Joint Government and Industry Executive Forum for Lead-Free Electronics

The Aerospace Industries Association sponsored a Joint Government and Industry Executive Forum for Lead-Free Electronics to examine the issues underlying implementation of these materials.  The participants concluded a clear roadmap with discrete milestones, funding to accomplish these efforts, and dedicated government leadership are key for the Aerospace and Defense industry to successfully manage its transition to Pb-free electronics. The commercial electronics industry has transitioned from tin-lead to Pb-free electronics.  Many of the foundational commercial material standards used for Pb-free electronics are inadequate when applied to Aerospace and Defense products.  Therefore, a widening technology gap between the commercial and defense industries has emerged.  Investment is needed to bridge this gap, so military systems can preserve access to affordable commercial technology, while continuing to provide the requisite performance and reliability.  The forum concluded a nationally coordinated approach is the most effective way to resolve this situation. Reference Link: Joint Government and Industry Executive Forum for Lead Pb -Free Electronics (http://www.aia-aerospace.org/research_reports/joint_government_and_industry_executive_forum_for_lead_pb-free_electronics/)