Just curious, why does 60/40 solder even exist when there is 63/37? I mean, 60/40 is so close to eutectic, why not just go all the way? Not only that, 60/40 seems to be more popular...why?
I think that 60/40 solder came first, before they found out that 63/37 is better.
Maybe in the beginning of solder they couldn't control the percentage very well.
I was under the impression that it's a world wide directive?, certainly almost anything electronic (TV, VCR, DVD etc.) that's modern will use lead-free solder, as will all the components inside.
Try looking for the 'RoHS' labelling on components?.
ROHS 2006 is not a worldwide directive; It is an arrogant European conceit. The effect is worldwide for companies that want to sell their products in Europe. Rather than maintain separate inventories most companies have decided to make compliant products.
There are two exceptions that I'm aware of. Companies that could care less about selling products in Europe and the US Department of Defense. They apparently don't want the reliability headaches of non-lead solder and lead free manufacturing especially in microwave components. Tin whiskers are a bear at UHF.
ROHS 2006 is not a worldwide directive; It is an arrogant European conceit. The effect is worldwide for companies that want to sell their products in Europe. Rather than maintain separate inventories most companies have decided to make compliant products.
I don't mind leaded solder for hobbyists (I assume there are less electronics hobbyists than consumers so they junk less stuff and junk it less often). Nor do I mind it for high reliability things like military or aerospace. I do think that it should apply to regular consumer electronics that are bought by the masses and get junked very often...everywhere. I mean, wasn't that the whole point of ROHS? Mass consumer electronics being thrown in the landfill because they were getting outdated so quickly?
Solder only though. I think PCB traces and component leads should be lead-free.