Expert Guidance for Lead-free Implementation

Lead-free implementation: cost-effective workshops and online courses for the electronics industry

For nearly a hundred years the electronics industry has relied on lead-based solder to hold components in place and make a reliable electrical connection. The tradition is now coming to an end as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive starts to take effect. The Europe-wide ban on selling electrical goods containing lead starts on 1st July 2006, which means that already manufacturers are having to make changes. Changing from lead-based solder is not a simple procedure; as well as technical complications associated with higher temperatures, the move has implications for the whole supply chain, since component terminations are often solder plated. Hard-pressed industry, just emerging from a recession, needs access to information and expert guidance on implementing the transition if costly mistakes are to be avoided.

Bolton Institute and the Scottish Advanced Manufacturing Centre (SAMC) are collaborating to provide training in all aspects of implementing the change to lead-free product manufacture. The courses will cover the technical and logistical problems associated with the move and will assist managers and technologists tasked with implementing lead-free processes in their companies.

The online course is organised by Bolton Institute and will run every four months, the first starting on 24th June. SAMC will be organising three-day courses for those who prefer to learn in a classroom, the first course starting in September. The third day of the SAMC courses will involve a practical workshop focusing on soldering and board assembly. It is expected that many people who have studied the course online will choose to attend the workshop day as an optional extra, to gain practical experience. The costs of the three components are:
Online course (study spread over 12 weeks) £350
1 day practical workshop, (supplement to the online course) £300
3 day course (2 days theory and 1 day practical workshop) £700

Bob Willis, well known consultant in the area of lead-free, has made a significant contribution to the development of the courses and commented: “Understanding the technology and planning ahead are key to implementing lead-free at little additional cost. These courses are written specifically with the industry in mind and are likely to prove a wise investment for designers, managers and production engineers – in fact anyone involved in the industry".

Nick Jolly of the DTI, commented, “Companies need to be planning and implementing lead-free now. Suppliers who move quickly stand to win new business, while those who leave it late risk wasting inventory and losing customers”.

Course Co-ordinator at Bolton Institute, Roy Attwood, said “E-learning is not an easy option but there are significant advantages and we find that once people have made a start they often want to take things further, sometimes for continuing professional development and sometimes to gain a qualification. The online lead-free course is part of our MSc programme so credits earned can count towards a postgraduate degree.”

Tom Dearie, Business Development Manager at SAMC said, “We have been advising industry on lead-free soldering for two years and printed circuit assembly for ten years. The link with Bolton means together we can meet industry's needs in a cost effective and flexible manner.”

Editors' Notes

Although Europe is leading the way with the RoHS Directive, the avoidance of lead from electronics products for environmental reasons is becoming a global policy. Japan and China are implementing legislation while many other countries, including the USA, are promoting voluntary bans.

Lead has remained the main constituent of solder for such a long time because of its low melting point and low cost. Changing to other solders is not straightforward because they all involve higher temperatures which can in turn affect reliability if the manufacturing processes are not carefully controlled.

Bolton Institute's online courses for the electronics industry are now in their sixth year and have recently been extended to cater for manufacturing aspects of the electronics industry with the MSc Electronic Design Realisation. The new module on lead-free implementation is to become part of this new MSc. The course is assessed by assignments so there are no examinations: Success in all the assignments wins 10 credits towards a qualification. The full MSc requires 180 credits and must include a substantial investigative project. Alternative awards of Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma are gained with 60 and 120 credits respectively. Guidance is available to students by email and telephone from tutors who are recognised experts in their field.

It has recently been announced that Bolton Institute is to become the UK's newest university. Further details are to be found in the main news item at www.bolton.ac.uk

Contact at Bolton Institute

Roy Attwood
Postgraduate Programmes Co-ordinator, Department of Computing and Electronic Technology, Bolton Institute, Deane Road, Bolton, BL3 5AB

Tel. 01204 903555 Fax. 01204 370916 Email. r.attwood@bolton.ac.uk


Contacts at Scottish Advanced Manufacturing Centre

Tom Dearie
Business Development Manager, SAMC, Kirkton South, Livingston, EH54 7BT

Tel. 01506 403500 Email t.dearie@napier.ac.uk

Bookings to: Christine Anderson, Administrator, SAMC, Kirkton South, Livingston, EH54 7BT

Tel. 01506 403500 Email c.anderson@samc.ac.uk

 

Issued 20 May 2004