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Introduction
In this page, we will thoroughly dissect the crucial aspects that one should know about PCB Baking. As an expert in this field with over twelve years of experience, we have collected important data about PCB Baking that will help us understand its concept.
Typically, PCB Baking is recognized to be a powerful module in the electronics industry. Furthermore, it is often conducted following to printing, soldering, and curing process. However, not every board necessitates this process; we’ll know why later.
In terms of applications, they have varying temperatures depending on the board type and other factors, including their purpose and desired operation, since different products necessitate particular baking techniques. Hence, it cannot be performed by anyone without extensive knowledge and experience in the industry.
Consequently, to help our readers further understand the concept of PCB Baking, we will comprehensively discuss its definition, various reasons to bake, its procedure, necessity, importance, and objectives. At the end of the article, we guarantee that our readers will gain enough information that will assist them in grasping PCB Baking.
Introduction to PCB Baking
What is PCB Baking?
Essentially, the purpose of Baking is to eradicate the moisture from the freshly produced circuit board. It is conducted to prevent that particular moisture from getting confined into the board that the laminate material could absorb in the panel.
If the moisture isn’t treated, vapor or steam forming could expand, damaging the circuit and leading to system failure. Hence, conducting PCB Baking is essential if the situation calls for it. However, the absorption rate of the board will solely depend on the laminate material on it.
Depending on the purpose, the temperature during the PCB baking process ranges from 100°C to 110°C, while there are some circumstances where it can reach 130°C. It is essential to select the appropriate temperature since it could lead to overheating, which may damage the board. As a result, it is recommended to reach out to a trusted manufacturer to perform this process, like PCBTok.
In-depth Discussion About PCB Baking Concept
Why is PCBs Baked?
In essence, baking a PCB is done for three (3) principal factors. Firstly, drying the board with humidity to prevent PCB delamination and anaerobic decomposition. Second, to lengthen the life of the circuit board. Finally, it is incorporated to enhance the efficiency and performance of the board that can withstand any applications.
As we all know, moisture has countless ways to damage the PCB. Some of the failures it causes are epoxy glass cracks and layer separation. It can also raise the delay time due to slowing the circuit speed. If these situations aren’t adequately addressed, the overall device will lead to failure, thus, resulting in a malfunctioning device.
In addition to the previously mentioned factors, another one is to prevent the boards from delaminating while being soldered. It happens when humidity accumulates in fractures or at the epoxy/laminate interface in multi-layer boards that aren’t adequately attached. Even during the soldering process, the dampness transforms into steam, which puts strain and may trigger the object to collapse. One of the most frequent sources of delamination is dampness, and pre-baking the board before welding can lessen this causation. Ultimately, soldering must be performed after the PCB has been processed if you wish for it to function effectively.
Is it Necessary to Bake PCBs?
As stated, PCB Baking isn’t always necessary for every circuit board; however, many experts suggest performing this action to prevent moisture that could potentially harm the circuit board. If you decide to go for it, the PCB Baking is performed before commencing the PCB Designing Manufacturing process. In that way, we can achieve better results.
In addition, it is thought that the PCB Design has a higher propensity to influence the potential for dampness. As a result, it is advised that PCB Lamination be carried out in a temperature-controlled environment. Usually, the board will frequently become parched during this stage. Apart from that, it is highly advised to consider the material that will be incorporated into the circuit board as they are the most affected by moisture and baking. For instance, FR4 is susceptible to delamination during reflow soldering because it is hygroscopic. Contrarily, baking does not affect the polyimide polymers used in Flexible and Rigid-Flex PCBs. Hence, performing baking with this laminated material doesn’t help.
Before beginning to bake any circuit board, it is essential to comprehend the elements, the quality of circuit manufacturing, the processing parameters, and all other aspects of the board. Having said that, baking is a fantastic way to remove any dampness or impurities from a PCB. Also, PCB’s lifespan can be extended using this technique.
