(Credit: PennEngineering)
PennEngineering announced that it now uses lead-free material for the manufacture of its entire cataloged product line of steel fasteners. This action is being implemented to eliminate any potential lead-related environmental issues, underscore a longstanding role as environmentally friendly manufacturer, promote overall sustainability objectives, and provide the marketplace with the capability to plan and develop completely lead-free products and components.
The lead-free steel fasteners are made possible by applying new materials, processes, and tool technologies without compromising fastener quality and performance.
The action additionally reinforces PennEngineering’s leadership stature in the regulatory arena, notably regarding an expected European Commission deadline for all manufacturers in 2019. The deadline is related to the Commission’s RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substance) Directive, which became effective in 2006. The directive stipulates that new electrical and electronic equipment must not contain specified hazardous substances, including the intentional addition of lead for any purpose, unless permitted by exemption. Exemptions are subject to periodic review and will not be renewed when alternatives become commercially viable. This new company initiative makes PennEngineering steel fasteners RoHS-compliant without the use of any exemptions.
Fastener and installation equipment brands under the PennEngineering umbrella include PEM, microPEM, PEMSERTER, PROFIL, Atlas, PennAuto, LinkTool Group, and Heyco.
