Apptech wrote:
>> After some rather worrisome reports from NASA, we have 
>> decided  as a
>> company to NOT
>> use lead-free solder and fluxes on my clients' products. 
>> We haven't
>> regretted it, either.
>>     
>
> Non -ROHS compliant is not an option is some cases - such as 
> when selling in Europe.
>
> At the risk of over generalising I'll suggest that ROHS is 
> largely not a vast issue for devices with "normal" 
> clearances dimensions and sizes. Issues such as 
> solderability and inspection / testing need to be relearned 
> at any scale of construction. But it's when you get down to 
> sub sub mm pad clearances and say 0402 type component sizes 
> that things start to matter.
>
> Also, products with much longer than usual design lifetimes 
> are liable to be at risk at almost any construction 
> dimensions.
>
> Tin whisker growth can become a crippling issue in such 
> cases.
>
>
>
>         Russell
>
>   
Our case is that we design safety equipment used by power companies, 
mostly US and
Canada. Our equipment really, really MUST be able to operate properly 
ALL the
time. Tin whiskers are just something else to worry about. Our equipment 
is used to
shut down and/or service overloaded breakers (8,000-10,000 AMPS at 
moderate voltages).

A "hazmat" suit is not normally required to be worn when using our stuff.

--Bob A
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