The Action 531 increased the basic knowledge on possible alloy systems that can be used as lead-free solder materials and gave a scientific basis for a decision which of these materials to use for different soldering purposes in order to replace the currently used lead-containing solders. The Action established a database of possible lead-free solder materials and soldering processes. This provided the expertise for selecting particular materials for specific purposes. The Action brought together a panel of scientific experts who were able to act as a consulting body for industrial partners who clearly benefited from the availability of the database with the necessary information for selecting the optimum material required to obtain reliable and competitive lead-free solder joints.
