Storage life of the PCB

How long can the PCB be stored? Well, it depends on the surface process and storage environment.

As far as the surface technology is concerned, electroless gold plating and electroplated gold have the longest storage time. The surface technology of HASL, electroplating gold, electroless gold plating and electroplating silver can be stored for 6 months with vacuum packaging under the conditions of constant temperature and humidity. While other surface processes, such as immersion silver, OSP, etc., can generally be stored for 3 months. Among them, OSP (anti-oxidation board) has the shortest shelf life. It is best to use it up as soon as possible after opening the package, otherwise the copper on the surface of the board will be oxidized.

Generally, PCB board should be placed in a dry and ventilated place, and it is necessary to avoid sunshine exposure, seasonal changes, temperature and humidity changes, which will all affect the storage of PCB board. Especially the humidity, it has a great impact on PCB function, which will attack the metal on the hole wall surface and affect the welding effect.

PCB manufacturers generally purchase vacuum packaging and put a desiccant in the packaging. If the board is not used temporarily, it may not be unpacked for better storage. For those that have been oxidized, if need to be reused, they can be returned to the manufacturer for baking, reprocessing, etc. before use.