What Types Of Elements Should Printed Circuit Board Shipping Materials Protect Against?
If you manufacture or sell printed circuit boards, or PCB, the materials that you package and ship the boards in are extremely important. The materials that the boards are shipped in will help to protect the board against different types of damage. Knowing what types of damage you need to be aware of when shipping PCB allows you to select the shipping materials that best protect the board and increase the odds of the board arriving to the end-user in perfect condition. Here are a few of the key elements that printed circuit board shipping materials should protect against.
Physical Damage
The first element that PCB shipping materials should protect against is physical damage. During shipping, a printed circuit board may move around a lot in the package, may bounce around on a bumpy road, or may even fall on the ground if the shipping company is not careful. You want to select materials that help to prevent the board from bouncing around and help to cushion it from damage during the transport process.
Temperature Extremes
One of the elements that you may not think about when shipping printed circuit boards is temperature extremes. Extremely hot or extremely cold temperatures can have a negative effect on the board and on the soldering that is used to hold pieces in place. Extreme weather can cause the board to crack or warp, and it can cause the soldering to crack or flake. Consider the weather where the item is being shipped from and to, and if temperatures are extreme, you need to find shipping materials that help to protect the PCB against extreme temperatures.
Moisture
Moisture can permanently damage a printed circuit board. If it rains and the rain seeps through the packaging or if it is humid and moisture makes its way into the packaging, your PCB board can be irreparable. Always look for packing materials that do not allow any moisture in.
Electrostatic Shock
The final element you need to consider when you are shipping PCB is electrostatic shock and electrostatic discharge. The materials you use to ship your printed circuit boards in should be made from some kind of anti-static mylar or aluminum foil to help ensure that any external electric currents do not react with the PCB that is being shipped and damage it.
The shipping materials that you select when you are shipping out printed circuit boards plays an important role in ensuring the board arrives to the recipient in perfect condition. Always take the time to compare different types of PCB shipping materials and find the one that offers the best protection against physical damage, temperature extremes, moisture, and electrostatic shock.
For more information, contact a local company, like Advanced Circuits.
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