A general rule-of-thumb for shelf life 2 years. However, it is best to contact your component manufacturers for recommended shelf life and storage conditions. In addition, many active SMT components are moisture-sensitive, so make sure to follow the manufacturers' guidelines for storage and handling. Greg Kilinski [log in to unmask] ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: RE: ASSY: SMT Shelf Life Author: [log in to unmask] at ccUnix Date: 8/21/96 10:24 AM > > On August 16th I wrote the following question. Unfortunately I did not > receive any responses. I am sending this again in hopes that the people > with good comments are still out there in TechNet land. > > This is a request for input on recommended shelf life for SMT components. > Our company uses small quantities of SMT components but we often purchase > reels of components which will last for quite some time. We currently do an > incoming solderability test and if the components pass we establish a shelf > based on the manufacturing date of the component. What I am asking for is > any advise on what a reasonable shelf life should be for SMT components > stored in a building with 30 to 60 percent humidity and 72 plus or minus 5 > degrees Fahrenheit. The components are placed in ESD bags with a piece of > 3M OAP paper. > > Thanks in advance for any and all comments. I am presenting a paper and a tutorial at SMI, San Jose, this September, which addresses solderability and ageing. Your storage conditions sound fine but whether the components will last depends on their initial quality. Christopher Hunt National Physical Laboratory United Kingdom TW11 0LW Tel +44 (0) 181-943 7027 direct or switchboard 0181-977 3222 ext 7027 Fax: +44 (0)181-943 6453 E-mail: [log in to unmask] *************************************************************************** * TechNet mail list is provided as a service by IPC using SmartList v3.05 * *************************************************************************** * To unsubscribe from this list at any time, send a message to: * * [log in to unmask] with <subject: unsubscribe> and no text. * *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** * TechNet mail list is provided as a service by IPC using SmartList v3.05 * *************************************************************************** * To unsubscribe from this list at any time, send a message to: * * [log in to unmask] with <subject: unsubscribe> and no text. * ***************************************************************************