Protecting PCBs from Moisture: Best Practices for Long-Lasting Electronics
Protecting PCBs from Moisture: Best Practices for Long-Lasting Electronics
Moisture sensitivity in PCBs are a significant concern that can adversely impact the quality, reliability, and performance of electronic devices. When moisture penetrates a PCB, it can lead to several problems such as corrosion, delamination, and the formation of conductive pathways, which can cause short circuits. Such type of issues not only degrade the performance of the electronic devices but can also lead to complete failure, resulting in costly repairs or replacements. Keeping devices moisture-free is important to maintain their functionality and extending their lifespan. The presence of moisture in intricate components and connections within a PCB can cause malfunction or permanent damage. In this post, we discuss about the importance of keeping PCBs free from moisture and how to safeguard them against moisture-related damage.
Why is it Important to Keep Printed Circuit Boards Free from Moisture?
Here are the main points highlighting the importance of maintaining moisture-free PCBs for optimal performance and reliability.
-
Reducing Possibility of Short Circuits: The presence of moisture can create unintended conductive paths on the PCB, leading to short circuits. Shorting can damage components or completely incapacitate the device.
-
Maintaining Solder Joint Integrity: Moisture exposure can weaken solder joints, which are critical for maintaining reliable connections between components and the PCB. Compromised solder joints can result in poor performance and frequent failures.
-
Ensuring Reliability: Electronic devices are often used in critical applications where reliability is paramount. Moisture-induced failures can lead to costly downtime, repairs, and even safety hazards, especially in industries like aerospace, medical, and automotive.
-
Extending Lifespan: Keeping PCBs moisture-free helps extend the lifespan of electronic devices by preventing degradation and maintaining consistent performance over time. This prolongs the useful life of the device and reduces the need for frequent replacements.
-
Avoiding Delamination: Moisture can seep into the layers of a PCB, causing the adhesive materials to weaken and delaminate. This separation of layers can disrupt the electrical pathways, resulting in malfunctioning or non-functional circuits.
-
Preventing Corrosion: Moisture can cause the metal components on a PCB to corrode, leading to the deterioration of conductive traces and connections. This corrosion can significantly impair the board's functionality and lead to intermittent or permanent failures.
-
Preventing Swelling and Warping: PCBs are often made of materials that can absorb moisture, leading to swelling and warping. This physical distortion can cause mechanical stress on components and disrupt the precise alignment required for proper operation.
How to Keep Your PCBs Moisture-Free?
Protecting PCBs from moisture is critical to ensuring their longevity, reliability, and optimal performance. Here are some of the effective ways for safeguarding PCBs against moisture.
-
Conformal Coating: Applying a layer of conformal coating to the PCB creates a protective barrier that prevents moisture from reaching the board's components. These coatings are usually made from materials like acrylic, silicone, or polyurethane, which provide excellent moisture resistance and protect against environmental contaminants.
-
Sealed Enclosures: Using sealed enclosures, such as those designed to meet IP68+ standards, ensures that PCBs are protected from dust and prolonged immersion in water. These enclosures are tightly sealed to prevent any ingress of moisture.
-
Humidity Control: Maintaining controlled humidity levels in the environment where PCBs are stored or used can significantly reduce the risk of moisture exposure. Dehumidifiers and climate control systems can help achieve the desired humidity levels.
-
Solder Mask: Applying a solder mask over the PCB surface can provide an additional layer of protection against moisture. This mask covers the traces and pads, preventing moisture from reaching the conductive pathways.
-
Moisture-Resistant Materials: Designing PCBs using materials that are less susceptible to moisture absorption can enhance their resistance. For instance, using high-quality laminates and substrates with low moisture absorption rates can help mitigate the impact of moisture.
-
IP68+ Design: The designing enclosures should meet IP68+ standards to ensure maximum protection against dust and water. This level of ingress protection means the device is completely dust-tight and can withstand continuous immersion in water beyond 1 meter depth, making it highly reliable in moist or wet conditions.
-
Encapsulation: Encapsulating PCBs in a protective casing or potting compound offers robust protection against moisture. This method involves covering the entire board with a resin that hardens to form a solid shield, making it ideal for harsh environments.
Are you looking for ways to keep your PCBs moisture-free and ensure optimal performance of your electronic devices? Look no further than Twisted Traces. They are
PCB assemblers that take care of these issues in the design stage. The company offers innovative PCB assembly solutions to meet your product or device requirements. Contact their sales team today for any related queries or PCB assembly requirements.
.png)
