Leading the way for over 40 years
A reliable name in PCB manufacturing and assembly services, Mer-Mar Electronics is California-based lead free PCB manufacturer supplying high-quality lead-free printed circuit boards and electronic assemblies for over 40 years. With our state-of-the-art equipment and highly qualified and experienced team, we offer products that are significantly ahead of the curve.
Our strength lies in anticipating and adapting to technological and environmental changes to offer best-in-class products. This is the exact reason why we are the go-to solution when it comes to offering lead free PCB Assembly. Known to be environment friendly on account of its zero-lead emission along with its decreased Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), these PCBs go a long way in reducing e-waste and offering environmental sustainability.
At Mer-Mar Electronics, we have a huge body of expertise not only in lead-free assembly but also in providing RoHS-compliant PCB Assembly services. Our experienced team has rich expertise in every aspect of the process – be it solder alloy selection, solder paste evaluation, wave solder flux evaluation, process optimization, design rules, components evaluation, quality inspection and more- little surprise then that we are the go-to place for all your lead-free PCB needs. Whether you need prototype quantities or large production runs, at Mer-Mar Electronics, we are well-poised to meet your requirements.
Certifications
Reasons to partner with Mer-Mar Electronics for
your lead-free PCB assembly requirements
Matchless Expertise
At Mer-Mar Electronics, we have been working actively to facilitate the industry-wide transition to lead-free products. A dedicated lead-free line for assembly along with our highly experienced personnel, make us well-poised to cater to your bespoke needs.
Compliance with RoHS standards
Mer-Mar Electronics delivers high quality lead-free PCB assembly on account of the rich know-how that we bring to different aspects of the value chain. Right from a capable design team that understands lead-free design techniques to a fabrication department that is well-versed in material temperatures and specifications, to a well-defined assembly process, we leave no stone unturned in offering products that meet stringent lead-free and RoHS PCB assembly standards.
One Stop Shop
Whether you are looking for single- and double-sided assemblies, lead free circuit board rework, lead-free selective soldering or any other aspect, we are the one stop shop for all your requirements.
Quick turn lead-free PCB assembly
Count on us to offer your quick turnaround times that expedite your go-to-market plan and bring a sizeable competitive advantage.
What Our Customer Says
Lead Free PCB Assembly Services
Our Lead-Free Assembly Services Include
Lead free Material Analysis
With stringent regulation of hazardous components that cannot be used in either the boards, components, or solders, material analysis acquires a major role. Our trained team is totally equipped to undertake a thorough analysis of the material to ensure that it can be used.
Lead free Assembly (SMT or THA)
We undertake a stringent assembly process, both SMT and THA, adhering to RoHS standards. With extensive inspection and testing built into the process, you can be sure of receiving a high-quality product.
Lead Free Wave Soldering
Our wave soldering lines catering to multiple sizes ensure that we can accurately solder the board for circuit board assemblies containing through-hole parts. The right temperature and stable solder wave height ensures there is no cracking, loss of conductivity or mechanical stress on the board.
Lead free Circuit board rework
Rework is an important aspect of the volume manufacturing process for lead-free PCB assembly, both during the initial transition period as well as the product lifecycle. We are equipped to take on this highly specialized work that offers reliable lead-free solder joints, with proper grain structures and intermetallic formation. All rework performed uses the same lead-free solder alloy as originally used on the solder joint.
Lead Free PCB Assembly Process
To ensure that the PCB assembly is lead free, it is important that due attention be paid to several aspects including but not limited to ensuring that none of the hazardous materials listed in the RoHS directive are used either in the boards, components or solders. It is also important that the finish on the board be compliant with lead-free and RoHS standards. Since the boards are required to be assembled at high temperatures, the various components need to be able to withstand these high temperatures. The overall lead-free PCB Assembly process involves the following steps:
1. Profiling
Oven reflows temperature profiling demands that an additional lead-free PCB along with an extra set of temperature critical parts such as BGAs, heat slug parts etc. be provided. Mechanical Samples also work well for this purpose.
2. Inspection
With our inspection staff trained to IPC-610D standards, we ensure that the solder joints are of high quality.
