In a posting today, Carl Ray brought to our attention the problem of a supplier switching (without notice) to a lead-free finish for compliant pins: difficult or impossible insertion and reduced reliability. This was new to me. Apart from observing that there are portable X-ray fluorescence machines available that will allow sorting (only practical if the leaded and lead-free pins haven't been thoroughly mixed!), I have no idea as to how the problem can be solved.

I also just recently learned about the use of cadmium with silver for power switch contacts; cadmium-free contacts don't work as well, so they don't last as long. And, as I understand it, there are no substitutes that can match cadmium and chromate finishes for corrosion resistance.

One can only wonder how many more RoHS surprises await. But think of all the lives that will be saved from poisoning when RoHS goes into effect! And with reduced product reliability, manufacturers can recoup their investment in RoHS-compliant technology with the profits from more frequent sales.

Gordon Davy
Baltimore, MD
[log in to unmask]
410-993-7399


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