A lead-free solder alloy of tin, silver and copper that is easy to use, strong and heat-resistant has reportedly been developed by the Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory, Ames, Iowa. The solder was developed partially in response to the environmental hazard caused by lead, but has other advantages including better resistance in high-heat conditions, such as under the hood of a car.
"It's going to be a more reliable solder than leaded solders, especially tin-lead solder," says Iver Anderson, leader of the team that developed the alloy. Primary applications are expected to be in electronic circuit boards for sensors and automotive engine control computers.
Multicore Solders, a European-based company with a major manufacturing plant in Texas, has signed a licensing agreement to manufacture and sell the solder.
For more information: Iver Anderson, Ames Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3020; tel: 515/294-1856.
Published: March 1998
Related materials:
Lead-free solder goes
international
Ames Laboratory signs
international licensing agreement on lead-free solder
Last revision: 4/17/98 sd