SMART Events

SMART/LEADOUT Lead-Free Implementation Seminar

May 23rd JJS Electronics Limited, Leicestershire

After 2 years of hard work Leicestershire based EMS provider JJS Electronics revealed and explained the strategy JJS have adopted for their lead-free implementation.

The SMART/LEADOUT seminar began with Neil Stanton (BSI) who explained the requirements for the “RoHS routes to compliance”. The presentation compared RoHS to the famous Donald Rumsfield “known unknown factor” speech.

The second presentation was presented by Nick Mair (JJS) who explained the strategy of working and sharing information with customers wishing to convert to a lead-free product. It laid out the strategy employed by JJS to show how they carefully selected their process, alloys, materials and consumables.

The next presentation was given by Naim Kapadia (JJS) on keeping the process in control using the “unconscious incompetence” model. This showed the gates in the process that were applied to stop the operator cross contaminating the processes.

Tom Perrett (Soldertec) explained the test strategy for RoHS compliance. This looked at the generic types of test that could be considered for evaluation; followed by a technical understanding of the RoHS directive.

The last presentation of the morning was given by Tim Pratt (GE Sensing) who explained his experience of testing lead-free PCBs in harsh environment, the result were then compared with the tin/lead PCB. Up to one years worth of testing had shown their lead-free product to be as robust as their lead containing one.

Following lunch delegates were given a guided tour of the facilities from goods inwards to final dispatch.

This SMART Group seminar demonstrated how a UK EMS provider such as JJS could get started with a lead-free assembly process. It also showed how far they had come, and what work was still required. Their strategy for running two processes is now successfully implemented. JJS are enhancing their implementation strategy to adopt the “unconscious incompetence model”.

With July 1st now less than a month away JJS are striving towards looking at better working practices, better controls and most importantly a cost effective way of working.

Over 25 candidates attended the lead-free seminar and hopefully experienced and shared their thoughts; leaving with a positive feeling.

JJS was happy to share experiences and will continue to share useful information with the industry.

Once again to those who attended the presentation I would like thank you them for attending and wish them lots of success for implementing lead-free.

A copy of each of the technical papers are available in the members area of the SMART Group web site.