placed where the join is required. It is then left to cool and once solidified the components are firmly joined. Now once a product has finished its life, it is much easier and environmentally friendly to dispose of.
