RoHS poll stirs debate
By Staff -- Purchasing, 11/2/2006 2:00:00 AM
RoHS a bad idea for U. S.
Regarding your poll on the value of the European Union's Restriction on the Use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) regulations, following the EU in this regulatory implementation would be ill-advised and short sighted. RoHS was enacted without consideration given to scientific study (regarding lead in electronics) and is now presenting not only an increased environmental impact through the additional energy requirements for the new solders, but in the amount of lead released by the requirement to mine additional silver to meet the industry's SAC solder needs. Beyond these negative environmental impacts, there are grave safety issues presented by the use of lead-free solders related to reliability. Although certain industries are “exempt” from the RoHS directive, lead-free parts will still find their way into critical systems such as those found in aircraft. Try “pulling into the service station” at 40,000 feet when a solder joint breaks or a tin whisker causes an engine controller to fail. I find motives for seeking a U.S. version of RoHS self serving. Beyond the political implication, every distributor would love to get rid of leaded parts entirely so they only have to stock RoHS parts. I can't blame them since inventory = $, however we in the military/aerospace industry are still required to use leaded processes and components.
Ross HansenNew York
Many downsides to RoHS
On the poll about implementing a U.S. version of RoHS, they are finding the European one could be having a negative impact in some ways. Increasing the energy needed to solder things is only one of those unforeseen downsides of the rule. It's not too hard to find other complications. Polls are a bad way of deciding anything except that participants should be given study materials before committing.
Robert Renchvia the Internet
Not a hard choice
Regarding the question of whether there should be a U.S. version of RoHS, hmmm...pay a few more dollars or brain cancer? It's not that hard of a decision for someone who handles components every day.
Brendon HaneyNew Jersey
Nickel price too low
Regarding your Oct. 11 report that the nine-month world average price for nickel is $9.69, the prices mentioned in the article are low. I just placed an order for 220 lbs of S rounds and I am paying $16.20/lb. I started the year paying half that.
Larry RedgateMarlborough, Mass.
Wanted: Info on PLM
Regarding “Communication key in product development” (Purchasing, September 7, 2006; p. 52), my company is currently having difficulty keeping up with ECOs. I'm very interested in more information on PLM. By the way, I picked up several interesting tips from your September 7, 2006 issue.
Miriam FosterGoose Creek, S.C.
Get ready for REACH and RoHS 2
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06/14/2006What’s RoHS’ cost?
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