METTOP

MicroElectronics Testing and Technology Obsolescence Program (METTOP)

Lead-Free Solder

In recent years a growing concern for lead-free solder and the European Union’s Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive for a cleaner environment have propelled industry to reevaluate surface mount technology production.

Military and aerospace industries, even though they have been exempted from the RoHS directive, are nevertheless very dependent upon commercial industry that must be RoHS compliant. Moreover, the military and aerospace industries must also meet rigorous standards to ensure performance in rugged environments.

Reliability Testing

METTOP is ideally suited for conducting research in the use of lead-free solder for electrical components and can provide a variety of reliability testing including vibration testing, mechanical shock drop testing, and environmental climate testing. Reliability testing is crucial in military and aerospace applications and especially in matters relating to Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS).

Research

As a New Mexico Tech organization, METTOP has unlimited access to the university’s many research programs and world-class research personnel. Currently, METTOP is collaborating with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, in support of their Project 1722 (Impact of Lead-free Components on Military Repair).

Information

If you would like more information on METTOP’s lead-free efforts, or are interested in using our facilities for any of your own lead-free reliability testing, please contact us.

Kenneth Bowden
METTOP Operations Manager
New Mexico Tech/METTOP
1900 Bravo Road
Socorro, NM 87801
Phone: (575) 835-6388
Fax: (575) 835-5273
Email: kbowden@emrtc.nmt.edu

Henry Jauregui
METTOP Electronics Test Engineer
New Mexico Tech/METTOP
1900 Bravo Road
Socorro, NM 87801
Phone: (575) 835-6397
Fax: (575) 835-5273
Email: abelj@emrtc.nmt.edu