Superb Lead-Free PCB Manufacturer in China
Leave the competition behind. Shift to Lead-free PCBs from PCBMay. With our product, we guarantee safety and efficacy.
- RoHS approved Chinese company
- ISO:9000 Environmental Management System certified
- We can make 1 to 40 layers of PCBs
- Our communication channels always open
- Professional support for Engineering Questions
Depend on Us for Your Lead-Free PCB Supply
Lead-free PCBs are here to stay. You need not delay your transition to lead-free boards due to higher costs. With PCBMay, you can get affordable Lead-free PCBs with superior quality standards.
We will ship your Lead-free PCB, hassle-free to your doorstep on-time. PCBMay only partners with responsible, outstanding logistics partners, so you need not worry about your order.
Call us now, and let’s jumpstart your shift to eco-friendly Single-layer, Double-layer, and Multilayer circuit boards!
Types of Lead-Free PCBTo Generate Profit
This type of PCB called Lead-free HASL PCB is suitable for those who want to balance affordability and efficiency. Can be customized depending on your specs.
You will be satisfied with our Immersion Gold or Lead-free ENIG PCB, as one of its advantages is long product life span. Aside from that, its sound electric performance outweighs its cost.
With PCBMay’s Lead-free ENEPIG PCB, you are sure that your board will be free of black pads. This surface finish has remarkable flat planar surface—it’s best for flip chips and BGA.
Customers who order Lead-free Immersion Silver PCB usually are driven by the price point. Similar to gold surface finishes, Immersion Silver also endures multiple reflows well. This finish is better than HASL.
Our Lead-free Immersion Tin PCB is best suited for high volume PCB production. You can also specify the thickness of copper. Unlike gold or silver finishes, there is shorter life span in terms of oxidation. However, this product is cheaper.
With our Lead-free OSP PCB, maintenance is a breeze. This surface finish uses organic compounds, which is easily eco-friendlier than traditional methods. Also, in case of re-work, this surface finish is accommodating.
Go to PCBMay for Dependable Lead-Free PCBs
Wonder what a top-notch PCB manufacturing plant looks like? Then, view this video, and you will know. Here, PCBMay shows you how we make our Lead-free PCBs.
An internationally recognized PCB maker, we are a champion of making all types of PCBs. We have PCBs made for the military sector, the automotive, and for large-scale commerce.
We can handle any type of Surface Finish PCB. So, call now, and order your Lead-free PCB!
Related Lead-free PCB
Lead-Free PCB Production Details As Following Up
- Production Facility
- PCB Capabilities
- PCB Materials
- Shipping Methods
- Payment Methods
- Send Us Inquiry
| Item | Capability |
| Layer Count | 1-40layers |
| Base Material | KB、Shengyi、ShengyiSF305、FR408、FR408HR、IS410、FR406、GETEK、370HR、IT180A、Rogers4350B、Rogers4000、PTFE Laminates(Rogers series、Taconic series、Arlon series、Nelco series)、Rogers/Taconic/Arlon/Nelco laminate with FR-4 material(including partial Ro4350B hybrid laminating with FR-4) |
| Board Type | Backplane、HDI、High multi-layer 、blind&buried PCB、Embedded Capacitance、Embedded resistance board 、Heavy copper power PCB、Backdrill. |
| Board Thickness | 0.2-5.0mm |
| Copper Thickness | Min. 1/2 OZ, Max. 10 OZ |
| PTH Wall | 25um(1mil) |
| Maximum Board Size | 1100*500mm(43”*19”) |
| Min laser drilling size | 4mil |
| Min. Spacing/Tracing | 2.7mil/2.7mil |
| Solder Mask | Green, Black, Blue, Red, White, Yellow,Purple matte/glossy |
| Surface Treatment | Flash gold(electroplated gold)、ENIG、Hard gold、Flash gold、HASL Lead free、OSP、ENEPIG、Soft gold、Immersion silver、Immersion Tin、ENIG+OSP,ENIG+Gold finger,Flash gold(electroplated gold)+Gold finger,Immersion silver+Gold finger,Immersion Tin+Gold finger. |
