Improving Global Quality of Life
Improving Global Quality of Life
Improving Global Quality of Life
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9 Needs and challenges <strong>of</strong> major industry sectors for future applications<br />
The opportunities for welding in this field are growing due to the increasing number <strong>of</strong> devices being<br />
manufactured, the growing complexity <strong>of</strong> the systems, their application in harsher environments and<br />
environmental legislation. Benefits <strong>of</strong> welding include:<br />
Low thermal impact.<br />
High temperature capability joints and high welding speeds.<br />
Very small weld pr<strong>of</strong>ile/footprint capabilities.<br />
Relatively lower energy consumption and lower electrical resistance joints.<br />
Replacement <strong>of</strong> lead based solders on lead-frames and electrical terminations (e.g. motors).<br />
Replacement <strong>of</strong> adhesives and mechanical fasteners on polymer and metal enclosures – easier to<br />
recycle and reuse polymer at product end-<strong>of</strong>-life.<br />
The challenges are primarily concerned with the miniaturisation <strong>of</strong> the welding<br />
processes (including jigging and fixturing) adapting processes to suit very thin<br />
and film materials and persuading “customers” to change from “tried-and-trusted<br />
processes” and design products for welding.<br />
Furthermore, the following are some <strong>of</strong> the trends that affect materials joining for<br />
the electronics market.<br />
Micr<strong>of</strong>riction stir<br />
welding 0.5 mm thick<br />
Al sheet<br />
The disposable electronics market is expected to grow to $26.2 billion by<br />
2015 [Dunn]. Applications such as smart cards, security, packaging, displays, and toys are expected to lead<br />
the printed electronics arena. In 2015, RFID tags are expected to partly replace barcodes and generate<br />
$12.4 billion in revenue. E-paper technology is predicted to grow to $1.6 billion in 2015 as point-<strong>of</strong>-purchase<br />
displays become popular. In general, future electronics will involve:<br />
Increased integration with mechanical, optical and biological type systems (e.g. more complex<br />
materials joining and packaging technology).<br />
Reduction in the use <strong>of</strong> mineral resources and assembly processes with high environmental impact.<br />
The further development <strong>of</strong> lower energy consumption devices and systems that can reduce energy<br />
use in external equipment/plant.<br />
9.14.1 Hot topics<br />
Environmentally friendly materials: One <strong>of</strong> the most significant trends in the electronic device<br />
market is the transition to lead-free components. The European Union’s Restriction <strong>of</strong> Hazardous<br />
Materials (RoHS) went into effect July 1, 2006, and the electronics industry is now moving to<br />
products that are free <strong>of</strong> hazardous materials. Manufacturers are struggling with the risk <strong>of</strong> being<br />
out <strong>of</strong> compliance with lead-free laws and creating products that are more likely to fail due to the<br />
absence <strong>of</strong> the hazardous materials that help stabilise the parts. This trend has spurred interest in<br />
developing advanced solder alloys to assist manufacturers during this transition phase worldwide.<br />
Miniaturisation and cost control: The trends <strong>of</strong> miniaturisation and outsourcing manufacturing<br />
are relevant for the electronics device market. Miniaturisation <strong>of</strong> electronic devices is being driven<br />
by the portability needs <strong>of</strong> consumers in today’s global environments and marketplaces. Contract<br />
manufacturing <strong>of</strong> electronic devices is also being driven by cost-control and core competence issues<br />
similar to those in the medical devices market.<br />
Through Optimum Use and Innovation <strong>of</strong> Welding and Joining Technologies<br />
<strong>Improving</strong> <strong>Global</strong> <strong>Quality</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Life</strong><br />
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