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Cost-competitive NT100Ge Solder Alloy Composition and Performance Expectations Validated by Independent Test Lab; Manufacturer Offers Bar for Dross Trade-in Program
St. Louis Park, MN – Master electronics industry representative e-tronix, the exclusive North American representative for tin and alloy leader Nathan Trotter, announces that independent testing results have confirmed the composition of NT100Ge solder bar and wire products to be equivalent to that of well-known SN100C® solder. The analysis, commissioned by e-tronix and performed by respected independent test laboratory DfR Solutions, evaluated NT100Ge alongside the two most prevalent SN100C brands.
As tested, all three solders were within the SN100C alloy composition specification range for primary constituents, with the exception of germanium which, by design, exists in higher concentration in the NT100Ge alloy. The additional germanium, according to the report, should lengthen the solder pot life through reducing in-process solder oxidation and resulting in less dross formation.
“The outcome of this testing is significant, as the analysis impartially validates NT100Ge’s equivalency with the alloy composition of SN100C,” says e-tronix President, Erik Stromberg. “For SN100C users, NT100Ge offers a drop-in replacement for their current bar or wire with no requalification, preparation or solder pot rinsing required. Importantly, Nathan Trotter’s economies of scale enable supply of this premium solder at industry-best pricing to ensure no trade-off between performance expectations and cost-down objectives.”
With the expiration of Nihon Superior Sha Co., Ltd.’s patent US618055/EU985486/JP3152945 on March 15, 2019, Nathan Trotter capitalized on the opportunity to offer a comparable alloy composition more cost-competitively. Since its market introduction, NT100Ge has seen steady adoption, with manufacturers noting its solid wave soldering performance and reduced acquisition cost as important differentiators.
Scott Oestreich, Engineering Manager at EMS firm BTW Inc., says: “We’ve used SN100C for over ten years and have been very happy with its performance, but decided to evaluate NT100Ge as part of our ongoing efforts to reduce cost while maintaining quality. After multiple process validation tests, we made the switch to NT100Ge and have reduced our direct materials costs by more than 30%. Service and support from e-tronix, as well as material lead times, have exceeded our expectations.”
Sharing a similar experience, SigmaTron International Engineering VP Dennis McNamara notes NT100Ge’s drop-in simplicity and cost-effectiveness. “We used SN100C for close to 15 years,” he says. “Several months ago, however, we made the switch to NT100Ge and the performance has been identical to SN100C in all respects. What’s not identical is the cost; our solder bar expenditures have declined by close to 30%. Plus, the service, support and delivery times for NT100Ge have been exceptional.”
Like SN100C, Nathan Trotter’s NT100Ge is a lead-free alloy largely comprised of tin, with additions of nickel, copper and germanium. While cost-competitiveness is a significant advantage as compared to SN100C, the NT100Ge alloy also delivers excellent performance and process adaptability; it wets well to facilitate the formation of bright, smooth solder joints and is compatible with wave and selective soldering equipment. As previously noted, NT100Ge has been intentionally formulated with slightly more germanium than SN100C. This germanium boost maintains the alloy in the proper range for longer to preserve solder and reduce dross, and also helps eliminate the use of costly tin-germanium additives often employed for pot life extension.
“Nathan Trotter and e-tronix are so confident about NT100Ge’s performance that we are making it easy for new customers to give it a try,” explains Stromberg. “The program is simple: Send us your dross and we’ll send you the equivalent weight of NT100Ge solder bar. For current SN100C users, switching to NT100Ge will not require any requalification and has the potential to save customers a lot of money over the long term. There’s nothing to lose and only profitability to gain.”
NT100Ge is available immediately for orders and sampling. For more information about the bar for dross initiative or to obtain a copy of the alloy comparison report, call e-tronix at +1-612-803-2619, send an e-mail to sales@e-tronix.com or download the report here. NT100Ge data sheets and comparative information can be found here or by visiting www.nathantrotter.com.
About e-tronix, Inc.
e-tronix is an award-winning manufacturers’ representative for the electronics assembly industry with an experienced team of professionals delivering nearly 60 years of technical and business management know-how. Based in Minnesota, e-tronix represents a wide range of best-in-class equipment and materials suppliers and delivers solutions-oriented, consultative support to customers across North America to enable sustainable, high-yield, profitable manufacturing operations. www.e-tronix.com
About Nathan Trotter
Founded in 1789, Nathan Trotter has grown to become the largest importer of tin in North America. ISO certified since 1997, Nathan Trotter currently serves the automotive, aerospace, electronics, plating, and chemical industries globally. The company operates two primary facilities and a third recycling facility, all located in Southeastern Pennsylvania. www.nathantrotter.com
Press Contact
Erik Stromberg
President
e-tronix, Inc.
ph: +1-612-803-2619
e-mail: estromberg@e-tronix.com
web: www.e-tronix.com