From temperature control to cleanliness, the secondary operations in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing and design, encompassing tasks such as handling, storing, and shipping, demand meticulous attention to prevent costly errors or damage.
PCB manufacturers diligently undertake detailed steps during design and fabrication to ensure that printed circuit boards perform their intended functions flawlessly. After all, the quality of a printed circuit board is only as good as the precision of its design and the craftsmanship of its assembly.
However, what safety and handling measures should be observed after the completion of the PCB design process?
In our comprehensive guide, you will acquire a thorough understanding of how to appropriately handle, store, and ship printed circuit boards, ensuring that your business avoids the wastage of time and resources on damaged or defective components.
Despite their appearance of toughness, printed circuit boards are quite fragile and require careful handling to prevent irreparable or costly damage.
To safeguard your printed circuit boards, it is crucial to minimize handling as much as possible. This not only lowers the risk of physical damage but also helps maintain cleanliness, preventing contaminants that might lead to future problems.
When handling becomes necessary, wear gloves or finger cots made from materials that leave no residue, such as latex, nitrile, or vinyl. Avoid materials like cotton or wool, as they can shed fibers that may become trapped in the circuitry, causing issues later on.
Adhere to clean room procedures when handling printed circuit boards. This involves implementing measures to control dust, particles, and other contaminants that could compromise the circuitry. Additionally, proper attire, including a hair cover, face mask, and lint-free gown or smock, should be worn.
When handling printed circuit boards, it is advisable to use two hands for pickup. One hand should provide support from underneath, while the other grips the board from the edges. This precautionary measure helps prevent warping or bending, which can lead to severe damage.
The copper traces on a printed circuit board are vulnerable to oxidation, potentially causing electrical issues. To prevent this, minimize the time the board is exposed to air. If feasible, store them in an airtight container along with desiccant packets to absorb moisture.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) stands as one of the most common causes of damage to printed circuit boards. To prevent this, it is crucial to consistently employ ESD-safe handling procedures. This involves utilizing an ESD-safe workstation, wearing grounded wrist straps, and employing anti-static bags or other containers when transporting printed circuit boards.
While the surface of a PCB may appear undamaged, the circuitry beneath is delicate and susceptible to various issues not visible to the naked eye. Therefore, it is essential to handle them with care and avoid actions such as dropping them on hard surfaces or squeezing them, even from a short distance. Such actions can lead to physical damage, including microfractures, cracks, or chips that may compromise the integrity of the board.
Not every printed circuit board (PCB) is required immediately upon delivery, making it crucial to understand proper storage procedures until they are ready for use.
Maintaining the PCB storage room or area within a temperature range of no lower than 53°F (12°C) and no higher than 86°F (30°C) is essential. This temperature range helps prevent moisture condensation that could potentially damage the PCB. Regarding humidity, PCB manufacturers and designers recommend maintaining a Relative Humidity (RH) level of no more than 85%. At this level, the air remains dry enough to prevent moisture condensation without being excessively dry, which could harm the PCB. Failure to adhere to these climate control guidelines may result in issues such as warping, cracks, delamination, and other issues affecting the functionality of the PCB during use.
If challenges persist in controlling the climate in your PCB storage area, consider utilizing vacuum-sealed moisture bags, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, or incorporating PCB components with enhanced moisture resistance.
When storing PCBs, it is essential to conduct checks every 3-12 months to ensure they remain undamaged and function correctly. The inspection process involves visually examining the PCB for any cracks, delamination, or other physical damage. If no damage is identified, you can assess the functionality of the PCB using an electrical meter.
If any deterioration is detected during the visual or functional inspection, prompt repair or replacement of the PCB is recommended. Allowing damaged PCBs to remain in storage poses the risk of product loss and increases the likelihood of further damage to other stored PCBs.
To prolong the shelf life of stored PCBs, prioritize the use of older ones first and the most recent ones last. Employing the "first in, first out" method helps prevent damage from prolonged storage and ensures the freshness of your inventory.
Another approach to extend the shelf life of a PCB is to apply proper finishing during fabrication. Finishes with a higher dielectric constant offer additional protection against moisture, environmental elements, and other storage-related hazards.
Regardless of PCB size, destination, or shipping method, vendors must adhere to these critical packing and shipping tips to ensure the product arrives undamaged.
Always opt for a carrier or delivery service that provides a tracking number with every shipment. This step allows for monitoring the status of PCB delivery, ensuring its timely arrival. PCB vendors and businesses should also take special care to label and document all PCB shipments to minimize the chances of costly shipping mix-ups and delays.
Utilize specialty packing materials to safeguard PCBs during shipping. For instance, whether with or without a battery, PCBs should always be placed in an anti-static bag to prevent battery damage or short circuits. Additionally, consider using bubble wrap, packing peanuts (biodegradable, not foam), or other non-static cushioning materials to provide further protection against impact damage.
When packaging multiple PCBs for shipment, use non-static dividers to keep them separated. This extra measure helps prevent PCBs from rubbing against each other, mitigating the risk of scratches or other damage.
Ensuring PCBs are correctly handled, stored, and shipped is essential for maintaining a quality product. Whether through in-house storage or third-party logistics, following the proper steps to keep PCB inventory safe is crucial.
By partnering with a reliable and experienced printed circuit board manufacturer, businesses can have confidence that their products are well-protected from common reasons behind PCB failure, ultimately saving valuable time and money.
