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Jim Carbone -- Purchasing, 11/18/2004 2:00:00 AM
How suppliers plan to designate parts as being lead-free was a hot topic of discussion at the National Electronics Distributors Association (NEDA) Executive Conference.
Distributors and component manufacturers heard speakers discuss the impact that the European Union's Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances (ROHS) would have on the electronics supply chain. ROHS bans the use of lead and other substances in electronic equipment.
Most component manufacturers plan on meeting the 2006 deadline for lead-free product, but how parts will be designated lead-free is still an issue.
Distributors want separate part numbers for lead-free components, but some suppliers are balking at the idea. Instead they plan to mark parts or parts' packaging with a lead-free designation.
The failure so far to adopt a standard way to designate lead-free parts is unfortunate because it can potentially create confusion and quality problems for buyers. And, if leaded parts are mistakenly used in a lead-free manufacturing process, it could result in parts falling off boards.
There is little time to iron out a standard way to designate lead-free parts. But if manufacturers can find ways to make lead-free parts, it should be an easier task to find a standard—and—efficient way of designating them ROHS compliant.
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