RoHS / lead-free — EVI Audio takes a leading role

On the 27th January 2003, the European Union published Directive 2002/95/EC "on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment" (RoHS), which requires that producers of electrical equipment find substitutes for the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavelent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl compounds (PBBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The Directive will come into force on the 1st July 2006.

EVI Audio was swift to respond to the Brussels directive. Within months, a study group (RoHS/lead-free) composed of representatives from the Manufacturing, Development, Purchasing and Process Engineering departments had been established within the company to look into alternatives to the prohibited substances; and representatives attended seminars at the Fraunhofer Institute devoted to the subject as well as engaging in a far-reaching exchange of experience and ideas with electronic companies such as Zollner and KSG.

As a result of their efforts, by January 1st 2006 — fully six months before the coming into force of the directive — EVI Audio will have converted its production entirely to lead-free soldering; and in fact, the switch to water-based welding flux was implemented back in August 2005, leading to a reduction of 4,000 kilos annually in the use of solvents.

Many steps — a single goal: RoHS/lead-free
Among other measures taken by the company to ensure compliance with the RoHS directive were:

- the labelling of all incoming components since 15th January 2005 (RoHS compliant, lead-free / non-compliant)

- the inventorizing and registration of all components (RoHS compliant, lead-free / non-compliant)

- the addressing of circulars to all suppliers (requiring clarification on the issue of RoHS conformity) and the establishment of a database

- the comprehensive testing of lead-free solders (to see how these react to temperature changes, vibration, sustained use etc.)

Members of the study group were gratified to learn recently that Howard Sewell, TELEX's Global Project Manager for Environmental Compliance, had categorized EVI Audio's production methods as 'very good' from the standpoint of environmental impact.


A tradition of environmental awareness
EVI Audio has a long tradition of environmental awareness in its production methods. Already in the early Nineties, for the degreasing of lead components the company switched from solvent-oriented to water-based processes, which are far less harmful to the environment. The use for several years now of synthetic materials for a large part of its enclosure production is another example — no discharge of solvents and residues harmless enough to be disposed of as household waste. A further giant step was taken in 2004 with the installation of a perfectly adapted filter plant at the Hohenwarth production facility, as a result of which the factory's exhaust air is now rated 'dust-free'.


GM, 24. 11. 2005


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Further details for the press:
EVI Audio
Hirschberger Ring 45
94315 Straubing
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)9421/706-0
Fax: +49 (0)9421/706-315
Email: press@de.telex.com

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