Solder Whiskers?

I remember a few years ago reading about how the removal of lead from solder would result in whiskers growing within electrical devices such as cameras resulting in shorts. Given the ever shrinking size of cameras, and Mirror-less in particular, I've wondered why we haven't heard much, or anything, about the issue since. Supposedly the problem would be more pronounced in either cold , or hot conditions I cant remember. Anyway, have they done something to render the condition a nonissue?

The problem is with tin, which changes crystalline state at low temperatures, and can form whiskers which cause short circuits. The phenomena has been known since the middle ages as "tin disease", which caused organ pipes to crumble. It can be avoided by adding other metals which alloy with tine, such as antimony, bismuth and silver.

 

Tin pest - Wikipedia

 

This is largely a political problem through adoption of RoHS, which forbids the use of lead in manufacturing. Apparently returning lead to the earth from which it was extracted is harmful, notwithstanding millions of tons of munitions unrecovered from two world wars. Replacing lead in solder reduces the ductility of the joints, leading to cracking, and raises the melting point. No free lunch/unintended consequences.

Thanks Ed, and as I anticipated this topic is burning up the boards! :rolleyes:

I misread it. I was searching my files for old soldiers with whiskers!

I misread it. I was searching my files for old soldiers with whiskers!

No doubt that would have gotten more responses.