APW successfully introduces environmentally friendly FR4 at Hedge End Released 11 October 2002 Environmental considerations about the end-of-life disposal of electronic equipment mean that the PCB raw material, FR4, is becoming an increasing source of concern. The primary problem is the presence of bromide-based flame-retardants in both the laminate itself and the pre-preg that separates the layers; these additives are an essential mechanism enabling the finished board to meet flame-retardant and self-extinguishing specifications. However, during incineration some bromide compounds can transmute into carcinogenic substances; if the PCB is disposed into a landfill site, the bromides can leach out into the water table. In Japan and Scandinavia, pressure is increasingly being applied for only “Halogen-reduced” PCBs to be used and it is understood that the EU is also considering introducing restrictions on the use of FR4 containing bromide as flame-retardants. To nullify these potential long-term problems, APW Electronic Solutions has successfully introduced BFFR (Bromide Free Flame Retardant) FR4 as an option at its Hedge End backplane manufacturing plant. Achieving a specified characteristic impedance, high signal integrity and low crosstalk within a backplane is dependant on the intrinsic characteristics, layout, structure and mechanical properties of the backplane itself. Migrating existing multilayer Impedance controlled designs from traditional FR4 to the BFFR version involves modifications within the manufacturing process to achieve the required electrical parameters on a repeatable basis. In addition to using the new BFFR FR4, the soldermask has also had to be changed - APW are using a blue UL Approved Low Halogen Content material to identify BFFR boards. The Hedge End plant has been approved by UL for the manufacture of BFFR boards. Prototype quantities are currently running through the plant and customer system evaluation trials using the BFFR backplanes are taking place prior to volume shipments expected to commence in Q1 2003. *** Ends: body copy 285 words *** Notes to Editors. For further information: APW contact: Tim Froome APW Electronic Solutions Flanders Road Hedge End Southampton Hants SO30 2LG tel: + 44 (0)1489 774500 fax:+ 44 (0)1489 780978 tim.froome@apw.com www.apw.com Agency contact: Nigel May Parkfield Parkfield House Damerham Hants SP6 3HQ tel: + 44 (0)1725 518321 fax: + 44 (0)1725 518378 nigel.may@parkfield.co.uk www.parkfield.co.uk APW is a technically enabled manufacturing services ("TEMS") company that designs and manufactures large, complex infrastructure products for OEMs in the communications, computing and Internet markets.  APW  has particular skills in the areas of manufacturing enclosures, thermal management, power supplies and backplanes; as well as core competencies in product and system design, integration and supply chain management. APW operates in more than 30 locations throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.