ESD Packaging: Is ESD Killing your PCB Production?

Posted by AMAC

Manufacturing printed circuit boards is a very complex process. The details involved in producing the various types of boards is tedious work. The multi-layer thickness requires numerous considerations ranging from heat and pressure, to copper placement, EDS precautions and more. So many variables factor into creating a reliable circuit board, the last thing any manufacturer wants to happen is for a board to be damaged in the packaging and shipping process. If you’ve taken the time to be so specific about the manufacturing of the board, do you really want to trust the packaging to tissue paper and bubble wrap? Probably not, so if your company has never considered ESD packaging with a vacuum sealer before, it’s time to take a look.

ESD Packaging

ESD or electrostatic discharge happens when two differently charged objects come in contact or even come close to one another. As all PCB manufacturers know, electrostatic discharge unfortunately is the kiss of death to any printed circuit board. Fortunately, there is a solution. ESD packaging reduces static electricity because it is made with a material from a special type of antistatic plastic. This plastic film protects your PCB from the electrostatic discharge it may come in contact with during the packaging and shipping process. For the best protection, this material should be vacuumed sealed around the printed circuit board with a select vacuum sealer that is manufactured with antistatic materials so that PCB’s may be vacuum packed in a completely static safe environment.

Vacuum Sealing Provides More Than ESD Protection

The other great thing about choosing vacuum sealing for your ESD packaging method is you get much more than ESD protection. Take a look at some of the other great benefits of a vacuum sealer.

  1. Maintains Integrity – when used with ESD bags, vacuum sealing protects against dust, damage, ultra violet and radio frequency contamination, electrostatic discharge, humidity oxidization, and corrosion.
  2. Moisture Protection – vacuum sealing protects against possible condensation during storage and accidental spills during handling.
  3. Optional Cushioning – a proper sealing machine controls vacuuming speed and final vacuum strength to much less than 100%. You can also consider gas injection to give it a cushion.
  4. Saves Packaging Time – with the proper machine, vacuum sealing is a very quick and efficient method of packaging components.

When it comes to electronic components, vacuum sealing is a great option for packaging. Vacuum sealing by design delivers components less likely to fail. Be sure to find an ESD approved unit to protect ESD sensitive parts during the entire shipping and handling process. You can also learn more about PCB packaging here.

Are you Ready to Try ESD Packaging?

AMAC Technologies specializes in the innovative design of vacuum sealers. We lead the way in creating machines that fit modern manufacturing standards. We have the right electronics vacuum packagers to meet your exact ESD specifications. Our experienced staff is ready to explain the benefits of each of our units. Please fill out our contact form to get started today!