Moisture sensitive devices (MSD) utilized in Surface Mount Technology (SMT) requires special handling and protection during transport and storage to control damaging moisture and assure reliability and integrity. Typically the MSD are packed in a moisture barrier bag (MBB) with a moisture-sensitive caution label affixed on the outside. Inside with the devices are desiccant pack and a humidity indicator card (HIC) which provides the history of the dry pack environment.
Until recently, Type 1 HIC are the common and traditional types found on the market. These type 1 cards are reversible which means they will indicate moisture exposure with temporary color change that can be reversed or reset by returning to a dry state. The typical HIC offered on the market contains reversible indicators that reflect current conditions.
The IPC/JEDEC J-Std-033D revision in April of 2018 addressed specifically the use of reversible humidity indicator cards. Until this recent revision, manufacturers that utilizes reflowable surface mount devices have had minimal choice in the HIC used inside moisture barrier bag packages governed by the J-STD-033 standard.
The new Type 2 humidity indicator cards are non-reversible if the card has been exposed to 60%RH for extended period of time causing the color indicator to overrun the black border.
According to section 3.3.2.3 of J-STD-033D (April 2018), humidity indicator cards cannot be re-used in dry packing if the 60% spot indicates it has surpassed the threshold. The Humitector Type 2 non-reversible 60% indicator will show clearly if this threshold has been exceeded as the permanent colored spot will have migrated beyond its black circle.
Although management in proper handling and storage of moisture sensitive device (MSD) is a small part of the whole manufacturing processes, the effect of moisture damage will cause significant impact on product quality and reliability. Moisture damage is not easily observed but the result will directly impact quality of production. That is why EMS industries are focusing more on MSD storage and processing in order to produce quality to meet the OEM client's needs.
Eureka's SMT dry cabinets is available in various sizes and moisture control capabilities. Our XDC and SDC series Fast Super Dryer SMT Dry Cabinets provides the most suitable storage environments for PCB and other moisture sensitive material in the assembly floor. Ensure your production line is protected from moisture and increase the yield & quality of your products with Eureka's ultra low humidity SMT Dry Cabinets today.
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