[sdiy] RoHS

[clark at andrews.edu]

> How are you guys getting prepared for this RoHS compliance situation?
> I heard that the sequentix P3 Kit will no longer be available due to RoHS.
> Apparently IC sockets are no longer in stock @ some suppliers.
>
> So what should I be stockpiling...

   The good news is that most parts are now being shipped lead-free,
especially ICs and most passive parts (resistors caps).  The hardest
items to get in lead-free tend to be controls (switches, pots, etc),
but I've found that even these have largely moved or are moving to
lead-free.
   If you plan to SELL any product, you should note that it isn't good
enough just to buy lead-free parts and then say your product is
lead-free.  You MUST get documentation from the manufacturer for EVERY
part that certifies that the particular part is RoHS compliant.  Only
then should you state that your product is compliant.
   I'm currently doing this for all of the products my company makes and
it is a pain.  Every little part, whether it be a screw or a sticker
has to have some form or documentation.  But overall it is more of a
hassle and the issue of parts availability is a non-issue.  The bigger
issue is just the manufacturing portion of doing lead-free.  So far the
biggest damage done is that it obsoleted our $12K wave soldering
machine since the solder pots aren't compatible with lead-free solder. 
:P  Oh well....

   Cheers,

   Tony

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