Pb-Free Effect on Purchasing

An OEM purchasing agent, like you, usually experiences some level of difficulty when dealing with vendors, contract manufacturers, or EMS providers. Difficulties can range anywhere from minor misunderstandings that are easily resolved, but take time to major problematic areas that consume inordinate time and money, and worst of all, trigger late product shipment.

Now, as you’re probably aware, there’s the European Union (EU) Restriction of certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, and Pb-free (lead-free) requirements to deal with. Unfortunately, these requirements don’t make your life any easier, but rather pose a completely new set of different issues for you as a buyer of outsourced PCB products.

The good news is there are ample answers and guidelines for you to follow to avoid being overwhelmed and to help you select the most efficient route toward best price and product. In short, the best of all worlds is for you to have push-button solutions to Pb-free related issues. However, along the way, you must be aware of caveat emptors to avoid falling into costly and time-consuming problem areas stemming from misleading or ambiguous information floating around in the industry.