| Min. Annular Ring | 3mil |
| Aspect ratio | 10:1(HASL Lead free、HASL Lead、ENIG、Immersion Tin、Immersion silver、ENEPIG);8:1(OSP) |
| Impedance control | ±5ohm(＜50ohm), ±10%(≥50ohm) |
| Other Techniques | Blind/Buried Via |
| Gold Fingers | |
| Press Fit | |
| Via in Pad | |
| Electrical Test |
Here there’re many laminate material datasheets, they’re useful and helpful for you, please see them:
| SUPPLIER | PCB LAMINATE | TYPE | MATERIAL DATASHEET | TG | TD | DK(1MHZ) | DK(1GHZ) | DK(10GHZ) |
| KB | KB-6160 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 135 | 305 | 4.35 | – | – |
| KB-6160A | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 135 | 305 | 4.35 | – | – | |
| KB-6160C | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 135 | 314 | 4.7 | – | – | |
| KB-6150 KB-6150C | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 132 | 305 | 4.6 | – | – | |
| KB-6164 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 142 | 330 | 4.8 | – | – | |
| KB-6164F | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 145 | 340 | 4.8 | – | – | |
| KB-6165F | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 150 | 346 | 4.8 | – | – | |
| KB-6167F | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 170 | 349 | 4.8 | – | – | |
| SHENGYI | S1141 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 135 | 310 | 4.6 | – | – |
| S1141KF | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 140 | 350 | 4.7 | – | – | |
| S1000 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 155 | 335 | 4.9 | – | – | |
| S1170 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 170 | 335 | 4.6 | – | – | |
| S1000-2 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 170 | 335 | 4.8 | – | – | |
| S1155 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 135 | 370 | 4.7 | – | – | |
| ITEQ | IT-158 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 150 | 340 | 4.6-4.8 | – | – |
| IT-180 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 180 | 350 | 4.5-4.7 | – | – | |
| TUC | TU-768 | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 180 | 350 | – | 4.3-4.4 | 4.3 |
| TU-872 | Modified Epoxy | DOWNLOAD | 200 | 340 | – | 3.8-4.0 | 3.8 | |
| ROGERS | RO 3003 | Cer/PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | 500 | – | – | 3 |
| RO 3010 | Cer/PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | 500 | – | – | 10.2 | |
| RO 4003 | Hydrocarbon/Cer | DOWNLOAD | >280 | 425 | – | – | 3.38 | |
| RO 4350B | Hydrocarbon/Cer | DOWNLOAD | >280 | 390 | – | – | 3.48 | |
| RT/duroid 5880 | PTFE/Glass | DOWNLOAD | – | 500 | – | – | 2.2 | |
| ISOLA | Polyclad 370HR | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 170 | 340 | 4.8-5.1 | – | – |
| FR406-HR | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 190 | 325 | 3.91 | 3.86 | 3.81 | |
| FR408-HR | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 200 | 360 | 3.72 | 3.69 | 3.65 | |
| P96 | Polyimide | DOWNLOAD | 260 | 416 | – | 3.78 | 3.73 | |
| Hitachi | MCL-BE- 67G | Modified Epoxy | DOWNLOAD | 140 | 340 | 4.9 | 4.4 | – |
| MCL-E-679F | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 170 | 350 | 4.2-4.4 | 4.3-4.5 | – | |
| MCL-LX-67Y | Special Laminate | DOWNLOAD | 185-195 | 325-345 | – | 3.4-3.6 | – | |
| Nelco | N4000-13 | Modified Epoxy | DOWNLOAD | 210-240 | 365 | – | 3.7 | 3.6 |
| N4000-13EP | Modified Epoxy | DOWNLOAD | 210-240 | 350 | – | 3.4 | 3.2 | |
| N4000-13SI | Modified Epoxy | DOWNLOAD | 210-240 | 350 | – | 3.4 | 3.2 | |
| N4000-13EP SI | Modified Epoxy | DOWNLOAD | 210-240 | 350 | – | 3.4 | 3.2 | |
| Taconic | TLX-6 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | – | – | – | 2.65 |
| TLX-7 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | – | – | – | 2.6 | |
| TLX-8 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | – | – | – | 2.55 | |
