Manufacturers rely on advanced equipment and heavy machinery to manufacture electronic products and components for worldwide use. Once the manufacturing process is complete, these products and components are at the mercy of the shipping process to ensure that they arrive safely and intact at their destinations. However, certain products and components hold up better than others during shipping. When manufacturers ship these products, it is imperative to use specialized packaging and procedures to ensure that equipment arrives undamaged. A great example of the advantages of specialized packaging for electronic products and components is during printed circuit board shipping. Printed circuit boards, or PCBs, are essential components in electronic equipment and devices that are used by consumers worldwide. If packaged carelessly, printed circuit boards can suffer from various manner of damage, rendering them impaired or useless. Fortunately, manufacturers and their shipping partners have developed specialized packaging methods. These methods ensure that printed circuit boards are delivered safely. Read on to learn more about why specialized packaging is critical for printed circuit board shipping.

Printed Circuit Boards Are Vulnerable to Electrostatic Discharge

One critical hazard that can impact printed circuit boards during the shipping process is electrostatic discharge or ESD. As electric components, printed circuit boards are especially vulnerable to static discharge that can be caused by friction throughout the shipping process. If companies rely on ordinary packaging to ship printed circuit boards, static can fry the circuit boards, rendering them useless. Fortunately, ESD-resistant packaging has been developed to reduce the risk of static electricity during the packaging, transport, and unpackaging of printed circuit boards. This packaging is typically made of plastic. Plastic is an insulator, meaning that it doesn't conduct electricity well. This characteristic is what makes it an ideal component for use in ESD-resistant packaging.

Printed Circuit Boards Are Vulnerable to Moisture

Another concern that can affect printed circuit boards during the shipping process is their sensitivity to moisture. Products and components are often shipped via ocean freight or through moist environments. If companies rely on ordinary packaging to ship printed circuit boards, moisture can find its way into the packaging, compromising the circuit boards. Fortunately, packaging teams can use moisture barriers and desiccants to maintain a dry environment within a printed circuit board package, reducing the risks of circuit board failure.

Conclusion

While it may be easy to use standard packaging to transport printed circuit boards and other electronic components, it ultimately proves costly. Fortunately, many available tools can help manufacturers ship their printed circuit boards safely and effectively.