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September 2012

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From:
Phil Nutting <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
TechNet E-Mail Forum <[log in to unmask]>, Phil Nutting <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 17 Sep 2012 09:56:22 -0400
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Mike,

In all my reading of notes here on Technet and in the trade mags and web sites we are supposed to monitor our solder pots for levels of copper, gold etc. that are "stripped off" the boards as they are soldered.  If we simply squeeze out the "good" solder from the dross aren't we also getting the higher levels of contaminants that would have been in the solder pots?  So, do we really consider this recycled solder as pure as the new stuff that comes from the likes of Metallic Resources, Kester, Alpha Metals, et al.?

Phil Nutting

-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mike Fenner
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2012 4:23 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] Recycled solder?

Oh, I think it's stretching a bit to call it recycling, but it was nice of them to tell you.
Most people over-skim their pots and "dross" usually contains a significant amount of good metal. There are a number of mechanical devices which rely on this and work by squeezing out the metal to get it back.
A little while back someone or other promoted a new chemical additive for aiding this process. Bemusingly, at least for me, there was quite a lot fuss about this as I remember, including on this forum. I think one supplier even got an award for it. Actually none of this is new - just another example of recycling. These products/techniques were common from the earliest days of wave soldering.
Footnote.
Ironically, the money/credit they get for their dross will go down dramatically, as it really will be dross. [Assuming their recycler/supplier has been playing an honest game with them.]



Regards


Mike


-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Pete
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2012 2:56 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] Recycled solder?

My understanding is that they will do the recycling themselves, on site.
They said the recycling would be mechanical, not chemical, so maybe it is just squeezing out the droww.  They also said it was an effort to be environmentally conscious, but they are in China, so I'd think it's really cost.

We are among their smaller customers, so I can't make a lot of demands.
They asked if we would accept boards made with recycled solder.  I suppose the best I can do is reply with a list of concerns and ask for test results.

Thanks!

Pete



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