| TLX-9 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | – | – | – | 2.45 | |
| RF35 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | <315 | – | 3.5 | – | 3.5 | |
| TLC-27 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | – | – | – | 2.75 | |
| TLC-30 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | – | – | – | 3 | |
| TLC-32 | PTFE | DOWNLOAD | – | – | – | – | 3.2 | |
| Arlon | Arlon 25N | Cer | DOWNLOAD | 260 | – | – | – | 3.38 |
| Arlon 25FR | Cer | DOWNLOAD | 260 | – | – | – | 3.58 | |
| Arlon 33N | Polymide | DOWNLOAD | >250 | 353 | 4 | – | – | |
| Arlon 35N | Polymide | DOWNLOAD | >250 | 363 | 4.2 | – | – | |
| Arlon 85N | Polymide | DOWNLOAD | 250 | 387 | 4.2 | – | – | |
| Stablcor | ST325 | – | DOWNLOAD | Thermal conductivity:75w/m.k(with 1oz copper) | ||||
| ST10 | – | DOWNLOAD | Thermal conductivity:325w/m.k(with 1oz copper) | |||||
| Panasonic | R-1566W | FR4 | DOWNLOAD | 140 | 330 | 4.95 | 4.7 | 4.65 |
| Ventec | VT-901 | Polymide | DOWNLOAD | 250 | 390 | 4.2-4.5 | 4.0-4.3 | – |
| VT-90H | Polymide | DOWNLOAD | 250 | 390 | 4.2-4.5 | 4.0-4.3 | – | |
| Bergquist | ht-04503 | – | DOWNLOAD | Thermal conductivity:2.2w/m.k(with 1oz copper) | ||||
Delivery
PCBMay offers flexible shipping methods for our customers, you may choose from one of the methods below.
1. DHL
DHL offers international express services in over 220 countries.
DHL partners with PCBMay and offers very competitive rates to customers of PCBMay.
It normally takes 3-7 business days for the package to be delivered around the world.
2. UPS
UPS gets the facts and figures about the world’s largest package delivery company and one of the leading global providers of specialized transportation and logistics services.
It normally takes 3-7 business days to deliver a package to most of the addresses in the world.
3. TNT
TNT has 56,000 employees in 61 countries.
It takes 4-9 business days to deliver the packages to the hands
of our customers.
4. FedEx
FedEx offers delivery solutions for customers around the world.
It takes 4-7 business days to deliver the packages to the hands
of our customers.
5. Air, Sea/Air, and Sea
If your order is of large volume with PCBMay, you can also choose
to ship via air, sea/air combined, and sea when necessary.
Please contact your sales representative for shipping solutions.
Note: if you need others, please contact your sales representative for shipping solutions.
On our website you can use the following payment methods:
Telegraphic Transfer(TT): A telegraphic transfer (TT) is an electronic method of transferring funds utilized primarily for overseas wire transactions. It’s very convenient to transfer.
Bank/Wire transfer: To pay by wire transfer using your bank account, you need to visit your nearest bank branch with the wire transfer information. Your payment will be completed 3-5 business days after you have finished the money transfer.
Paypal: Pay easily, fast and secure with PayPal. many other credit and debit cards via PayPal.
Credit Card: You can pay with credit card: Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro.
Your Foremost Choice in Lead-Free PCB Manufacture
PCBMay is very much aware of the need to use greener products in electronics. In the recent years, customers have shifted away from HASL to those made without lead.
PCBMay offers Lead-free PCBs that will fit into your price range.
- Excellent co-planar property
- Suitable for fine PCB Pitch
- Even surface coverage
- Sufficient wetting of BGA joints
- Lead-free alloy used comparable to temperature for leaded solder
As a wise customer in the electronics business, you need to adapt to changes like RoHS and other eco-friendly guidelines. This is why you need a trustworthy, reliable partner like PCBMay. As your Lead-free PCB supplier, we are open to third party audit if you need it. That’s how much we value your business.
