Hi Paul,
Gordon's summary is very good [excellent is actually more accurate].
Unfortunately, the flavor of the conference is almost 'fait accompli"; that
started with IPC's slogan of "Get the Lead out!" instead of "Get the Lead
out?!".  However, it is clear, that there is a difference of opinion between
IPC staff and Board of Directors (policy statement) on this issue. Also, if
staff really listened to the presentations and facts provided, that should
have at least have given them reason to pause. I for one am very happy that
PCIF (U.K--Brian Haken) is adamently opposed to this potential 2004 chaos.
As it is, electronics for military, automotive, and commercial aviation seems
to be exempt (that is the reason you do not hear much from those OEM's);
perhaps medical should be too.
The emphasis is going towards SnAgCu family; however Ag and Cu are reported
to readily leach out (in landfills) without the addition of Sb (patented).
So its a mess--the roadmap efforts clearly showed that even under the best of
circumstances, it is physically impossible to have adequate fatigue
reliability information by 2004.
Looks like my business will cut even more into my Golf time if I let it.

Werner Engelmaier

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