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| What are lead-free solder products? |
Why has lead-free solder become mainstream? |
In the 1990's, a problem was revealed that lead (Pb) contained in soldering materials (such as Sn-Pb) of waste electronic components was melted away by acid rain and contaminated groundwater. Since then, the study of lead-free solder has been pursued. Since the year 2000, under the leadership of major electrical machinery manufacturers, lead-free solder has begun to be put into practical use. The use of lead-free solder has become mainstream due to the increasing global trend in environmental issues such as the RoHS directive (the restriction on the use of hazardous substances which will be enforced by the European Union starting July 1, 2006).
 Green Project - HAKKO's initiatives in environmental issues |
What is difficult about using lead-free solder? |
| Let us consider the characteristics of lead-free solder. |
| 1. Poor solderability |
Lack of lead (Pb) decreases the flowability of solder, resulting in poor solderability. This is problematic not only for targeting P.W.B. or components, but also for the tips of soldering irons.
It is known that poor solderability cannot be improved significantly by raising the soldering temperature.
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Satisfactory
Good solderability
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Dissatisfactory
Poor solderability |
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| 2. Higher melting point |
In general, the melting point of lead-free solder is 20°C to 45°C higher than conventional eutectic solder. (A popular type contains approximately 40% lead.)
Assume, for example, that a soldering iron is set to a temperature of 340°C to use eutectic solder (Sn-Pb). If the eutectic solder is replaced with lead-free solder (Sn-0.7Cu), the soldering iron must be set to around 380°C, which is close to the maximum temperature for soldering. Such a high temperature also causes shorter tip life (due to oxidation or erosion), carbonization of the flux in the solder, and splashing of the flux and solder. (It is said that using lead-free solder decreases the tip life by 4 to 5 times compared with eutectic solder.)
As well, many recently-developed devices are heat-sensitive. There are cases in which the high melting point affects not only the iron tips but also devices and P.W.B. |
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| Eroded iron tip |
Flux and solder spatter |
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Then, in actual use, what problems are occurring at the site of soldering?
Soldering problems reported after the change to lead-free solder are:
·Feeding of improper amount of solder
·Overheating and cracking
·Solder coming off
·Resin joint or protrusion icicle
·Bridging
Moreover, additional cost is required because iron tips must be replaced more frequently.
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Satisfactory
Good soldering
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Dissatisfactory
Insufficient solder |
Dissatisfactory
Too much solder |
Dissatisfactory
Overheating |
Dissatisfactory
Cracking |
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Dissatisfactory
Solder coming off |
Dissatisfactory
Bridges |
Dissatisfactory
Resin joint |
Dissatisfactory
Protrusion icicle |
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