Ultimate Guide to Printed Circuit Board Storage Updated for 2022

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the fundamental building blocks of almost all modern electronic gadgets. Due to their extraordinary degree of adaptability, business experts may create them to suit their requirements, whether they need stiff, flexible, or rigid-flex designs, as well as one or more layers. Most electrical gadgets are built on printed circuit boards, preventing overheating. From phones to PC, they are everywhere. Suppose your company relies on PCB manufacturing to generate its products. In that case, you’ll undoubtedly go to great lengths to ensure the circuit board assembly services you use to provide a product of the highest caliber. Printed circuit boards appear composed of robust materials, which they are, yet their construction is fragile. Make sure that your printed circuit board is adequately shielded. Remember, even invisible harm might reduce your productivity. Therefore, we must make sure that every finished printed circuit board is treated correctly for usage in the future. To learn more about correctly storing Printed Circuit Boards, continue reading the blog below.

How to store printed circuit boards?

The printed circuit boards can easily ignore permanent damage if one can handle and store them properly. For these delicate materials, even little changes in the environment might have fatal results. PCBs can be harmed by excessive moisture, heat, and cold air. A PCB may short out, distort, or get exposed to mildew and mold as a result of these circumstances. PCB parts can be contaminated by chemicals, dust, and animal activity. Printed circuit boards must be kept in warm, dry environments with low humidity and stable temperatures. In turn, moisture barrier bags should be maintained in a dry storage cabinet or boxes. They may be pretty helpful for this reason. To minimize potential hazards, PCBs should typically be kept for the shortest amount of time feasible. To get the most out of PCBs, people need to be knowledgeable about correct handling and storage procedures. If not, companies risk incurring higher costs to repair harmed parts, endangering the operation of the finished product.

Printed Circuit Boards Storage Conditions

• Air and water cannot come into touch with PCB storage. A layer of bubble film should be wrapped around the edge of the box before packaging, and the PCBA board should first be packed in vacuum bags. The boxes must be sealed before being stored in a dry, well-ventilated area away from the ground and direct sunlight.
• PCB storage that has not been utilized for a long time should be painted with a three-proof paint that has functions for moisture resistance, dust resistance, and anti-oxidation. After being painted three-proof, it may be prolonged for a further nine months.
• The warehouse’s ideal temperature and relative humidity levels for PCB storage are 23±3 °C and 55±10% RH, respectively. The temperature should be below 25 °C, relative humidity should be below 65%, and the storage environment should be in good condition. A non-corrosive gas should be present indoors, and the temperature must be controlled.
• The PCB must be maintained dry throughout extended storage by remaining in its protective bag until used.
• Any substances or liquids contaminating the PCB storage must not be present at the workstation.
• To prevent the development of static electricity, the workstation must be constructed in a specific way.
• The printed circuit board must be held securely by its edges with the least amount of pressure.
• Reduce the physical manipulation of the printed circuit board by using trays and racks.

PCB Board Storage Time

• Warping, corrosion, contamination, and shorts are just a few of the numerous possible problems that might result from poor PCB storage. However, by using a separate PCB storage facility that reduces moisture and keeps a constant temperature, these risks may be eliminated. It is advised that boards be kept at 40 °C and relative humidity levels below 90% since they must be kept for at least 12 months. A basic rule of thumb is that higher protection for PCB storage is comparable to a dryer storage area. In general, think about making dry shield bags or dry containers for PCB storage for extended periods.
• The shelf life of the circuit boards can last up to 10 years, depending on the kind of solder used and the precise soldering technique.
• PCB boards that can be kept longer than the permitted PCB storage period are discarded.
• The rechecked heavy-copper, regular, and aluminum PCBs have a three-month storage requirement. PCBs should be verified once more when they reach the storage period. PCBs can only be demonstrated again twice.

Can PCB Boards within Storage Time Be Soldered Without Processing?

In the long run, increased amounts of oxidation may also be produced by the environment where the PCB will be employed. Considering the circumstances and looking for the PCB storage guidelines will help to estimate the potential shelf life of PCB assembly storage. The PCB may survive up to 10 years, depending on the quality of solder used and the precise soldering technique for PCB assembly storage. The PCBs can still be within the maximum storage duration after more than six months, depending on PCB assembly storage. Before putting the PCBs together, the PCB boards must be baked. PCB baking is influenced by surface finish and storage conditions.

Before assembly, the PCB components that are not moisture-sensitive can be stored for almost ever under conditions with relative humidity (RH) of more than 85% and temperatures less than or equal to 30 °C (86 °F). The components must be wrapped appropriately, which can easily extend the recommended shelf life of 2 to 10 years after assembly. On the other hand, moisture-sensitive parts have a suggested shelf life that ranges from one day to one year after pre-assembly. The length of viability for boards with these components will be significantly influenced by environmental control and storage facilities.

One-Stop PCB Manufacturing with PCB Storage Processing Hassles

The requirement for PCB storage is removed by the abundance of online stores that operate as one-stop shops for sophisticated PCB producers. Aside from manufacturing, component sourcing, PCB storage assembly, design, soldering, and end-product assembly, the websites will also provide these services. Using PCB design software, the designer should produce a PCB layout that is rigidly compatible with circuit boards. Because it helps prevent problems brought on by inconsistencies, designers should advise their contract manufacturer before PCB manufacturing about the PCB design software version that has to be utilized to design the circuit. Designers export the PCB design into a format that their manufacturers may use once it has been given the all-clear for manufacturing.

• PCB fabrication, component procurement, PCB assembly, and testing may all be done under one roof to save time and bother.
• The websites provide free DFM, DFT, and DFX, as well as one-on-one technical support.
• The manufacturing expenses of the project must be monitored to reduce them through effective PCB design.
• Spraying a conformal coating can be utilized to increase PCB longevity, and this may also enhance PCB storage conditions.
• From manufacture through shipping, as well as PCB storage conditions, the entire process may be monitored.

Conclusion

This article, which serves as the ultimate guide, covers every aspect of PCB (printed circuit board) storage, including its description and how to spot its conditions. Given their importance in modern applications, the information mentioned above and the PCB storage guidelines should make it easier for you to select PCB storage for your project. When making design decisions, remember to contact online sources that give free tech support and adapt the final design to the specific project.