Steve McQuality
Quality Engineer
I searched the forums and didn't find an answer to this question. I'm looking for a way to do an initial calculation of the lead (Pb) content in our devices on paper before we go out and begin costly testing.
We manufacture Medical Devices. I know that these are currently exempt, but we have a customer who is asking for our current status. We have Pb in our PZT ceramic (specifically exempt) and Pb in our Sn/Pb solder joints. I'd like to try calculating the Pb weight in our solder connections. I'm thinking this might not be too difficult.
I know that we have 1-oz. copper (35.4 um thick) and I know width and length of the plated portion of our flex circuit. I know our desired nominal plating thickness of Sn/Pb in micro-inches. Can I use this data to calculate a theoretical nominal Pb weight using the volume (LxWxH) of the connection and molecular weights? My thought would be to figure how much Pb is in the flex circuit and then compare the calculation to the actual weight of the device to find the overall (calculated) Pb percentage by weight.
Can anyone direct me on how to perform this calculation? My college chemistry classes are merely a distant memory at this stage of the game!
Thanks -Steve
We manufacture Medical Devices. I know that these are currently exempt, but we have a customer who is asking for our current status. We have Pb in our PZT ceramic (specifically exempt) and Pb in our Sn/Pb solder joints. I'd like to try calculating the Pb weight in our solder connections. I'm thinking this might not be too difficult.
I know that we have 1-oz. copper (35.4 um thick) and I know width and length of the plated portion of our flex circuit. I know our desired nominal plating thickness of Sn/Pb in micro-inches. Can I use this data to calculate a theoretical nominal Pb weight using the volume (LxWxH) of the connection and molecular weights? My thought would be to figure how much Pb is in the flex circuit and then compare the calculation to the actual weight of the device to find the overall (calculated) Pb percentage by weight.
Can anyone direct me on how to perform this calculation? My college chemistry classes are merely a distant memory at this stage of the game!
Thanks -Steve