Lead-free alloys

In recent years, efforts to develop alternatives to lead-based solders have increased dramatically. These efforts began as a response to potential legislation and regulations restricting lead usage in the electronics industry. Lead is extremely toxic when inhaled or ingested. As researchers began to focus on Pb-free solders, they recognized their value in high temperature applications (e.g. automotive manufacturing) where Sn/Pb solders do not meet the requirements. There are many factors to consider when developing lead-free alloys: manufacturability, availability, reliability, cost and environmental safety. Of these, the most challenging and time consuming is the reliability of alternative solders. The lead-free alloys available cannot be used as a drop-in replacement for the SnPb or SnPbAg. The introduction of lead-free solder alloys may mean having to use alternative component and PCB metallizations, PCB materials, solder fluxes, etc.