In message  <[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask] writes:
> Thanks for the reply Peter.
> I guess I'm just concerned about this increase in processing temperature. You
> see it's not just the change to one or two companies processes, but a general
> one worldwide. What will be the result of everyone processing ICs at elevated
> temperatures?

In the SMART seminar, the consensus was that this was not a major issue.

> Are the wafer fab and packaging companies aiming their products at these
> temperatures or the traditional 180 degrees?
> PCBs (PWBs) from one or two competent suppliers may be standing up to the new
> temperatures, but what will be the result on all the suppliers. Are the PCB
> (PWB) fab houses aiming their product at these elevated temperatures?
>
> CONNECTORS and SWITCHES.....getting suppliers to make their plastics capable of
> withstanding existing temperatures is difficult enough.

Yep, another barrier.

> I wish that the SMART group was standing strong against the legislation.

Hmmm. I can't really speak for The SMART Group as a whole in this instance and
in this forum, though I'll give you my thoughts as a director and Vice
President (and former Chairman). The SMART Group is not a *political*
organisation, but a *technology* trade group. We have never issued any policy
statements as such, nor have we tried. I do not think we really have the set-up
to do so, nor the mandate from our members.

Two groups can be asked to lobby. The IPC is one. In the UK, the PCIF have made
a stand against the proposed WEEE directive, and you could contact Brian Haken
for his (often outspoken) viewpoint.

> I wish the DTI were standing strong against the legislation.

Talk to the DTI - Nick Jolly will be giving a seminar at Nepcon UK, Birmingham
on Wednesday April 14 at 1:15. Or, I'll pass on his e-mail address off-line.

> Instead there's an atmosphere of enthusiasm for the legislation while claiming
> neutrality.

I'm not sure "enthusiasm" is the correct word. Accepting the inevitability of
it, perhaps. Remember, WEEE is not the only driver.

> It's irresponsible to allow the electronics assembly world to dive headlong into
> processing at elevated temperatures without the proper research being done and
> the suppliers to that industry delivering products specified to work at these
> temperatures.

Agreed. One of the PCIF's arguments is that the electronics industry hasn't
enough time to comply with the proposed WEEE directive and its timescale.
Perhaps. But you have to assume that it _will_ come into force Jan 2004, and
plan accordingly. Talk to your suppliers now.

> Regards
> Edward Brunker

Peter Swanson
Vice President
The SMART Group

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Peter Swanson                                              Oxfordshire, England
INTERTRONICS
[log in to unmask]                      http://www.cygnetuk.demon.co.uk

Suppliers of materials and consumables to the electronics & related industries
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