ROHS: Tungsten Replaces Lead in Molded Products

Looking for a lead replacement? The European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances is close to a death knell for lead in electronics. An Ohio molder called Thogus Products is working with GE Plastics to develop tungsten-filled plastics that can replace lead.  Thogus has converted more than 50 lead-shielding parts with a proprietary non-lead, polymer shielding material. “Lead may be the asbestos of the 21^st Century,” says Matt Halvin of Thogus. The Avon Lake, OH molder specializes in high specific gravity applications. Medical device manufacturers in the United States also expect to face stiff regulations on use of lead. Tungsten in a nylon 6 base offers equivalent X-ray shielding and can be molded on standard equipment. The GE compounds called Thermocomp may be cost effective if functions can be integrated. Lead costs about $1 per pound. Tungsten is going for a little over $14 per pound.