If your business makes and sells printed circuit boards (PCBs), or if you need to ship PCBs for another reason, then you should definitely focus on shipping them in the proper way. After all, there are a few different types of ways that your PCBs could be damaged during the shipping process. If you work with a company that helps with PCB shipping, or if you are very careful to be sure that your PCBs are properly packaged for the shipping process yourself, these are some of the problems you can potentially avoid.

Moisture

First of all, you do have to worry about your PCBs being damaged by moisture. If your PCBs are shipped in a humid climate, or if they are exposed to the elements at some point during the shipping process, then you have to worry about corrosion and other damage. If PCBs are properly packaged in a moisture barrier bag, then they should be protected against this moisture. Additionally, desiccant packs can be added to the packaging to help soak up any moisture that might be present.

Electrostatic Shock

Another thing that you have to worry about is electrostatic shock, which can damage or ruin your PCBs. You should make sure that you package your PCBs in a static-free environment; for example, you'll want to avoid working in rooms that have carpet. Additionally, you should be sure that your PCBs are packaged in trays that are made of non-conductive materials.

Exposure to Temperatures

You may not think that PCBs are damaged by extreme temperatures. However, the different layers in PCBs can actually be surprisingly sensitive to extreme hot and cold. For example, you have to worry about the different layers expanding and contracting, and you even have to worry about warping. Making sure that the packaging that your PCBs are shipped in is properly insulated is one good way to prevent extreme temperatures from causing as much damage.

Damage From Being Dropped or Crushed

Of course, you have to worry about possible damage from your PCBs being dropped or crushed during the shipping process. Ensuring that packaging is strong and sturdy and adding enough protective material inside the box are two things that you can do. Properly labeling your PCB packages as being fragile is another step you can take to help prevent damage.

Printed circuit boards do need to be packaged and shipped properly if you want to avoid damage and problems. Luckily, there are PCB shipping companies you can work with.