Sealing systems protect sensitive devices

A Blundell Production Equipment product story

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Aug 13, 2002

Vacuum sealing and storage systems reduce handling costs incurred using moisture-sensitive devices by allowing components to be correctly repackaged in vacuum sealed moisture barrier bags.

Vacuum sealing and storage systems reduce handling costs incurred using moisture-sensitive devices by allowing components to be correctly repackaged in vacuum sealed moisture barrier bags with or without nitrogen.

Component manufacturers supply components in vacuum-sealed packages for one main reason, to prevent components from being damaged in process from moisture ingress.

One of the causes of component failure in process is due to components being used after incorrect handling which occurs when a small percentage of devices are removed from a vacuum sealed package and the remaining devices are left in the bag with a desiccant with the bag being sealed un-vacuumed with an antistatic sticker or welded seal.

Blundell Production Equipment increased their product range some months ago to include vacuum sealing and storage systems that allow the customer to revacuum and seal their components, at an affordable cost and has seen a substantial increase in sales of machines by customers taking advantage of these systems.

Chairman of Blundells, Paul Blundell said: "Vacuum sealing systems are being used to not only repackage components but also circuit boards prior to manufacture where organic surfaces are used and boards after manufacture to prevent dirt and moisture prior to conformal coating, we are very happy with the increased trend by customers to purchase vacuum sealing systems to prevent such problems that result in costly damage to components and time saving in not having to pre bake components to remove moisture.

Although our range in drying ovens has also increased in numbers being sold the vacuum sealing option seems to be by far the most popular method".

If sealing components or boards with sharp edges a partial vacuum, nitrogen or argon can be used to allow a false atmosphere to be introduced to the bags before sealing also preventing oxidisation to component leads.