Whether custom-built or standard PCBs, PCBMay has been building circuit boards exceptionally. We’ve got sufficient stock of copper cladding, PCB connectors, and PCB substrates to supply your every need. Lead-free PCBs are just one of our many product offerings.
PCBMay also understands new developments in PCBs. We are actually active participants of international trade shows such as Electronica Munich. After prolonged presence in the business, we have gained a good reputation with our customers. When companies do business with us, they become returning, loyal customers. Lead-free PCBs are one of our top-sellers in the European market.
So, don’t hesitate to contact us now. We have highly qualified and communicative sales experts on stand-by. We are ready to answer all of your PCB-related questions any time of the day or night.
Inquire about your Lead-free PCB, Immersion Gold PCB, Hard Gold PCB, and other PCBs now.
Lead-Free PCB: The Ultimate FAQ Guide
The whole world is very much conscious about using greener materials in electronics. Lead-free PCB is an excellent circuit board that fulfills the demand for green electronics. Its features and materials are supportive of eco-friendly guidelines.
PCBMay is a dependable PCB manufacturer in China. We are very much up-to-date on consumers’ shifting to Lead-free electronics. You will get the answers to all queries related to lead-free circuit boards from this FAQ guide.
We hope it will be helpful for you to set a step to a greener world. Let’s start.
- What Is Lead-Free Technology In Electronics?
- What Is A Lead-Free PCB?
- What are The Notable Lead-Free PCB Materials?
- Why Should You Use Lead-Free PCB?
- What Are The Features Of Lead-Free PCB Soldering?
- Do You Need Flux With Lead-Free PCB Soldering?
- Which Component Mounting Is Suitable For Lead-Free PCB Assembly?
- What are The Steps Of a Lead-Free PCB Assembly?
- How Do You Compare Between Lead And Lead-Free PCB Soldering?
- Which Factors Are Important In Lead-Free PCB Soldering?
- What Are The Lead-Free Surface Finishes Used In PCB Manufacturing?
- What Changes Does The Lead-Free Technology Bring In PCB Laminates?
- How To Choose The Right PCB For Lead-Free Processing?
- Which Factors Do You Need To Consider For Lead-Free PCB Solder Reflow?
- What Are The Profiles Of The Lead-Free PCB Reflow Process?
- What Is Lead-Free PCB TG Value?
- What Is The Lead-Free Symbol Used In PCB?
- Are There any Limitations Of Lead-Free PCBs?
- How Do You Choose A Reliable Manufacturer Of Lead-Free PCBs?
What Is Lead-Free Technology In Electronics?
Lead-free technology is a modern concept in electronics. Now, the electronic world is going through a significant shift from lead-based soldering to lead-free soldering. In most cases, consumers accept this change without any objection.
Earlier, electronic products used to contain lead. It is an ecologically harmful element. That’s why RoHS and other international organizations suggest reducing the use of materials having a significant amount of lead.
Lead, along with tin, plays a vital role in promoting the manufacturing process. Besides, this combination keeps your device free from tin-whiskers. Tin whiskers hamper the reliability of electronic products to a large extent.
But it is not environmentally friendly and creates severe problems. So, lead-free technology is getting popular in different sectors. In a nutshell, lead-free electronics are the ultimate solution to make the world greener.
Lead-Free Electronics
What Is A Lead-Free PCB?
Lead-free PCB is an eco-friendly circuit board. Its soldering materials contain a negligible amount of lead (Pb). These elements become completely free from environmentally hazardous element lead in some cases.
Usually, lead soldering produces toxic fumes and dust. That’s why it is not suitable for a healthy workplace. Again, Lead-based PCB soldering has various complications concerning health issues. It creates severe occupational problems for the workers.
But lead-free circuit boards consist of a solder alloy of copper, tin, and silver elements. These PCB solderings don’t create serious health damage. Besides, you can achieve sufficient mechanical stability by using lead-free soldering in PCBs.
Lead-free components are standard in different circuit boards. These circuit boards ensure a long lifespan of electronic products. Lead-free materials are reputable for their impressive electric performance. That’s why lead-free PCB costs outweigh in the long run.
