S2S Electronics have been working towards compliance with the RoHS directive for a number of years. We now feel we have a comprehensive solution to customers that encompasses design, manufacture and testing of RoHS compliant assemblies. The RoHS directive, which came into force on 1st July 2006, actually bans a number of substances from Electrical and Electronic equipment. The full list of banned substances include
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Hexavalent Chromium
- Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB’s)
- Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE’s)
Lead is of course found in solder alloys used on circuit boards but it is also present on the bare circuit boards and components as a solderable finish here in Yorkshire, circuit board design is a passion of ours.
Mercury is found in lighting applications, in batteries and in some electrical switches and certain types of meters.
Cadmium is used commonly in batteries but is also used as pigments in plastics and in many compounds and coatings.
Hexavalent Chromium is used as a passivation coating material on surfaces such as zinc and zinc alloys.
PBB’s and PBDE’s are flame retardants that can be found in cables, connectors and plastic housings.
These substances were used in certain electrical/electronic
equipment because no alternatives before existed and the RoHS directive still allows exemptions where no alternatives exist..
S2S can offer advise on these exemptions if required so
please get in touch.
Looking at the RoHS directive from a sub contractors point of view it is clear that we have no direct responsibility as a producer. However as a sub contractor to other producers we felt we had a responsibility to look at the directive in a pro active way and offer a solution for our customers. This started for us three years ago when we first started looking at the implications and opportunities for our business.
As a result of discussions with our customers, we have found that many of our clients consider themselves outside the scope of the directive. In response S2S have decided to offer both leaded and unleaded solutions to clients. This has meant running two seperate production lines which also ensures no risk of solder pot contamination.
S2S Electronics are able to convert your parts lists to RoHS compliance if not already done so. Where fully compliant Bills of Material are available, S2S have provided RoHS compliant PCBs, supported by a conformance certificate to prove clients are meeting their 'due diligence' responsibilities.
S2S also undertake random testing of components on clients' BOMs to extend our service. This further adds to client 'due diligence' responsibilities.