Conductive Packaging Methods

November 17th, 2007 · No Comments

Electronics products require specialized packaging which will protect the sensitive equipment from dust, heat, corrosion and static during shipping. Fortunately, the manufacturer has some options available when deciding how to safely deliver the product to the customer, no matter where in the world that may be.

Machineries and Technologies Available:

Thermoplastics: One interesting and cost effective method of packaging electronics is through the use of shielding thermoplastics. Using an injection molding machine to create the container to be used to transport the electronics product, heated plastic is forced into a mold and allowed to cool. The resulting container is strong and light weight, cutting shipping costs. It also has a high shielding rating, 85 dB or more. This thermoplastic is also recyclable, having the ability to be melted and remolded several times, thereby eliminating waste. One thermoplastic supplier delivering product internationally is Premier Conductive Thermoplastics.

CPS film: Another popular conductive packaging choice is sheets of CPS film. The advantage of this product is that it is crystal clear, washable and permanent. It can be used in the thermoforming machines to create anti-static and conductive packages, such as needed for electronic component trays or hard disk containers. One company that offers a wide range of packaging machines is Rajat Electronics, registered under the brand, Mitsumi Poly Seal.

Vacuum gas/ flush heat sealer: For the most critical electronics packaging, PAC Machinery Group offers a vacuum gas/flush heat sealer, manufactured by Packaging Aids Corp. Their machine offers flexibility, safety (limited operator access), and seal integrity with a bioactive seal jaw that goes from 12” to 30” in its seal length. This machine will seal diverse materials from foil, laminates to PP and PE. In addition, all exhaust gas flows into one port for venting to an outside clean room.

Conductive Packaging Foam: A most commonly used method of packaging electronics is the 3M conductive packaging foam offered by at least 72 different manufacturers, ranging from Craftsman, 3M, Hakko, Pace, Paladin and Oki, to name just a few. The foam is light weight, (cutting shipping costs), comes in standard size sheets, is non-corrosive, and carbon impregnated for static sensitive parts. The high density of these foam sheets allows electronic leads to be inserted directly into the material.

No matter where your business is in the world, there are packaging options available for all type of conductive packaging requirements. In most instances, cost of materials and shipping play a major role in the packaging selected.