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5 Tips for Handling Printed Circuit Boards
Although printed circuit boards (PCBs) are designed to withstand the heat and pressure generated during the manufacturing process, they can also withstand the stresses of operation. Equally important is the careful handling of the PCB.
While printed circuit boards (PCBs) are designed to withstand the heat and pressure generated during the manufacturing process, they are also subject to stress during operation. Equally important is that PCBs must be handled with care.
Unfortunately, because PCBs are typically mounted inside electronic devices and therefore protected, their design prioritizes functionality over durability, meaning they have specific weaknesses that need to be addressed.
For example, the PCB substrate may crack, electronic components may be damaged or contaminated, and electrostatic discharge can also cause various problems.
While some problems may be immediately apparent, others are more subtle. Unfortunately, this means that obvious signs of problems may only appear once the PCB is installed in its intended electronic device and malfunctions. Therefore, it is always important to exercise extra caution when handling PCBs.
What are important things to consider when handling a PCB?
While some PCB functional problems are sometimes unavoidable, you can significantly reduce the chances of encountering these problems if they are not caused by improper handling. Learning how to handle PCBs correctly and always taking steps to ensure proper handling is crucial.
Here are some important things to keep in mind when handling PCBs:
1. Minimize Physical Contact
One of the best practices to consider when handling PCBs is to minimize physical contact with the board as much as possible.
The more you physically handle a PCB, the greater the chance of damaging its sensitive electronic components. This means that instead of moving a PCB from one place to another by hand, consider using racks and trays.
If you do need to handle the PCB personally, then you may also want to wear active gloves.
2. Use the Right Tools
If you want to reduce the likelihood of damaging a PCB, you should have some tools ready to help you avoid this. Having these tools and using them as needed will make the job of handling PCBs much easier.
Here are some good tools you should consider using:
Magnifying Glass
When handling PCBs, it is often necessary to handle small and delicate components, so it is always a good idea to have a jeweler's loupe or a sturdy magnifying glass on hand.
Checking all the details during the work process, allowing for a close-up view of everything, ensures high accuracy.
Poster Tack
Poster tack is another useful tool because it can be used as a stand for small objects when handling small objects, and it can substitute for them if you don't have traditional helping hand tools.
Even pressing the PCB directly into the poster tack usually leaves no residue.
Electronic Tweezers
You may also want to acquire and use a pair of electronic tweezers, especially when handling very small surface mount components.
It will make adding through-hole components to the board much easier and ensure everything is in place.
Using tweezers to place things is more precise than using your fingers.
3. Keep Your Workstation Clean
Since most PCBs have various small connection points that are easily damaged if they come into contact with dust and/or debris, it is always a good idea to keep your workstation (or any area where you handle PCBs) as clean as possible.
Always try to clear the area of clutter, disinfect surfaces regularly, and keep your hands clean. The less contact your PCBs have with unclean surfaces, the better off you will be.
4. Avoid Electrostatic Discharge
PCBs contain a variety of sensitive components whose internal circuitry is easily damaged by electrical shocks, even at voltages of 3.000 volts or less.
Therefore, one of the common problems that lead to PCB component failure is electrostatic (ESD) charge, which often occurs when handling PCBs in a non-ESD safe environment.
To avoid damage to PCBs due to ESD, always use a grounded wrist strap connected to earth ground whenever you touch a PCB.
5. Avoid Moisture
Another quick way to damage a PCB is to expose it to a humid environment, as moisture contamination can lead to various problems.
Therefore, keep any liquids that could contaminate PCBs away from your workstation, and keep unassembled PCBS and components in protective bags until ready for assembly.
Many PCB components have date codes indicating how long they can be exposed to air before they risk moisture contamination, and this date should be strictly adhered to.
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