Generic LCA based DfE - a case study of different PWB systems

A goal of the study is the ecological comparison between ceramic and epoxy based populated printed wiring boards (PWB). All relevant differences of the product systems are taken into consideration. The approach of generic modules is applied to manage the complex product models. Despite the aggregated environmental profiles, the method offers the opportunity to provide transparent results regarding an acceptable time effort for conducting a study. Generic modules offer the link between life cycle assessment (LCA) and design for environment (DfE). The paper demonstrates, based on a description of the different criteria of LCA and DfE, how generic modules allow the implementation of the information and results of a LCA into the modular structure of DfE. This is shown on two examples: an epoxy based PWB and a ceramic based hybrid.