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PCB Manufacturing Storage Guide
PCBs should always be stored in a controlled environment, meaning that extreme temperature fluctuations must be avoided at all costs. This is important not only during storage, but also during transport. As mentioned above, the environment should be maintained at 85% RH and a temperature ≤ 30°C (86°F).
If your company uses PCBs in its products, you need to address PCB storage from the outset. Otherwise, you risk scrapped boards and the inability to deliver high-quality products to paying customers. Today, we want to explain why proper PCB storage is important to the product lifecycle and what PCB storage guidelines you and your team need to follow.
Without any protection for your PCBs and PCB components, they are a ticking time bomb, potentially causing disaster. Improperly stored and protected boards will significantly reduce performance, meaning high chances of rework costs, unfulfilled or canceled orders, and even field failures.
Key Points for Proper PCB Handling
Proper PCB handling is something you need to consider in every step of the manufacturing process. Direct handling of PCBs should be kept to a minimum, meaning your personnel must place them on racks or carts instead of transporting them by hand.
Whenever direct handling of PCBs is necessary, be sure to gently grasp the edges and wear clean gloves whenever possible. Protective bags should also be used when transferring PCBs from one workstation to another, which will reduce FOD (Foreign Object Debris) contamination.
Personnel handling PCBs should also avoid using lotions or other products that may compromise product quality, and the handling area should be free of items that generate static electricity, such as carpets.
PCB Storage Guidelines
PCB design and development can be very complex, meaning you invest significant time and money. If you want to enjoy the full benefits and return on investment, you need to take protective measures during and after production to ensure the shelf life of the PCBs and their components is guaranteed. This is where PCB storage guidelines come in, and why following them is so important.
1. Surface Finishing During Manufacturing
After bare board manufacturing, temporary storage may be required before assembly. During this time, you must use appropriate surface finishes during manufacturing to protect the PCBs from contamination and oxidation. Each surface finish has recommended shelf life, which we will cover later in this article.
2. Use Moisture-Insensitive Components Whenever Possible
Moisture-insensitive SMD components have virtually unlimited shelf life if stored in an environment with ≤85% relative humidity and ≤30°C (86°F) temperature. Moisture-sensitive components can be stored from one day to one year before assembly. Therefore, use moisture-insensitive components whenever possible.
3. Store PCBs in Moisture Barrier Bags (MBBs)
Moisture barrier bags will encapsulate your PCBs in a plastic or metallic shield, keeping your boards dry. These bags have specialized film layers that control moisture absorption rates. Another benefit is that MBBs protect your PCBs from electrostatic effects. All PCBs must be stored in moisture barrier bags with desiccant packets to prevent dampness and moisture. They must also be dry and vacuum sealed to protect the PCBs from ESD and corrosion.
4. Maintain a Controlled Environment
PCBs should always be stored in a controlled environment, meaning extreme temperature fluctuations must be avoided at all costs. This is important not only during storage but also during transportation. As mentioned above, the environment should be maintained at 85% RH and temperature ≤ 30°C (86°F).
Overall, you need to ensure you have quality suppliers who follow these protocols. If not, encourage your CM to follow storage standards, ensure strict PCB assembly cleanliness, store and transport PCBs and PCBAs in dry packaging, and do everything possible to ensure your boards and product quality are high.
Conclusion
Proper PCB storage and handling are key to successful operations. It increases the chances of product success, giving you peace of mind knowing you have one less thing to worry about during manufacturing.
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