RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: microstepping drivers

A CNC mill does not come under the definition of fixed machinery.

I brought this up with the authorities, when I questioned a device we sell
to keep scale from pipes. I tried to argue it becomes part of a building, it
is bolted to the wall and fixed to it's plumbing, if removed the building
will scaleup and cease to function. My argument was no accepted, I was told
my kit would be exempt since it has a control portion until Jan2008.



We also manufacture CNC kit for making surfboards. A whole building is often
made around these machines which use the body of the building for part of
the support. Surely this is a fixed installation, sadly the authorities
don't think so. But again it is exempt until Jan 2008. They did say however
if Ford builds a factory for making cars that would be exempt, personally I
don't see what the difference is. After Jan 2008 I will no longer be able to
build my surfboard machines with lead, this presents a problems since we
have large stocks of a control card which is no longer made and which
contains lead. The authorities told us that since this part was placed on
the market before the lead free directive, it can be sold as a part. So if I
build the machine, and invoice separately for this part with a separate
fitting fee, this is OK.



We also argued that lead free is not good for hand assembly which should be
exempt. Lead free is basically tin, leaded solder has a 2 degree Eutectic
point, lead free a 40 degree eutectic point, this is where the solder
solidifies. Solder forms a soft alloy. Tin crystallizes and the tin crystals
can have micro fissures that will oxidise and the joint fails. If you are a
big manufacturing plant you use SMT assembly, you can control the
temperature cooling transient and use nitrogen which seems to near stop the
micro fissure problem. Can't do this if you kit is hand assembled, but the
EU says there have been no hand PCB assemblers for 20 years.

I build products with a 20 year design life, with hand assembly I expect
lead free will drop that to 5 to 6 years, not really good for the
environment

It has forced us to redesign all our product range and buy in SMT assembly
pick n place machines, reflow ovens etc at great cost just to stay in
business. Also means several hand assemblers will no longer be required.



Take from this what you want, I hope it helps you find a loop hole you can
use.

Personally I feel, as I think you do, the Rohs is a bloody nuisance which
with WEEE won't improve the environment and may make it worse, and the EU
bods are *+-';/.* and I have told them so along with senior directors of
several really big EU companies who felt the same, two of which wound up and
made 800 people between them redundant because lead free production was not
an option and the EU refused to grant any exemption.



Regs Mark



Dr. Mark Vaughan Ph'D. B.Eng. M0VAU

Managing Director

Vaughan Industries Ltd, reg in UK no 2561068

Water Care Technology Ltd, reg in UK no 4129351

Addr Unit3, Sydney House, Blackwater, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 8HH, UK.
Phone/Fax 44 1872 561288

RSGB DRM111(Cornwall)

_____

From: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of hannu
Sent: 25 April 2007 21:35
To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: microstepping drivers



the rohs is importer and distributor (end-user) responsibility, i.e. mine.
and it does not apply to cnc mills, et al, which by their very
definition are fixed
machinery, exempt from rohs.

i agree its silly in many ways ;)
as they allow lead-acid batteries in cars but not lead solder.
the new lead-free solder is a much poorer substitute,
and the cars contaminate at least 100x all solder together.

but im still stuck without any resonable druver solution for slow speed,
under 30-50v drives.

for cnc saws i cant justify (2-3) geckos ... and the needed speed is
only about 2-4 rps.
xylotex are well known as good, reliable and well-supported, so im stuck
between the rock and the hard place.
the chinese imports cost more, and i have no expectacion of any kind of
proper tech support.
oh well ... still looking ...

jeffalanp wrote:

>
> Hi,
> Xylotex products contain lead (Pb) based solder which is a
> restricted substance in the EU. Because of the lead, Xylotex
> products are not RoHS compliant, and are restricted from being
> imported in to the EU.
>
> Not so wierd after all. The RoHS restriction is what is wierd.
>
>
>
>

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