Liebherr-Elektronik Compliant with REACh Regulation

To improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, the European Union adopted the REACh (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals) regulation. This regulation applies to manufacturers, importers and also to downstream users.

Liebherr-Elektronik GmbH, Lindau (Germany), Liebherr’s competence center for electronics, fulfills all requirements and regulations in terms of REACh for new products and developments.

For electronics, this regulations primarily concern:

• Conversion coating of aluminum alloys based on Cr VI (hexavalent chromium)
• Lead-containing solder process

Several alternatives REACh compliant conversion coatings to realize conductive and corrosion resistant surfaces of Liebherr-Elektronik’s own designed parts have been verified by its engineering department. The area of application includes products in pressurized as well as the unpressurized zones of an aircraft. Liebherr demonstrated successfully suitable REACh compliant surface treatment for each of its parts to meet all requirements like corrosion protection, electrical bonding and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

The REACh regulation affects not only electronics housing, but also electronics themselves will change.

For new products and projects, Liebherr-Elektronik is able to use complete lead-free soldering processes. The Liebherr Group, which Liebherr-Elektronik is a part of, has already years of experience with lead-free soldering on electronics used in its product-areas like cranes and earthmoving equipment. The lead-free soldering processes have been improved for the aerospace applications based on comprehensive analysis.

The REACh compliance of Liebherr-Elektronik also applies to the whole supply chain of its products. The company procures for example fasteners made of REACh compliant materials and avoids substances such as cadmium.

All these measures contribute to the high quality and sustainability of Liebherr-Elektronik products in compliance with all environmental regulations.