When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
The Green Electronics in Aeronautic and Military Communication Systems LIFE project focused on lead-free assembly of electronic equipment for the aeronautical and military sectors.
Lead soldering has long been a key element in the assembly of electronics equipment. However, the presence of lead makes it difficult to recycle. The transition to lead-free assembly has improved the environmental impact of manufacturing, using and recycling electronic products
Use of lead was banned in most consumer electronics in July 2006, under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directives. These EU Directives have had a particular impact on electronic equipment in the aeronautical and military sectors. While lead-free solutions have been found for consumer electronics, these do not meet the specific needs of the aeronautic and defence industries.
These sectors require reliable, secure and maintainable electronics, which perform well under harsh environmental conditions. The Green Electronics in Aeronautic and Military Communication Systems (GEAMCOS) LIFE project set out to develop both an assembly process for current electronic equipment with lead-free soldering, and a fully lead-free assembly process.
GEAMCOS had a total budget of €3.3 million – €1.5 million in LIFE funding. It was led by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), in partnership with Airbus, ACTIA and Tech CI.
The project found no major difficulties in terms of reliability and compatibility when assembling leaded components with lead-free solder. Test boards were also assembled with a lead-free process – using a tin, silver and copper alloy – and tested to see how the components would cope in harsh environments.
No major issues were encountered when manufacturing the test boards, which all performed well in humidity, thermal cycling and vibration tests. A functioning demonstrator was then constructed using a lead-free process. This lead-free demonstrator met the qualification needs for such a product.
The project concluded that the lead-free assembly of electronic circuits was as reliable as existing lead-based processes. To this end, the organisers expect lead-free assemblies to be used in the aeronautical and military sectors in the future. Through the project, generic guidelines for manufacturers who wish to implement lead-free processes were written.
Since the completion of GEAMCOS in February 2009, many of the EADS company’s products are now assembled using lead-free processes. And project partner Airbus is using some new lead-free electronics boards in its A350 aircraft.
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