HARTING MAKES THE SWITCH TO LEAD-FREE CONNECTORS

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HARTING MAKES THE SWITCH TO LEAD-FREE CONNECTORS
19 May 2005 - Harting

Harting has introduced lead-free (Pb-free) versions of all its electronics connector families, incorporating optimised surface finishes for solder, crimp, wire-wrap, IDC and press-fit products. The company plans to deliver 90% of its electronics connectors in lead-free form by August 2005, with the remaining 10% being completed by the 1st January 2006: well ahead of the European RoHS Directive coming into force on the 1st July 2006.

Many Harting products have been lead-free for some time, but connectors involving solder termination have traditionally relied on tin-lead coating which is prohibited under the RoHS Directive. Harting carried out exhaustive tests - both in its own laboratories and in conjunction with independent test houses - on alternative materials, before selecting pure tin with a matt surface as the optimum finish.

The use of matt tin virtually eliminates the possible formation of tin whiskers - a suspected cause of short circuits and equipment failures - which can occur with bright finishes. The material qualified and coated by Harting has shown no evidence of any visible whisker formation.

Connectors based on this matt tin finish are suitable for use in modern high-temperature lead-free reflow soldering processes, where temperatures between 240°C and 270°C can be encountered.

For connectors using solder-free connection techniques, Harting has dispensed with the use of pure tin completely because of its susceptibility to deformation caused by mechanical stresses. For press-fit, wire-wrap and crimp terminations, a nickel finish is used, while for insulation-displacement connectors the choice is either nickel or gold.

All product versions are fully upward and downward compatible, and all type numbers will remain the same.

http://www.harting.com

About: Harting
The HARTING Technology Group is skilled in the fields of electrical, electronic and optical connection, transmission and networking, as well as in manufacturing, mechatronics and software creation. The Group uses these skills to develop customized solutions and products such as connectors for energy and data transmission applications including, for example, mechanical engineering, rail technology, wind energy plants, factory automation and the telecommunications sector.

In addition, HARTING also produces electronic components for the automobile industry and leads the market in the field of electronic shop and service systems, such as vending machines for cigarettes and prepaid phone cards and the associated management of supplies.

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