There are many alternatives to lead based solders for industrial applications. Until recently there has been no incentive to switch to a lead free solder. With Europe and the Far East mandating lead free products, US companies have to make their products comply with these regulations to sell overseas. The only US legal definition of a lead free alloy sets the maximum lead at 0.20%. This definition is being applied to all industries, not just the plumbing solders for potable water. Converting your system to a lead free alloy requires careful preparation and planning. There are two lead free alloys that have been used for many years that will work for most applications. 95%Tin / 5% Antimony has been the required alloy for food service applications and 3.5%Silver / 96.5% Tin has been used extensively in medical equipment. These alloys have a proven track record with lots of technical data available. To convert to a lead free alloy the following factors should be evaluated;

1. New alloy melting temperature. The closer this is to your current alloy, the fewer process changes required. 2. Flux. You may have to use a different flux because of the frequently higher melting points of lead free alloys. 3. Melting pot. You may not be able to clean your melting pot sufficiently to obtain a lead percent below the 0.10% maximum. You may need a new melting pot. 4. Process Changes. The process parameters that you currently use will have to be adjusted for the new alloy. These changes are equipment specific and must be evaluated on an individual basis.

Contact Canfield Technologies' technical department to discuss your specific application and take advantage of our years of experience with lead free alloys.