Batten & Allen

Lead-Free Plating

Timescale and Alternatives

For details of timescales and further information from UK government please visit http://www.dti.gov.uk/sustainability/weee/.

Although this legislation only applies to goods sold in Europe, other regions are likely to follow. Batten and Allen therofore aims not only to inform customers about this legislation, but also to offer samples that will meet the new requirements.

The most economical alternative is pure tin. Pure tin can be supplied at the pre-plate stage (where the metal is plated before stamping, leaving untinned edges after the stamping process), or the post-plate stage (where the metal is plated after stamping). However, this can present certain problems:

• The melting point of pure tin is higher 232°C
• Tin has a potential to form whiskers (fine filaments of tin that protrude from the surface). There are currently no approved tests for measuring whisker growth. It is important to mention that tin/lead coatings can also form whiskers. The following web page is a useful source of further information: http://www.nepp.nasa.gov/whisker.

Batten and Allen can offer parts plated to either of the above RoHS compliant options. The Batten and Allen designation for post plated parts is 4A, 4B if a nickel flash undercoat is required and for pre plated parts, 1A. If the risk of whiskering is unacceptable Batten and Allen can also offer Gold post plating but this is more expensive

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