EVI Audio Takes a Leading Role

Dec 6, 2005 5:40 PM

A full six months before the coming into force of the new legislation, EVI Audio is already employing lead-free soldering techniques.

On Jan 27, 2003, the European Union published Directive 2002/95/EC "on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment" (RoHS), which requires that producers of electrical equipment find substitutes for the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavelent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl compounds (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The directive will come into force July 1, 2006.

EVI Audio was swift to respond to the Brussels directive. Within months, a study group (RoHS/Lead-Free) composed of representatives from the manufacturing, development, purchasing, and process engineering departments had been established within the company to look into alternatives to the prohibited substances. Representatives attended seminars at the Fraunhofer Institute devoted to the subject as well as engaging in a far-reaching exchange of experience and ideas with electronic companies such as Zollner and KSG.

As a result of its efforts, by Jan. 1, 2006—fully six months before the coming into force of the directive—EVI Audio will have converted its production entirely to lead-free soldering; and in fact, the switch to water-based welding flux was implemented back in August 2005, leading to a reduction of 8,800lbs. (4,000kg) annually in the use of solvents.

Study Group RoHS/Lead-Free was founded in mid-2003, comprising (from left to right): Robert Miedl, Hubert Schollerer, Roland Kurz, Johann Bienek, Franz Lang, Arthur Pichl, Werner Wendler, Helmut Gerhard, Florian Zankl, and Wolfgang Reckholder.

Many Steps, a Single Goal: RoHS/Lead-Free

Among other measures taken by the company to ensure compliance with the RoHS directive were:

The labeling of all incoming components since Jan. 15, 2005 (RoHS-compliant, lead-free/non-compliant)
The inventorizing and registration of all components (RoHS-compliant, lead-free/non-compliant)
The addressing of circulars to all suppliers (requiring clarification on the issue of RoHS conformity) and the establishment of a database
The comprehensive testing of lead-free solders (to see how these react to temperature changes, vibration, sustained use etc.).

Members of the study group were gratified to learn recently that Howard Sewell, Telex's Global Project Manager for Environmental Compliance, had categorized EVI Audio's production methods as "very good" from the standpoint of environmental impact.

For more information, visit www.telex.com.