Despite having some technical difficulties with lead-free electronic products, PCB makers intend to change their manufacturing process. So, lead-free circuit boards are worthwhile for handling RoHS compliances.
Lead-Free PCB
What are The Notable Lead-Free PCB Materials?
The notable Lead-free PCB materials are FR4 and Rogers. These materials support lead-free assembly. Their thermal properties are suitable for PCB soldering without Lead.
FR4 materials have a standard TG value that is perfect for Lead-free solder processing. Besides, Rogers materials of the RO4000 series offer excellent dielectric bonds and stability in multilayer designs.
Lead-Free PCB Materials
Why Should You Use Lead-Free PCB?
Lead-free PCB is an essential addition in the electronic world. You should use this circuit board for the following causes-
- This PCB allows you to promote green electronic manufacturing.
- Lead-free solder PCB keeps your surroundings free from the toxic effects of Lead.
- It meets the regulatory requirements of RoHS.
- Lead-free assembly improves the fabrication of small-size circuit boards.
- It ensures almost zero health risks in the workplace.
- There are some sectors where lead-based PCB manufacturing is strictly prohibited.
If you want to improve your PCB experience concerning health issues and environmental causes, Lead-free PCB is a must for you. You should consult a trustworthy manufacturer that can deliver an error-less lead-free assembly.
Widely Used Lead-Free Printed Circuit Board
What Are The Features Of Lead-Free PCB Soldering?
The significant features of Lead-free soldering include-
- High melting point (>240⁰C)
- Density is 3.5 g/cc
- Sheer strength 27 MPa
- Resistivity is 11 Mohm-cm
- Thermal conductivity is 73 W/m-K
- Surface tension is around 548 mN/m
- Low CTE (0.0234
Lead-Free PCB Soldering
Do You Need Flux With Lead-Free PCB Soldering?
Yes. Lead-free PCB solder needs flux. But there is a temperature issue involved in lead-free soldering. The flux used in Lead-free solder should have a high thermal resistance.
You can use liquid flux for SMT soldering. Again, cored-solder flux is suitable for through-hole soldering of Lead-free assembly.
Lead-Free Soldering In Printed Circuit Board
Which Component Mounting Is Suitable For Lead-Free PCB Assembly?
Lead-free PCB assembly is compatible with SMT (Surface Mount Technology) and THT (Through-hole Technology). SMT is suitable for compact and miniature PCB designs. Besides, its cost-effective features are supportive of Lead-free assembly.
Through-hole technology is perfect for robust electronic applications. High soldering cost limits its use in most cases.
Component Mounting In Lead-Free PCB Assembly
What are The Steps Of a Lead-Free PCB Assembly?
There is no involvement of Lead in Lead-free PCB assembly. It is important to have a healthy environment in the workplace. This PCB assembly has two segments. The initial part of the assembly is mainly related to the preparation. The 2nd part is the principal assembly of lead-free circuit boards.
Pre-Assembly
The pre-assembly segment consists of essential parts that ensure a flawless PCB assembly.
- Profiling
Here, a well-made lead-free circuit board is used to check a PCB’s compatibility for lead-free assembly. That means profiling is one kind of prototype test for resembling.
- Solder Paste Inspection
Lead-free soldering offers a different connection from traditional lead-based soldering. That’s why the manufacturer compares the solder paste and PCB profile to the requirements of the IPC 610D standard.
It gives an idea about the stability of solder paste. Besides, there is also a moisture test for checking the moisture resistance of lead-free solder.
Then, the manufacturer orders lead-free components from a reliable source. Besides, the functionality of components is tested before starting the main lead-free assembly.
Active Assembly
The necessary steps for active assembly of a lead-free PCB are-
- Stencil Placement
There is a lead-free stencil during the profiling stage. Now, it is required to place the stencil on the circuit board and apply the solder paste.
- Component Mounting
Then, the manufacturer starts component mounting. Usually, SMT is used in mounting lead-free components on the circuit board. THT is also applicable in some cases based on the consumer’s demand.