3. Bill-of-Materials and Component Analysis
While the customer needs to verify the bill-of-materials to ensure the suitability for lead-free parts, we offer a detailed consultation to ensure that the components meet the requirements. In case the components received, suffer from excess moisture issues, they are baked, prior to assembly.
4. Board Stencil and Solder Paste
This process involves application of SAC305, a lead-free compatible solder paste that is widely used in SMT, Wave Solder and Wire (Hand) Soldering processes. Post the soldering process is over, a thorough visual inspection is done to make sure that the solder coverage is accurate.
5. Placement of Components
Next, a pick-and-place machine ensures that parts are accurately placed. With a unique number assigned to each part, it is ensured that the right part is being placed. Of course, it is ensured that all components on the board are lead-free process compatible and can withstand high temperature.
6. Through Hole and Manual Solder
We are well equipped to perform Through Hole and Hand / Wire soldering of lead-free boards.
7. Placing Board in the Reflow Oven
As a final step, the board is placed in the reflow oven where the solder paste enables the component and the circuit board to form a bond. The thermal profiling is done keeping in mind the following characteristics:
- Thickness of board
- Board Finish
- Board Size
- Layer Count
8. Testing
A visual inspection ensures that any manufacturing defects are brought to light. The use of IPC 610D soldering acceptability standard ensures that testing is robust.
9. Packaging
The assembled boards are then packed for shipment.
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Lead Free PCB Assembly Laminates
Our lead-free PCBs are built from UL approved laminates that are designed to withstand high temperature as also the duration of the assembly cycle. Here are some of the commonly used laminates in our lead-free PCB assembly process:
- 370HR
- 370 TURBO
- FR 406
- FR 408
- G200
- GETEK
- GI-180
- IS410
- IS415
- IS420
- IS620
- IS680
- P95
- P96
- P26
- P26N
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Lead Free Finishes
You can count on us to offer PCBs with various lead-free finishes:
- Gold Finish – Electrolytic, electroless or immersion
- ENIG- This prevents oxidation as well as increases shelf life.
- Hard Gold- Is used for gold Fingers. Known to prevent oxidation and increase shelf life.
- Soft Gold- Used for wire bonding and to increase shelf life and prevent oxidation
- Immersion Silver- Used for solderability
- Lead Free Solder- Used for solderability when flatness of pad isn’t critical
- OSP- Used for solderability when flatness of pad is critical
- White Tin (Immersion Tin)- Used for solderability when flatness of pad is critical
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Lead Free PCB Assembly Capabilities
At Mer-Mar Electronics we offer comprehensive lead-free PCB assembly services. Our capabilities include:
- Lead-Free Materials Analysis
- SMT and PTH Lead Free Board Assembly
- Lead-Free Rigid or Flexible Circuits
- Lead Free Wave Soldering
- Lead Free Circuit Board Rework
- Lead Free Encapsulation and Conformal Coating
- Wave Solder Flux Evaluation and Component Evaluation
In compliance with the RoHS directive, our boards do not contain:
- Cadmium and its compounds
- Hexavalent chromium compounds
- Lead and its compounds
- Mercury and its compounds
- PBB (Polybrominated biphenyl) compounds
- PCDE (Polybrominated dephenyl ether) compounds
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Industrial Applications of Lead-Free PCB Assembly
We have strong in-house capabilities who have vast experience working with diverse industries and meeting their bespoke lead-free PCB assembly requirements. Some of the industries we’ve worked with are
- Aerospace
- Medical
- Electronics
- Telecommunications
- Industrial equipment
- Defense
- Energy
Lead Free PCB Assembly FAQs
Looking for lead-free assembly, RoHS compliant PCB assemblies or custom lead-free printed circuit board assemblies from Mer-mar Electronics? Send us inquiry to Get a Quick PCB Assembly Quote based on your custom requirements.
If you have any queries regarding to our lead-free PCB assembly service or need an urgent assistance, then please don’t hesitate to contact our team of skilled personnel. Send us an email with your queries at sales@mermarinc.com or call us at (760) 244-6149. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
