Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design has many considerations: purpose, size, layout, components, efficiency and reliability - to name just a few. When completed and manufactured, ensuring that these sensitive products are protected and transported safely and in perfect condition is vital. Damage, whether electrostatic or physical, can be costly! When purchasing equipment for storage and transport, it can help to use some of the same considerations.
Typically, PCBs are stored in containers with dividers constructed from corrugated conductive plastics and often additionally wrapped in anti-static bubble wrap or shielding bags to prevent accidental discharges from occurring. However, PCBs are usually a custom design, and off-the-shelf dividers will not offer the best level of protection, simply due to their nature of being one-size for all.
In this blog, we will discuss how bespoke electrostatic discharge (ESD) safe dividers, combined with conductive containers, can increase efficiency and lower costs while protecting your products during storage and transport.
Size and layout - why choose bespoke ESD safe dividers?
Custom designed to your board specifications - dimensions, component height, required clearance - bespoke dividers ensure your PCBs are individually protected without the need for additional packaging, as each board slots securely in position and each divider fits the container precisely. This ensures the best protection from both physical and electrostatic damage.
The number of PCBs per container is increased, with a higher packing density. You will never be ‘shipping air’, as space is utilised far more effectively. In turn, this means fewer containers required and lower shipping costs, as well as reduced logistical considerations when planning shipments.
As previously mentioned, PCBs are packed individually with no extra protective material required. This saves a significant amount of time during loading and unloading and allows for much faster item counts.
Efficiency and reliability - what are the benefits of dividers from Teknis?
Bespoke ESD safe dividers from Teknis are manufactured to your requirements in-house by our team, ensuring close collaboration from start to finish.
They are designed to fit standard Euro Containers, such as WEZ Conductive Containers, and are constructed from conductive corrugated polypropylene, with a minimum wall thickness of 3mm and surface resistance (Rs) < 1x105 Ω.
Our dividers are extremely durable, easy to clean and resistant to moisture, oil, grease, and other liquids, and are suitable for use in-production and externally. They can be reused many times and have a long lifespan - simply recycle each divider when no longer required.
Choosing our bespoke solution helps to remove single-use PCB packaging from your manufacturing/supply chain entirely and after an initial outlay for design and manufacture, will lead to far lower transport costs over time.
The best way to safely and efficiently handle, store and transport your PCBs is with a bespoke divider and container solution from Teknis.
How do I get started on my divider design?
You can start by using our online divider layout calculator at the link below – input your requirements and it will recommend a baseline layout that can be the starting point for your bespoke divider.
Bespoke ESD divider calculator
You can then click on the Enquire Now button to send a personalised email with your layout to our team and we will be in touch to discuss your requirements.
Book an appointment with our experts
Book an informal appointment with one of our ESD experts HERE