Manual or through-hole soldering is applicable for the lead-free soldering stage.
It is essential to maintain lead-free features irrespective of component mounting or soldering process.
In this step, circuit boards go through a reflow oven process. Here, a high temperature is applied to heat the solder paste. After cooling at room temperature, the melted solder paste becomes solid, making the component placement reliable.
- Final Inspection
After successfully completing the reflow oven process, it is required to test circuit board design, solder joints, component placement, etc. Visual and automated inspections are reliable to check a lead-free PCB.
A function test is important before packaging the circuit board. It shows the real-time performance of this PCB.
How Do You Compare Between Lead And Lead-Free PCB Soldering?
There are significant differences between Lead and Lead-free PCB soldering. Such as
- Lead-free circuit boards are ecologically more effective than PCBs containing Lead.
- Pb-free laminates have a higher melting point compared to Lead-based soldering.
- The thermal features like Tg, Td, CTE, etc are worthwhile in Lead-free technology. But, Pb-Sn alloy is not suitable for high temperatures.
- Lead-free processing ensures more mechanical and electrical stability in electronic applications.
- The operational cost of a Pb-free circuit board is a little bit high.
Lead VS Lead-Free soldering In PCB
Watch this video to know more about their differences:
Which Factors Are Important In Lead-Free PCB Soldering?
The following factors are important in Lead-free PCB soldering.
Soldering Temperature
Lead-free assembly incorporates more Sn metal compared to Lead-based PCB assembly. The excessive presence of Tin increases the melting cost. That’s why you need to control the use of Sn content to ensure proper soldering temperature.
Preheating Cycle
Preheating cycle is vital for its relation to the thermal features of printed circuit boards. You should determine the preheat cycle concerning the heating rate and component’s tolerance.
Tin Whisker
Tin whisker is the result of using Sn in PCB manufacturing. As there is no Pb, creating a perfect alloy of Sn-Ag or other non-toxic metals is required to avoid the tin whisker effect.
Vibration
Lead-free PCB soldering hampers due to extreme vibrations. So, vibration control is essential to reduce soldering defects.
Lead-Free soldering In Printed Circuit Board
What Are The Lead-Free Surface Finishes Used In PCB Manufacturing?
Different lead-free surface finishes are used in PCB manufacturing. These surface coating methods offer superior protection to the PCB surface and maintain eco-friendly characteristics. Some significant lead -ree surface finishes include-
Lead-Free HASL
HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling) is an effective surface finish for lead-free technology. It makes a balance between your budget and the product’s efficiency. Lead-free HASL is more applicable in the electronic world than traditional HASL.
You can customize the surface finish process concerning your PCB features.
Lead-Free ENIG
Lead-free ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) ensures excellent durability in electronic applications. That’s why ENIG PCBs that support lead-free technology have a long shelf life.
Again, ENIG surface finish effectively keeps electrical and mechanical features intact in vulnerable situations; It keeps the circuit board oxidation-free to a great extent. So, lead-free components remain operative and mechanically stable over an extended period.
Lead-Free Immersion Tin
Lead-free Immersion tin surface coating ensures reliable metallic protection in high-volume PCBs. It also supports variable copper thicknesses. Besides, low processing costs make this metallic coating preferable to manufacturers and consumers in many electronic projects.
Lead-Free OSP
OSP (Organic Solderability Preservative) deals with organic compounds suitable for lead-free electronics. This surface finish offers more eco-friendly properties compared to conventional processes.
Besides, it supports the reworking of circuit boards without hampering effectiveness and lead-free features.
Lead-Free Immersion Silver
Lead-free Im-Ag surface finish is becoming popular in the electronic world due to its cost-effective performance. It is compatible with multiple reflow soldering processes with excellent reliability. Compared to the traditional HASL finish, it ensures better protection for lead-free components.
Lead-Free PCB HASL Surface Finish
What Changes Does The Lead-Free Technology Bring In PCB Laminates?
Lead-free technology brings a significant change to the characteristics of the PCB laminate. Lead-free laminates contain resin materials. The resin mechanism develops a circuit board’s thermal properties, like decomposition temperature, transition temperature, etc.
