Effective adoption of lead-free soldering
Solder is a metal alloy with a low melting point. When heated and melted, it is used to provide electrical connections among components such as resistors and capacitors and is thus very widely employed. Conventional solder is a lead-based alloy and, as such, its use has been restricted since the EU’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive took effect in 2006. While the necessary lead-free soldering technology exists, urgent coordination among research institutes and industry is needed, particularly in candidate countries, in order to implement the technology on a global scale. European researchers supported by funding of the ‘European lead-free soldering network’ (Elfnet) project sought to implement a new three-dimensional (3D) organisational model to foster a rapid and effective transition to lead-free soldering. They combined expertise from technical expert groups (TEGs) from each field (soldering, components, assembly, etc.), industry networks (INs) from each sector (automotive, aerospace, defence, etc.) and national networks in 19 European countries. Elfnet actively contributed to the development of the research agenda, establishing a vital unified knowledge base as well as a networking tool for significant added-value research, development and industrial application. Continued activity of Elfnet should ensure that the EU pursues an effective and sustainable soldering agenda, increasing its competitive edge while protecting worker safety and the environment.