McDry Ultra-Low Humidity Storage Cabinets: Prevent Micro-Cracking with a Dry Box

Micro-cracking occurs in almost 100% of all surface mount devices that have absorbed moisture and then go through the reflow process. This takes place when moisture enters the IC packages from the atmosphere and causes pressure that expands rapidly during baking. The industry standard for handling, packing and shipping of MSDs states that it is necessary to prevent this cracking through low-humidity storage to insure the usability of the devices. Micro-cracking can cause such problems as breakage of wiring bonds and even corrosion of the printed circuit boards. With our McDry desiccator storage cabinets, micro-cracking can be thwarted in an easy and effective way. We offer a wide selection of desiccator storage cabinets including our MCU series, and our DXU series that maintain a 1% RH level.

Use of Nitrogen is not required with our desiccator storage cabinets. Instead, a powerful desiccant is used to remove humidity from the dry box and under certain conditions eliminating the need to bake some components. Moisture that is absorbed by the cabinet is vaporized into the outside air automatically. The desiccant is then recycled mechanically by means of a heating apparatus so that it involves no replacement and the use of a natural air flow system eliminates the need for a fan. Locking doors that seal keep outside moisture from getting in while a special venting system using memory-shaped metal provides secure ventilation. To prevent harm from static electricity, the dry box is ESD specified and grounded with a one mega-ohm resistor while also providing a solid steel structure to eliminate possible damage to its contents. Valuable Asset for Companies Our desiccator storage cabinets will not only keep components safe from micro-cracking but may save money and time as well. As a viable alternative to baking, MBB’s, and nitrogen storage, the dry box has little cost other than the cabinet itself and electricity. Nitrogen storage requires construction in order to run the nitrogen lines to the cabinet and continuous purging of N2 gas to maintain the low-humidity levels required, while moisture barrier bags need the desiccant, RH indicator, a sealing machine and more manual labor.