Rethinking Soldering for Energy-efficient PCB Design

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

As automotive OEMs intensify their commitments to carbon neutrality, ranging from Stellantis’ 2038¹ net-zero target to BYD’s full value chain neutrality by 2045², they are also embracing circularity through material reuse, recycling, and closed-loop systems.

This aligns with the sustainability challenges faced in electronics manufacturing, where energy-intensive processes contribute significantly to industrial CO₂ emissions. By integrating advanced materials and process innovations, both sectors are converging on a shared goal: reducing carbon footprints while enhancing reliability and operational efficiency. One such innovation is the adoption of low temperature soldering (LTS) alloys in component assembly, which reduces energy consumption and improves sustainability.

Engineers originally developed LTS to protect heat-sensitive components, and today it offers an effective way to reduce energy consumption during soldering. This technology ensures high process reliability and flexibility, while reducing equipment, labor, and maintenance costs. These support the OEMs’ drive to carbon emission neutrality and recycling initiatives such as the Volkswagen³ and Stellantis⁴ circular material programs.

In this article, we examine the characteristics of zero-halogen, low-temperature flux chemistries with lead-free LTS alloys that connect material performance with sustainable circuit board design.

To continue reading this article which originally appeared in the December 2025 edition of SMT007 Magazine, click here.