Board Manufacturer One of First in the US to Offer Lead-Free Solder

AURORA, Colo., - (Nov 28, 2005) - Advanced Circuits, the country’s leading source for quick-turn printed circuit boards, today announced the availability of lead-free solder as a plating finish. This is good news for those customers requiring a value-priced alternative to other more costly lead free finishes. The new lead free solder finish provides an enhanced solderable finish advantageous for assembly and meets all legislation requirements for the European Union’s RoHS Directive deadline of July 1, 2006. As an added bonus, Advanced Circuits is offering their lead free finish without a price increase.

“As an innovative and customer-centric company, we focus on determining designer and industry needs well before they become a pressing issue,” said Tony Garramone, corporate training manager at Advanced Circuits. “We strive to stay ahead of the curve and provide our customers with the most current technology. We’ve accomplished this and are excited to offer our customers lead-free options far before requirements mandate.”

The European Union’s RoHS directive standards were created because the use of lead in electronics represents both an environmental and human health concern. Even though these standards were originated in Europe, the US is gradually following the lead and companies both supplying and building electronics in Europe must be compliant. Right now there are only a few US shops, such as Advanced Circuits, that are currently offering a lead free solder finish.

Advanced Circuits lead free boards are produced using a lead free alloy of 99.3 percent tin/ 0.6 percent copper with a trace of nickel (SN100CL). This solder offers an excellent alternative to more expensive lead free finishes and provides a flatter pad surface than its leaded counterpart. Advanced Circuits is also stocking a variety of higher temp laminates for use in conjunction with the lead free solder finishes which are designed to withstand processing temperatures between 260° and 288° C, depending on the laminate system the designer chooses. The new lead free solder is also compatible with other leaded solder components.

Advanced Circuits plans to run its current tin lead solder process in tandem with a lead-free process until the use of leaded solder becomes untenable.

About Advanced Circuits

Since 1989, Advanced Circuits has been a leading a quick-turn printed circuit board manufacturer that specializes in producing engineering prototypes and production boards. Unlike other quick-turn printed circuit board companies, Advanced Circuits combines real-time online service with personalized customer care. Customers can talk to a live representative, or go online to get quotes, place orders and check status 24 hours a day. In addition, the company offers free design for manufacturability checks, obtaining results within minutes, at www.FreeDFM.com. With no minimum quantity requirement, Advanced Circuits offers same-day delivery with standard delivery of 3 days. For more information, visit http://www.4pcb.com., or call us at 800-979-4PCB.

About The Compass Group

The Compass Group is a private investment firm focused on small and middle market business service, manufacturing and distribution companies, providing funding for pursuit of growth opportunities, ownership changes and recapitalizations. Compass acquires interests in a broad range of industries, with a preferred equity investment size of $5 million to $30 million, facilitating transactions of $15 to $150 million in value.