LAPP introduces lead-free brass cable glands

LAPP has announced that it is introducing a new range of lead-free brass cable glands to help ensure manufacturers, machine builders and production automation engineers and operators achieve compliance with current and forthcoming global sustainability requirements.

The company will be the first to offer cable glands in a lead-free brass version, staying ahead of increasing restrictions on lead use, according to LAPP Australia General Manager Simon Pullinger.

“At the petrol station, we have long since become familiar with the fact that petrol is no longer allowed to contain lead,” said Pullinger. “Metallic materials, such as brass, must also dispense with lead as an additive for easier processing, with one exception: up to 4% is permitted in copper alloys.

“As things stand, this exception will expire on 21 July 21 2021, and it is still unclear whether there will be an extension or a transitional period. If the exception ends as planned, brass will no longer be allowed to contain any lead, as stipulated by the European Directive RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances). In the REACH chemical regulation, lead is also on the candidate list for ‘Substances of very high concern’, which could soon be prohibited. LAPP does not want to wait around.”

In recent months, LAPP has investigated various lead-free alloys. This included tests in production to ensure the reliability of the processes and the suitability of the tools. Both the LAPP laboratory and external testing institutions have confirmed that the properties of the new products are comparable with the current versions. This applies to the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and EMC properties. The lead-free versions also comply with protection class IP68.

“The lead-free cable glands have seen LAPP successfully tackle the challenges of identifying an alternative material,” said Lisa Schlingmann, Product Manager at LAPP. Although the new material is more complex to process, LAPP decided to include the material in its standard range.

“With the lead-free SKINTOP and SKINDICHT cable glands, LAPP is taking a pioneering role,” said Guido Ege, Head of Product Management and Development at LAPP. “Anyone who is currently planning a machine with a long service life cannot rule out a possible ban on lead.

“We are already giving our customers the certainty that they will be prepared for the challenges of the future.”

“Initially, the most popular LAPP cable glands will be available in the new lead-free version, with first products including the SKINTOP MS-M and MS-SC-M models, as well as the counter nut SKINDICHT SM-M SKINTOP MS-M, which is used in a wide range of applications in machine and plant construction, measurement, control and regulation technology, and where there are tough demands in terms of mechanical and chemical stability,” said Pullinger.