Our move to lead-free solder in opener electronics
Changing a small material inside an opener can require a substantial change to the way it is made. Our lead-free solder initiative involved new processes, equipment and electronic-component choices. Here is what we reported about the transition and what it means when you are comparing products.
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What changed in the solder
Solder joins electronic components to a circuit board. Our manufacturing initiative replaced lead-containing solder with a tin-silver-copper alloy. The reported transition covered B&D Group brands including B&D, Automatic Technology, Dominator and Garador.
The scope is the solder used in the electronics manufacturing process. “Lead-free solder” should not be read as a certificate that an entire door, opener, battery or installation contains no lead or other regulated material. Product compliance information needs to identify the exact model and requirement.
Why the production process also changed
The replacement alloy needs different processing conditions. Our published account describes re-tooling production lines, changes to electronic components and new reflow ovens to control the higher temperatures needed for the soldering process.
It also describes the introduction of 3D optical inspection to identify assembly defects. Those manufacturing checks support the quality-control process; they do not remove the need for the correct product selection, installation and servicing at your property.
Keep the environmental claim specific
Removing lead from the solder addresses that material within the electronics process. It is one manufacturing initiative, not a complete lifecycle assessment of a garage-door system. We have not assigned a carbon saving, environmental score or home energy-rating improvement to an individual purchase.
Our original announcement discusses international standards as context. If your project requires a particular compliance declaration or certification, ask for the document covering the exact supplied model. A broad article about a process change is not a substitute for that evidence.
How this relates to our other initiatives
The same published account also discusses packaging changes and the use of LED lighting across facilities. Those statements describe the initiative report, rather than establishing current independently audited totals for every site or shipment.
Our separate packaging article explains its reported material reductions and their scope. Keeping these projects distinct makes it easier to understand what changed and avoids adding unrelated benefits together.
Choose the opener for the job it must do
Alongside manufacturing information, compare the opener’s door-area and weight limits, intended application, duty requirements, controls and safety equipment. Standby power is a model specification; changing solder does not by itself establish a lower electricity bill.
Tell us the door model and how it is used. We can help identify suitable equipment and the documents required for the supplied product. For an existing opener, use its label and matching manual rather than assuming an older unit was made using the later process.
Explore the relevant B&D information
Talk to us about your garage
Tell us what you have, what you want to change and any model details. We can help you find the appropriate next step for your door and property.
