The main reasons for expired circuit boards are related to their storage conditions, surface treatment processes, and shelf life management.
1. Reason for storage conditions: After production and processing, circuit boards usually require vacuum packaging to maintain their performance. However, if the circuit board fails to maintain appropriate conditions during storage, such as being stored in a humid or high-temperature environment, it may lead to a decrease in board performance, thereby accelerating its expiration.
2. Surface treatment process reasons: The surface treatment process of circuit boards has a significant impact on their shelf life. Different surface treatment processes have varying levels of antioxidant capacity and shelf life. For example, gold-plated boards can usually be stored for a longer period of time, while OSP process circuit boards are more prone to oxidation and have a relatively shorter shelf life. Pad oxidation is a common cause of expired circuit boards. After pad oxidation, it can lead to poor soldering, which may ultimately result in functional failure or the risk of component loss. Therefore, special attention should be paid to preventing pad oxidation during the storage process of circuit boards.
3. Reasons for shelf life management: Circuit board manufacturers usually set a shelf life for circuit boards based on a comprehensive consideration of factors such as production processes, materials, and storage conditions. If the circuit board is not used up within the shelf life and exceeds the manufacturer’s set storage period, the circuit board may be considered expired. It should be noted that even if the circuit board is within its shelf life, improper storage conditions or other factors (such as physical damage, chemical corrosion, etc.) may lead to a decrease in the performance or failure of the circuit board.
In summary, the main reasons for expired circuit boards include improper storage conditions, differences in surface treatment processes, and improper management of shelf life. In order to avoid the expiration of circuit boards, it is necessary to strictly comply with relevant regulations and standards during production, processing, storage, and use to ensure the quality and performance of circuit boards. At the same time, expired circuit boards need to be properly handled to avoid adverse effects on subsequent production and use.
