General Purpose Lead Free (GPLF) Implementation Guideline II

This is the second in a series of GPLF Guidelines, and represents a major revision of the GPLF Guideline I.

Abstract

As a result of several independent industry technology development activities, multiple solder systems have been proposed and are in use in the industry. Many system integrators have developed company specific requirements. Consequently, the Supply chain is faced with a situation where they have to qualify their products to different and often conflicting end user specifications.

This implementation guideline has considered industry-wide Pb-free development efforts and focused on presenting a common, compatible lead-free solder system that would facilitate the introduction of Pb-free products by system integrators and EMS providers.

The supply chain companies will benefit from a compatible Pb-free solder system that allows flexibility to manage return on investment in the Pb-free technology. By sharing the knowledge and technology risks of system integrators, the risk, cost and time to market for making the transition to lead-free electronics should be reduced significantly.