Risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Dry air with a relative humidity of less than 45% can lead to electrical charges during physical contact and within machines. Uncontrolled discharges can damage sensitive components.
Benefits
Condair humidifiers and dehumidifiers ensure ideal humidity in electronics manufacturing, preventing ESD damage, protecting product quality, reducing dust and improving employee health.
Reduce electrostatics (ESD)
Additional air humidification reduces electrostatic charges and protects sensitive components.
Standardized soldering
Controlled humidity protects against faulty soldering processes and solder joints.
Moisture damage protection (MSD)
Protection of moisture-sensitive components (MSD) during storage and in the manufacturing process.
Humidity Control for Electronics Manufacturing
Humidification protects the electronics industry
Additionally air humidification protects electronic components from electrostatic discharge (ESD), which can cause up to 25% of all malfunctions. A controlled humidity between 40% and 60% relative humidity are optimal, as they increase the conductivity of air and surfaces, thus allowing the static charge to leak to earth and preventing ESD damage.
Optimal humidity also ensures the quality of printing of the PCB, bonding and soldering processes in electronics manufacturing and guarantees reliable test results. If the humidity is too low, for example, the solder paste can dry too quickly, which impairs the strength of the solder joint and jeopardises the quality of the end product. In addition, optimum air humidity binds dust, improves the indoor climate, increases well-being and protects the health of employees from mucous membrane irritation and infections. Precise humidification therefore makes a significant contribution to process reliability, product quality and health protection.
Optimal humidity also ensures the quality of printing of the PCB, bonding and soldering processes in electronics manufacturing and guarantees reliable test results. If the humidity is too low, for example, the solder paste can dry too quickly, which impairs the strength of the solder joint and jeopardises the quality of the end product. In addition, optimum air humidity binds dust, improves the indoor climate, increases well-being and protects the health of employees from mucous membrane irritation and infections. Precise humidification therefore makes a significant contribution to process reliability, product quality and health protection.
Dehumidification for electronic manufacturing
Condair dehumidifiers also protect sensitive components, circuit boards and machines in the electronics industry from moisture damage. Moisture-sensitive components (MSDs) in particular place special demands on air humidity control. Even slight deviations from the optimum humidity level can lead to internal condensation, corrosion or short circuits.
Dehumidification protects MSDs from these risks and maintains their functionality. In the manufacture of printed circuit boards. The viscosity of the photoresist is crucial for the precise placement of the conductor tracks. Excessive humidity reduces viscosity, thereby affecting the thickness of the applied coating and potentially leading to faulty conductor tracks. In soldering processes, excessive humidity can also reduce the viscosity of the solder paste to such an extent that it flows away from its intended position.
Dehumidification protects MSDs from these risks and maintains their functionality. In the manufacture of printed circuit boards. The viscosity of the photoresist is crucial for the precise placement of the conductor tracks. Excessive humidity reduces viscosity, thereby affecting the thickness of the applied coating and potentially leading to faulty conductor tracks. In soldering processes, excessive humidity can also reduce the viscosity of the solder paste to such an extent that it flows away from its intended position.
Energy-efficient cooling in the electronics industry
In the electronics industry, machine waste heat and high process densities generate considerable heat loads that alter the indoor climate and jeopardise process stability. Adiabatic evaporative cooling offers an effective way of cooling production areas efficiently and in an energy-saving manner. Controlled evaporation of water removes heat from the air without sensitive components or materials being affected by direct moisture.
Evaporative cooling improves thermal stability in production rooms and prevents temperature-related quality fluctuations in the processing of solder pastes, photoresists and adhesives. The technology supports a constant ambient temperature, reduces thermal stress and at the same time improves the indoor climate for employees – a benefit for productivity, well-being and health.
Evaporative cooling improves thermal stability in production rooms and prevents temperature-related quality fluctuations in the processing of solder pastes, photoresists and adhesives. The technology supports a constant ambient temperature, reduces thermal stress and at the same time improves the indoor climate for employees – a benefit for productivity, well-being and health.
ESD Protection
At a relative humidity of between 40 and 60%, electrostatic charges can dissipate without causing damage due to the increased conductivity of the air and materials.
Use Cases
Precise humidity control protects against ESD, prevents condensation and ensures an optimal, healthy indoor climate in electronics manufacturing through evaporative cooling.
Anti-static and ESD prevention
Low humidity increases static build-up because dry air is an insulator, making electrostatic discharge (ESD) more likely. Maintaining 40–60% relative humidity helps dissipate charges and significantly reduces ESD risk.
Prevent condensation and mold
By combining a professional ventilation system with the Condair DA adsorption dryer, it is possible to achieve optimal results in preventing condensation and mold.
In-duct evaporative cooling
Condair in-duct evaporative cooling provides adiabatic cooling and humidification in AHUs, reducing cooling load and energy use for data centres, HVAC and industry.
