Entertron
RoHS Initiative
In
accordance with the European Union initiative for
the reduction / elimination of lead and other
hazardous materials, Entertron has addressed this
issue and is currently in the process of
implementing procedures required for producing a
RoHS compliant product.
What
is RoHS?
The
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
directive - 2002/95/EC was adopted on January 27,
2003 with the intent to protect human health and
preserve the environment, by limiting the use of
dangerous substances in certain kinds of
electrical and electronic equipment.
When
is RoHS to be completed by?
The
above directive set a date of July 1, 2006
What
does the RoHS directive state?
RoHS
calls for the elimination of the following
substances from certain kinds of electrical and
electronic equipment sold in Europe after July 1,
2006. These materials are:
RoHS
does not apply to the following types of
products:
Medical
Devices
Monitoring
and control instruments to be used in
electrical installations for power
distribution and / or large scale
stationary industrial tools / equipment
(including programmable logic
controllers, variable speed drives,
contactors, switchgear, etc...)
Large
scale stationary industrial equipment are
machines or systems consisting of a combination
of components or finished products that are used
for industrial applications only.
What
is Entertron's plan for implementation?
Even
though our type of product is not affected by the
RoHS directive, Entertron is still progressing
towards compliance. At present, there are three
specific areas that were identified and therefore
being addressed (or have already been addressed)
Printed
circuit boards to be converted from tin
lead plating to gold plating (complete)
Conversion
from lead ICs, capacitors and resistors
to non lead components . Our conversion
is dependent on the component
manufacturers. Many have already
converted their manufacturing facilities,
while several are waiting for current
stock levels to be depleted, before
implementing their transition from lead
to lead free. Some of our lead free
components won't be available until Q2 of
2007. (approximately 60% complete as of
December 6th, 2006)
Conversion
of manufacturing process whereby a lead
free solder machine and process is
implemented. To date we have sourced the
equipment but will not purchase it until
phase two is complete.
There
will be no new part numbers or end of life
transition. Once we have converted the above, all
Entertron embedded programmable logic controllers
will be lead free.
Our
plan of action is in place. It is merely a matter
of time until we have fully implemented a lead
free process.
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