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RoHS compliant lead-free alloys

Lead-free solder alloys: a selection guide

SAC305, SAC0307, SAC405, Sn-Cu and 99SnCuNiGe (SN100C equivalent) in bars, wires and pastes

Lead-free alloys are solder alloys without lead, mandatory for electronic equipment subject to the RoHS directive. Dickmann supplies them in bars, wires and pastes: SAC305, low-silver SAC0307, high-silver SAC405, and silver-free Sn99.3Cu0.7 and 99SnCuNiGe (SN100C equivalent). The choice depends on the process and on cost. Our lead-free alloys are essential for consumer electronics, automotive and industrial applications. Discover also our SAC305 alloys and our quality certifications.

Why Choose RoHS Compliant Lead-Free Alloys

Environmental and regulatory advantages of lead-free alloys for sustainable soldering

RoHS Compliance
Lead content below the 0.1 % required by the RoHS directive 2011/65/EU, with RoHS and REACH declarations for every supply.
An alloy for every process
SAC305 for reflow, SAC0307 and 99SnCuNiGe for wave and selective soldering, Sn99.3Cu0.7 where cost matters, SAC405 when the specification calls for more silver.
Documented quality
Bars compliant with EN ISO 9453:2020, certificate of analysis for every lot, ISO 9001:2015 certified quality system.
Bars, wires and pastes
Bars for solder pots, solid and flux-cored wire, SMD pastes: the main alloys in all production formats.
Lead-free alloys as bar, wire and paste

Lead-free alloys compared

Composition, melting and recommended process

AlloyCompositionMeltingRecommended process
SAC305Sn96.5/Ag3/Cu0.5217–220 °CSMT reflow, wave, selective, manual
SAC0307Sn99/Ag0.3/Cu0.7217–227 °CWave, selective, HASL
SAC405Sn95.5/Ag4/Cu0.5217–219 °CHigh-reliability specifications, on request
Sn99.3Cu0.7Sn99.3/Cu0.7227 °CWave, tinning, wiring
99SnCuNiGe (SN100C equiv.)Sn/Cu0.7/Ni0.05/Ge227 °CWave, selective, HASL
Sn96.5Ag3.5Sn96.5/Ag3.5221 °CEutectic, bright joints

Lead-Free Application Sectors

Applications for sustainable, environmentally friendly soldering

Electronics

SMT, THT and mixed boards for industrial and consumer electronics subject to RoHS.

Automotive electronics

Control units, sensors and wiring, with a certificate of analysis for every lot.

PCB fabricators

Lead-free alloys for HASL pots: SAC0307, Sn99.3Cu0.7 and 99SnCuNiGe.

Industry and energy

Industrial controls, automation, inverters and renewable energy.

Lead-free alloys and tin-lead alloys: the differences

What changes in production when switching from lead to lead-free alloys

AspectLead-freeTin-leadNote
Melting temperature217–227 °C183 °C (Sn63Pb37)Lead-free alloys require higher process temperatures
WettingGood, with suitable fluxesExcellentFlux and thermal profile must be adapted
Joint appearanceMatt (SAC), bright (Sn-Cu-Ni-Ge)BrightDifferent inspection criteria
RegulationsMandatory for RoHS productsIn RoHS products only with exemptionsRoHS directive 2011/65/EU
CostDepends on silverGenerally lowerSilver-free alloys reduce the difference

In electrical and electronic equipment subject to RoHS, lead is permitted only in exempted uses: for these products the choice is among lead-free alloys, based on process and cost. Lead-containing alloys remain permitted outside the scope of RoHS, for example in vehicles (the ELV Directive, with its own exemptions) and in non-electrical uses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lead-Free Alloys

Answers to the most common questions about sustainable soldering

Yes, with some differences: they melt 34–44 °C higher, wet slightly less and give joints with a different appearance. With suitable fluxes and thermal profiles, reliable joints are obtained.

For electrical and electronic equipment subject to RoHS it is mandatory: lead is permitted only in uses exempted by the directive.

It depends on the silver. SAC305 costs more than Sn63Pb37; SAC0307 and silver-free alloys such as Sn99.3Cu0.7 and 99SnCuNiGe greatly reduce the difference.

SAC305 is the standard; SAC405 is used when the specification requires more silver. We supply a certificate of analysis for every lot and RoHS and REACH declarations.

We support the transition with technical training, regulatory advice and assistance in selecting the most suitable alloys. A gradual transition is possible.

Certificate of analysis for every lot, RoHS and REACH declarations of conformity and safety data sheets. Dickmann operates an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality system.

SMT reflow: SAC305. Wave and selective: SAC0307 or 99SnCuNiGe to reduce cost, SAC305 if required. HASL: SAC0307, Sn99.3Cu0.7 or 99SnCuNiGe. Manual soldering: SAC305 or SAC0307 flux-cored wire.

Choose the lead-free alloy for your process

SAC305, SAC0307, Sn-Cu and 99SnCuNiGe (SN100C equivalent) · Available in Italy and Europe Discover also our related products and our no-clean fluxes.

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