Discover Condair in action
Zollner Elektronik AG, Zandt (Germany)
Zollner Elektronik AG is Europe's leading EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) service provider with a wide range of services from electronic assemblies to modules and complete systems. A DRAABE in-room humidification system has been in use in production at the Zandt site since 2009.
Bischof+Klein SE & Co. KG, Konzell (Germany)
Less electrostatic charge, a targeted cooling effect, and additional protection against virus transmission are the most important advantages of in-room humidification with high-pressure nozzles for the packaging specialist.
Asteelflash Hersfeld GmbH, Bad Hersfeld (Germany)
To protect against electrostatic discharge, ensure quality assurance, and protect the health of its employees, Asteelflash uses in-room humidification systems in its printed circuit board assembly.
Cern, Meyrin (Geneva), Switzerland
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading institution in modern physics and nuclear research. It attracts international scientists and engineers to explore the fundamental properties of the universe, notably through its Large Hadron Collider, where atoms are accelerated to nearly the speed of light and collide.
Visitors to CERN can gain engaging insights into particle physics at the Globe of Science and Innovation. This interactive exhibit offers a deeper understanding of CERN's fascinating research projects, while our Condair RS steam humidifiers ensure optimal air moisture levels for a comfortable experience.
Visitors to CERN can gain engaging insights into particle physics at the Globe of Science and Innovation. This interactive exhibit offers a deeper understanding of CERN's fascinating research projects, while our Condair RS steam humidifiers ensure optimal air moisture levels for a comfortable experience.
Frequentis AG, Wien (Austria)
Too low humidity increases the risk of electrostatic discharges and consequential damage to components and devices. At Frequentis in Vienna, in-room air humidification is part of the ESD protection program. The internationally active high-tech company Frequentis is the world market leader in the field of voice switching systems for air traffic control. "For a safer world" is the performance promise of the more than 850 employees.
Avago
Avago's product portfolio serves multiple applications within four primary end markets: wired infrastructure, wireless communications, enterprise storage and industrial others.
Benchmark Electronics
Benchmark Electronics is located in Nashua, New Hampshire. This organization primarily operates in the Printed Circuit Boards business / industry within the Electronic Other Electrical Equipment Components sector. Benchmark Electronics employs approximately 350 people at this branch location. This organization is engaged in manufacturing activities at this facility.
Benchmark
Benchmark Electronics Inc is an EMS, ODM, and OEM company based in Angleton, TX in Greater Houston. It provides contract manufacturing services. Benchmark Electronics' customers have included Sun Microsystems, Medtronic, EMC Corporation, iRobot, and Silicon Graphics.
Cascade Microtech Inc
Cascade Microtech is a worldwide leader in the design, development and manufacture of advanced wafer probing solutions for the electrical measurement and test of semiconductor integrated circuits and chips.
Entrust Datacard
Entrust Datacard provides solutions for financial institutions, retailers other consumer businesses. They empower their customers to create and deliver robust end-user experiences that build loyalty, trust and profitability. With flexible solutions for card issuance, mobile banking, secure online identity and transaction authentication that can be integrated to create powerful omnichannel experiences.
Environmental Protection Dept
Flex Ltd.
Flex Ltd. (previously known as Flextronics International Ltd. or Flextronics) is an American multinational technological manufacturer. It is the second largest global electronics manufacturing services (EMS), original design manufacturer (ODM) company by revenue, behind only Taiwan's Foxconnto original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Quotes from our Customers
Felix Timmermann
General Manager EEMEA Region‘In-room humidification makes an important contribution to optimising our production processes and at the same time has a very positive effect on the well-being and health of our employees.’
Kurt Feuchtinger
Head of Facility Management"We don't have to worry about anything and are always sure that everything runs hygienically and trouble-free."
Martin Ennemann
Facility Management"Air humidification is a stable factor in our quality assurance, both for ESD protection of our production as well as for the satisfaction of our Employees with the indoor climate."
Jürgen Janda
Facility Management Head of Building and Construction"However, the DRAABE full-service concept convinced us in terms of hygiene and operational safety, so that this system is also being used at other production sites. We have a system availability of 99% and everything runs smoothly."
Filip Karoński
CEO"Thanks to air humidification, we no longer have problems with electrostatics, which in the past often led to production interruptions."
Frequently asked questions
Can controlled humidity improve soldering and bonding?
What is the ideal humidity level for ESD protection?
Why is humidity control so important in electronics manufacturing?
Does additional air humidification reduce dust formation?
Why are dehumidifiers used in electronics manufacturing?
Can humidifiers help to reduce process heat?
Get free expert advice
If you want to explore your options for humidity control, Condair's expert sales engineers will visit your site, review your project and talk you through their recommendations.
Alternatively, if you would prefer a call or online meeting, our team are always happy to discuss possible solutions and offer free technical advice.
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