Mr. Lou-Moeller’s Lead-free and RoHS update was quite extensive and included the following:
- A listing of products that were outside of the RoHS scope - some examples of which are military applications, space applications, transportation applications, and certain medical applications. (a complete list is widely available by internet search)
- A discussion of the European/Japanese Electronics Industry’s “Umbrella Project” that presents supportive input to the RoHS Committee on hazardous material containing products. The Umbrella Project was initiated in 2013.
- Mr. Lou-Moeller also presented data on PZT materials compared to a variety of lead-free materials and commented of the advantages and disadvantages of these materials.
The current status of Exemption 7c remains in flux. It has been confirmed through Mr. Lou-Moeller that the formal recommendation to the European Commission has been to EXTEND the 7c exemption. At this time, there is no reason to believe this recommendation will not be adopted, however it has not formally been announced that the exemption carries on.
Reference: Some content for this report was presented at the Ultrasonic Industry Association (UIA) Virtual Collaboration Webinar by Rasmus Lou Moller of Meggitt A/S. The UIA continues to monitor this development, as well as other developments impacting ultrasonic industries. Visit www.ultrasonics.org for more information regarding the UIA.
