This article addresses issues related to the move, by the commercial electronics market, from lead-based solders to lead-free solders, and the likely impact of that move on the standard electronic parts programs managed by the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC). It also addresses the implications for military programs that have chosen to use commercial parts. The article also stresses that "if LFSs (lead free solders) are eventually found acceptable for DoD applications, then configuration control of the new parts with LFSs will be essential. At this time, it is clear that, in inventories, repair actions, and new manufacturing, parts compatible with LFSs must be kept separate from the tin-lead parts."