PCB Baking Process
In performing PCB Baking, there are a lot of factors to consider before actually doing it. That way, one can assess whether the board is eligible for Baking. First, the board doesn’t need to be baked if made correctly and shut tight for two (2) months. A board can be made in five (5) days without baking. In order to bake the board, specific procedures must be done if it is exposed and placed within a particular moisture content.
During the event that the board has been stored for five to sixty days, it is recommended to bake them for two (2) hours. Similarly, if the board has been covered for two to six months, the baking time is still at two (2) hours. On the other hand, if the board has been stored for six to twelve months, the baking time is at four (4) hours. Ultimately, baking is no longer used if the board has already exceeded the twelve months.
Apart from the mentioned factors and processes, there are other ways to perform PCB Baking according to their PCB Thickness and Substances.
- If the thickness is at 1.0 mm, the recommended baking time would be at a minimum of two (2) hours, and its temperature should be set at 120°C.
- If the thickness is at 1.8 mm, the recommended baking time would be at a minimum of four (4) hours, and its temperature should be set at 120°C.
- If the thickness is at 4.0 mm, the recommended baking time would be at a minimum of six (6) hours, and its temperature should be set at 120°C.
- If the board’s material involves Polyimide, all its thicknesses are subjected to baking at a minimum time of six (6) hours and a temperature of 135°C.
All of the mentioned processes and phases in conducting the PCB Baking procedure are essential in achieving a quality and optimum performing circuit board.
Troubleshooting Circuit Board with PCB Baking
Importance of PCB Baking
As regarded the importance of PCB Baking has been countlessly mentioned in the previous phases of this article. In essence, the significance of PCB Baking is pretty straightforward; however, we’ll still dissect its concept in this sector.
First, it aids in preventing outgassing and condensation that forms in areas when copper plating is covered. Additionally, it lessens board delamination while soldering. Apart from this mentioned importance, it can significantly enhance the circuit board’s quality, lifespan, and performance if decided to apply and perform PCB Baking.
If the desired application is located in a humid environment, it is highly recommended to conduct PCB Baking to lengthen its service life during its operation. Apart from that, if the material utilized in the board is prone to moisture absorption, it is advisable to conduct PCB Baking. In that way, we can prevent the board from seeping water, potentially leading the circuit board to damage and failure.
Overall, PCB Baking has been an excellent solution for moisture-related concerns in electronic devices; hence, it must be performed thoroughly by a certified and trusted manufacturer to attain a remarkable outcome.
Why is PCB Baking Essential?
When to Bake PCBs and their Objectives
One of the frequently asked questions in the industry is the appropriate time to utilize PCB Baking. Hence, we will thoroughly discuss it. The interior of PCBs, a slender board constructed of conventional FR4 Polyimide technology, has a solid propensity for collecting humidity from the surrounding atmosphere. Furthermore, compared to 1% for traditional FR4 materials, the constitution of polyimide films acquires around 3% of wetness from the atmosphere. Thus, it is highly essential to baking PCBs with this particular material substance.
It is simple to understand the PCB baking principles, which is to reduce the moisture content from the board by baking it at a given temperature and for a predetermined amount of time. In that way, we can prevent the concerns and failures brought by humidity to the device.
Conclusion
To wrap up, PCB Baking has significantly contributed to the electronics industry in eliminating the possible causes of circuit failure. Although its concept and principle are relatively simple, it doesn’t mean that anyone can perform this process; there are specific guidelines to follow to perfect the procedure and to attain flawlessly working output.
We at PCBTok, have gained a tremendous amount of respect across the globe due to our exceptional service and products; we can assure you that if you decide to perform PCB Baking with us, you’ll get the hundred percent worth of the price you’ll pay for us. We only want the best for our consumers; hence, we do not settle for mediocrity in working with our customer’s specifications; we consistently surpass their expectations.
What are you hesitating for? Have your PCBs Baked with us today! Kindly contact us to assist you right away! We are always available around the clock, day and night, to accommodate all of your requirements.