Does PCB have expiry date? Or long shelf life?

From time to time, clients will ask us is there any suggestion if they’re going to assemble the PCB which have received years ago. Our advice to them is baking before assembly.

PCB Should stay in vacuum package before assembly
Once the PCB delivered to clients, it’ll be arranged for assembly after IQC. But if the PCB isn’t scheduled for assembly just yet, please keep the board as packed condition. The vacuum package could prevent the board from absorbing moisture and keep the PCB in good condition.

Golden Time for PCB assembly after packed
  • So If PCB is packed, under temperature 23 +/-2 C/RH. 50~60%, we suggest assembly within half a year for PCB with HASL surface finish.
  • For PCB with OSP and Immersion Silver surface finish, the ideal assembly time is within a month after packed.
  • And for PCB with Immersion Tin and Immersion Gold surface finish, our suggestion will be 2 months.
Usually, when PCB stores over 2 months, it’s best to bake before assembly.
If you’re interested in this topic, you might find below article interesting as well.

Why long stored PCB shall be baked before assembly.

bake pcb before assembly if stores over 2 months, suggested by ExPlus PCB