Page 43 - 2021 Connectivity Components: Everything but the Connectors eBook

Consequences of Eliminating Lead from Alloys in Machining Massimiliano Domeniconi, Vice President of Machine Sales, Mikron Corp
A few years ago, the need to remove lead from alloys directly impacted the food sector (e.g., water faucets and manifolds). Now environmental protection is moving into all sectors and inspiring many technological changes. Recent environmental laws require the elimination of hazardous materials, including the lead in metal alloys, from all production processes. New materials are being used in many industrial branches, such as mechanics, electromechanics, electronics, and software. This affects the high-quality components used in today’s increasingly complex connectors.
» The RoHS 2002/95 / EC directives required the elimination of lead from metal alloys in all products sold in the European Union after 2006.
Problems and solutions for lead-free brass machining
Electrical connectors are, in most cases, made of brass. Removing lead from brass has a number of consequences when processing pieces in large volumes.
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