Trial scheme puts lead-free solders to the test

Farnell InOne is offering engineers the chance to "test and try" two-metre lengths of lead-free solder wire - costing as little as 99p - to enable them to trial the different products.

With lead-free soldering proving one of the biggest challenges currently facing the electronics industry, Farnell InOne has launched a new "test and try" campaign to ensure electronics and electrical engineers are fully equipped to deal with the changes required by the EU Restriction of the use of Certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.

This is supported by key legislative and technical information on lead free soldering in Farnell InOne's "RoHS technical and legislation manual" at www.rohs.info.

The international distributor of electronic and industrial components is offering engineers the chance to "test and try" two-metre lengths of lead-free solder wire - costing as little as 99p - to enable them to trial the different products before committing to a full reel.

Gary Nevison, Head of Product Market Strategy at Farnell InOne, comments: "Farnell InOne is committed to becoming the distributor of choice for guiding engineers through lead-free soldering".

"As taking the restricted substances out of soldering products has a significant impact on the soldering process, and therefore the results, Farnell InOne is encouraging engineers to trial and test different solders".

"While tin-silver-copper alloy appears to be the preference in Europe and the USA, we believe it is vital that engineers are given the chance to work with a number of solders to see the differences and that is why we decided to become the first and only distributor to provide solders in two-metre lengths".

The launch of the new initiative follows a local trial in one of Farnell InOne's key regions.

Nevison explains: "Many engineers are working with the latest lead-free products but naturally wish to avoid ordering large quantities of products that they have not worked with before and that react differently due to their lead-free status".

"For example, lead free alloys melt 30-40C higher than current tin/lead alloys, a higher soldering iron tip temperature is required and wetting may take longer to form the solder joint".

Farnell InOne is providing further advice and guidance on lead-free soldering in its new catalogue of RoHS compliant products.

The catalogue highlights key points to consider when deciding to upgrade or change solder tools used in a leaded solder process as well as providing a useful Q and A section to answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

A full range of replacement tips, accessories and consumables from all the leading manufacturers such as Antex, Edsyn, Ersa, Metcal (OKI), Pace, Weller and Xytronic is available from Farnell InOne via its catalogue or online.

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