RoHS & Lead-Free PCBs

Restriction of Hazarous Substances (RoHS) is the banning of six hazardous substances. These substances are lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl and polybrominated biphenyl ethers.

These substances are limited to 1000 parts per million (0.1%), with the exception of cadmium, which is restricted to 100 parts per million (0.01%). For the printed circuit board industry, the restrictions on lead and polybrominates (used as flame retardants in plastics, i.e. epoxy resins) are far-reaching.

In certain instances, tin-lead solder is no longer allowed. For many years the electronic industries used tin-lead solder to join the components and as a surface finish to protect the copper from corrosion. Lead-free solder requires materials with a high Td (decomposition temperature), as thermal profiles and dwell times increase.

Sierra Circuits has been making lead-free boards since 2005. Our lead-free boards are made with laminate that have a higher Td to withstand the increased temperature and dwell times required during assembly. The surface finishes that we can offer are also RoHS compatible.

We provide lead-free material like IS410 or R370HR and we use lead-free finishes like Immersion White Tin, Immersion Silver, Immersion Gold, or Lead-Free HASL. If you are not sure about how to proceed, begin your custom quote or chat live with an account representative.

We produce lead-free printed circuit boards that can withstand up to 2000 thermal shocks from -45ºC to 145ºC. These special purpose lead-free boards are produced through our proprietary, patent-pending process. The dependability of these lead-free circuit boards has been proven through rigorous HATS testing and our own solder float testing.