Custom alloy cuts cost of Pb-free soldering

As the lead-free deadline approaches, Cookson Electronics is reporting spectacular growth in sales of Alpha Vaculoy SACX across Europe.

As the lead-free deadline approaches, Cookson Electronics is reporting spectacular growth in sales of Alpha Vaculoy SACX across Europe.

"The recent increases in the prices of tin and silver have forced electronics manufacturers to look at lower cost solders to reduce the cost burden of moving to Lead-Free processes", said Gerry Campbell, Cookson Electronics' Global Product Manager.

"Compared with SAC305, Alpha Vaculoy SACX costs 30% less per kilogram and represents significant bottom line savings and an increase in competitive advantage".

"The strength of this product is that these cost savings can be realised without compromising process yield or reliability".

Alpha Vaculoy SACX is a custom alloy that has undergone Alpha's proprietary Vaculoy alloying process to remove certain impurities, particularly oxides.

The product is further enhanced with the addition of two minor ingredients to reduce dross formation and enhance the joint cosmetics.

Its fast wetting speed offer superior solderability that outperforms all Sn/Cu based alloys.

It provides excellent drainage and minimises bridging defects.

Alpha Vaculoy SACX creates strong, mechanically sound joints with excellent long-term reliability.

It also minimises dross generation, resulting in low process maintenance and reduced product waste.

Its process window supports the use of a wide range of flux technologies.

"We have accumulated an unprecedented amount of long term test data on this alloy, which combined with over two years of field experience is reassuring to customers as the deadline approaches", continued Campbell.

"With so little time left, customers are looking for tested and proven materials to ease their own qualification processes".

"I am confident that this wealth of support test data is one of the main reasons why Alpha Vaculoy SACX now represents over 46% of our wave solder alloy sales in Europe".

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