Kingfield operate a continuous improvement programme to become a greener, paperless production facility.

Following on from our outlay on a series of dedicated production operative terminals and printers, Kingfield have decided to make additional significant capital investment and buy a Blundell CMS 400LF.

This allows Kingfield to offer continued production of leaded assemblies whilst simultaneously trialing RoHS-compliant prototypes or, for those who are ready, the immediate switch to a dedicated lead-free production line.

Trials have already been carried out on several alternative lead-free finishes and the results so far have been extremely encouraging. With a number of projects already successfully completed in Kingfield's on site production facility, our quality and purchasing departments continue to monitor any new developments among suppliers and manufacturers that could affect our own production techniques.

The Operations Director David Bailey says 'We are very proud to have invested in this brand new machine, which enables us to carry on producing high quality products that stay within the RoHS compliance. Our dual capabilities are an addition to the services we offer our new and existing customers'.

During our extensive research into lead free products, Kingfield has built on existing expertise. Development is continual but we are already able to offer:

• A full parts list scrubbing service, investigating the lead-free status of currently selected components and seeking alternative parts where necessary
• Assistance with the choice of different grades of FR4 and alternative materials to deal with the possible higher soldering temperatures and increased number of thermal cycles
• The ability to trial any combination of PCB finish and materials and solder, using both conventional and SMD assembly techniques

If you would like to know more about Kingfield Electronics and its range of turnkey contract manufacturing solutions please visit www.kingfield-electronics.co.uk.