Usually, lead-free assembly demands a high temperature to deliver the optimum output. Resin materials are effective for improving the temperature resistance of PCB. So, lead-free circuit boards become compatible with high thermal pressures.
Besides, resin increases the decomposition temperature (Td) of lead-free laminates to a large extent. Their average decomposition temperature is around 364⁰C. That means these PCB laminates are tolerant to thermal forces up to this temperature and maintain their solid structures.
Again, lead-free PCB laminates have an impressive rating in the UL-94 standard. Its rating is V-0. It means the burning stops within 10 sec, and there is no dripping during the vertical test. So, lead-free technology significantly improves the flammability of PCB laminates.
How To Choose The Right PCB For Lead-Free Processing?
Lead-free processing is worthwhile for printed circuit board manufacturing. But there are certain things to consider to ensure high-quality lead-free processing in a PCB. You have to choose the right circuit board for this purpose.
The following factors are crucial while choosing a PCB for lead-free processing.
Temperature Resistance
Lead-free PCB materials must have good temperature resistance during the lead-free assembly and reworking process. Usually, the melting point of lead-free solder is higher than lead-based solder. That’s why you need to choose a PCB that can tolerate higher temperatures.
Dielectric Bond
PCB laminates should have a solid dielectric bond to ensure successful lead-free processing. High thermal shocks often break the copper bond that hampers the PCB efficiency.
PCB laminates having a low dielectric constant are preferable to the manufacturers for this cause. Besides, the proper dielectric bond is necessary for maintaining reliability issues in a lead-free assembly.
Multilayer Stability
Ensuring sustainable stability in multilayer stack-up is another vital factor for reliable lead-free processing. Selecting a perfect circuit board for multilayer designs with stable electrical and mechanical properties is important.
Moisture Absorption Rate
The moisture acts as a silent killer in the lead-free assembly. You need to choose a PCB whose construction materials have low moisture absorption rates.
These are the crucial factors that determine whether a PCB is suitable for lead-free processing or not. We have been dealing with PCB manufacturing for quite a long time. We have a firm reputation in component sourcing and providing assembly service with superior reliability. Inquire us to experience the best PCBs for your PCB projects.
PCB With Lead-Free Processing
Which Factors Do You Need To Consider For Lead-Free PCB Solder Reflow?
Nowadays, the solders used in printed circuit boards start converting to lead-free solders from Lead/Tin solders. That’s why Lead-free solder reflow is vital to meet the green and ecological demands.
You have to consider some crucial factors for lead-free PCB solder reflow. The most notable aspects are-
Melting Point
Lead-free solders usually contain an alloy of Tin and Silver. Eutectic Sn/Ag solder offers a higher melting point, more than 220⁰C. Since the solder reflow process is related to thermal effects, you should consider the melting point properly.
Heating Rate
The flux system affects the heating rate and pre-heat cycle of the Lead-free PCB solder reflow process. Usually, the highest heating rate is 3⁰C/sec. Again, the average preheat cycles are around 80-120 secs between 150⁰C and 200⁰C.
In most cases, manufacturers keep the heating rates low. It helps maintain the demands of component volume and preheat conditions.
Cooling Rate
The cooling rate is a crucial factor that affects the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) and other thermal features. Sometimes, CTE mismatches occur between the PCB materials when the cooling process runs.
Extreme mechanical stress is harmful to solder connections in Lead-free processing. It causes mechanical stresses in circuit board laminates. That’s why you need to focus on the cooling rate to optimize Lead-free solder reflow. The highest tolerable cooling rate is 6⁰C/sec.
Reflow Temperature
Lead-free solder PCBs need to handle higher reflow temperatures during the Pb-free processing. The high melting point plays a role in this case. The average reflow temperature should be more than 240⁰C.
You need to count the thermal resistance of equipment used in reflow processing. Besides, component size and volume are essential to optimize solder reflow.
It is challenging for the manufacturer to ensure standard solder reflow processing for all lead-free components. That’s why reflow temperature is a vital issue in the lead-free assembly.
