Intelligent Manufacturing Systems - Next Generation Environment-Friendly Soldering Technology
First called for by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "intelligent manufacturing systems" (IMS) are the fruits of collaborative research by industry, academia, and government. As one project concerning IMS, "environment-friendly soldering technology" (EFSOT) aims to create lead-free electrical and electronic equipment that has extremely low impact on the environment. This research project has been promoted under four themes: soldering technology; biological impact; environment and sustainability; and recycling and re-use. On completion of the project in September 2005, five final recommendations—such as "Research targeting applications of low-melting-point solders like the tin-zinc-system kind as a prospective lead-free solder ought to be speeded up."—were made.
