Advanced Circuits goes lead-free on all PCB prototypes

Advanced Circuits, a source for quick-turn printed circuit boards, has announced that all prototypes will now be fabricated using lead-free solder as a plating finish. The lead-free HAL finish provides an enhanced solderable finish for assembly and meets all legislation requirements for the European Union's RoHS Directive six months ahead of the July deadline.  

"Advanced Circuits is one of a limited number of PCB manufacturers in the USA offering a complete lead-free solder alternative," said Tony Garramone, corporate training manager at Advanced Circuits. "We strive to stay ahead of the curve and provide our customers with the most current technology.  Any printed circuit board that we produce whether prototype or production is free of mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls or polybrominated diphenyl ethers."

Benefits of Advanced Circuits lead-free solder include:
-- A lead-free finish at no additional cost
-- Processing at or near temperatures used for leaded solder application
-- Flatter pad surfaces than leaded solder
-- Compatibility with lead-free solder alloys and leaded solder used in assembly

Advanced Circuits' lead-free boards are produced using a lead-free alloy of 99.3 percent tin and 0.6 percent copper with a trace of nickel (SN100CL). This solder offers an excellent alternative to more expensive lead-free finishes.

The company is also stocking a variety of higher temperature laminates for use in conjunction with the lead-free solder finishes which are designed to withstand processing temperatures between 260° and 288° C, depending on the laminate system the designer chooses.