Lead-Free PCB Reflow
What Are The Profiles Of The Lead-Free PCB Reflow Process?
The Lead-free reflow profile has two distinct types. They are slumping and soaking type reflow profiles. Both of these profiles have beneficial features to optimize lead-free processing.
Slumping Type Reflow Profile
Slumping reflow profiles have a Delta shape. Its average Ramp rate is 1.2⁰C/sec. The peak temperature varies from 220⁰C to 250⁰C. This type of reflow profile is supportive of simple PCB designs.
Soaking Type Reflow Profile
Soaking Reflow profile is suitable for circuit boards containing heavy components like BGA (Ball Grid array). Its shape is similar to the trapezoidal type. Its ramp rate is below 4⁰C/sec.
What Is Lead-Free PCB TG Value?
The glass transition temperature of the Lead-free PCB assembly is a vital property. It relates the thermo-mechanical features of Pb-free processing. The Lead-free PCB TG value varies concerning various factors. Such as
- Board thickness
- CTE
- TD
- Dielectric bond
Usually, 140⁰C TG value is perfect for a 50 mils thick Lead-free circuit board. TG value affects the resin mechanism of PCB. That’s why it is crucial to set the operating temperature of a Lead-free circuit board lower than its TG value.
Lead-Free PCB TG
What Is The Lead-Free Symbol Used In PCB?
Lead-free technology is compatible with RoHS compliances. It restricts the utilization of lead-based materials in PCB manufacturing. Various solder alloys meet the requirements of lead-free assembly.
When a PCB contains lead-free components, a symbol is marked on it. This symbol identifies that a circuit board is entirely free from hazardous lead elements. Usually, 0.1% presence of lead concerning the total weight is acceptable for being lead-free compliant.
There are some rules for using lead-free symbols in PCBs. As per RoHS, a lead-free identification label should be 22mm25mm. Besides, this label needs to be in a circle having a diameter of 18mm.
The color should be in contrast to each other for background and letters. Since red indicates personal hazard, RoHS recommends avoiding red in lead-free symbols.
Lead-Free Symbol
Are There any Limitations Of Lead-Free PCBs?
Lead-free technology is a modern phenomenon. It focuses on electrical features of a PCB that are harmful to ecological balance and health. In that sense, it is an outstanding addition to the electronic world.
But lead-free PCBs also have limitations regarding some technical factors. Such as
- Lead-free components lack solder joint reliability in some cases. So, these are not widely applicable in PCB projects of the military and aerospace
- Improper solder alloy creates silver whiskers, which promotes deficiency in the electronic components.
- Its quality control requires high-level attention because of its sensitivity and reliability.
You should contact an experienced PCB manufacturer to deal with these difficulties. Otherwise, your electronic devices will suffer from technical complications resulting in low-quality products.
Reliable Lead-Free Circuit Board
How Do You Choose A Reliable Manufacturer Of Lead-Free PCBs?
Choosing a reliable lead-free PCB manufacturer in China is not an easy task. You have to keep various things in mind to make a perfect choice. The most important factors that define a trusted PCB maker include-
- Strict guidelines to support green electronics.
- Adequate experience in the lead-free electronics world.
- A group of skilled engineers who are RoHS-compliant.
- Sufficiency in PCB materials that support lead-free technology.
- Affordable prices for lead-free products.
- Effectiveness in delivering custom solutions for different lead-free soldering.
- Well-structured factory facility with necessary testing equipment.
We have been manufacturing various circuit boards for quite a long term. Now, we ensure strict maintenance of guidelines required for lead-free technology.
Manufacturing Of Lead-Free Printed Circuit Boards
Conclusion
Lead-free PCB is suitable for maintaining ecological effectiveness in different electronics applications. This circuit board offers a perfect balance between efficiency and affordability in modern-day electronics.
PCBMay is a trustworthy partner to help you adapt to the challenges of RoHS and other environmental issues. We hope you will get a clear idea about the ins and outs of a lead-free printed circuit board. Contact us to get high-class circuit boards that offer lead-free compatibility.