Conversion to be Lead Free

Conversion of Glass Plants to Lead Free Processing
Many of the world’s automotive glass plants are converting to a lead free environment using Antaya Technologies connectors and terminals made with Indium solder.

Frequently asked questions are answered here.

1. Alloy composition
   1. Antaya Technologies has five patent-pending lead-free solder alloys in production which have been extensively tested against a wide range of testing standards. In general terms, the alloys with the highest concentration of Indium have been developed for the most sensitive glass and are proven to withstand the most extreme conditions. Because of the cost of Indium, the piece price varies considerably according to which alloy is selected by the customer.
   2. OEMs have widely varying testing parameters and not all alloys will necessarily pass all tests. However it should be noted that Antaya has alloys that have SUCCESSFULLY PASSED ALL OEM TESTING STANDARDS IN EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES.
2. Alloy Optimization procedure
   1. Customers wishing to move quickly or wishing to use the best performing alloy irrespective of cost can immediately use the “13-03 alloy”. The 13-03 alloy outperforms its leaded equivalent in thermal cycling and humidity tests and enjoys substantial manufacturing advantages on sensitive glass owing to its lower melting point.
   2. Customers wishing to use the optimum (lowest cost) alloy should follow the alloy optimization procedures.
      1. The customer should provide Antaya with program specific sample glass, preferably actual backlights.
      2. The customer should provide Antaya with the testing parameters that must be met e.g. Thermal cycle temperatures, pull tests strengths and any specific conditions to which the glass is to be subjected.
      3. After receiving a purchase order to cover testing costs, Antaya will arrange for independent testing and present, confidentially, to the customer the results of the tests, the recommended alloy and the optimum soldering parameters.
3. Semi Automated Process Soldering Equipment
   1. Customers using Antaya Process Soldering equipment (Q Box) technology will be able to continue to use the existing equipment. All Q Box models can be adjusted to reflect the lower melting points of Indium alloys. Watt second parameters vary and are easily optimized.
   2. Prior to SOP, Antaya engineers will visit the customer’s plant and make the necessary changes to ensure a smooth transition to lead-free processing.
4. Per piece price
   1. The per piece price will be determined according to the specified alloy which in turn is a function of the performance requirements of the customer and the OEM.
   2. It should be expected that the cost will be at least double that of a leaded connector and is subject to commodity price fluctuation.

For further information, contact your local sales engineer or Stephen Antaya at stephena@antaya.com