We perform very low volume / high mix Class 3 PCB assembly. Our PCB assemblies include both ceramic and plastic parts. Our plastic parts come on tape and reel, as well as matrix trays, (or, if people get sloppy, loose in an ESD bag...). I understand the Level 1 - 6 ratings for plastic parts with respect to moisture absorption. Now I am looking for an effective means of implementing controls in my factory. Two possible options are as follows. Both have serious drawbacks. I am looking for a sanity check as to how others in this situation have approached the challenge. 1) BAKE EVERYTHING BEFORE USE: a) What is the effect on tape and reel parts? (Will plasticizers in tape degrade solderability? Will the adhesive on the release strip be adversely effected?) b) How many times can you bake out a part before you do more harm than good (solderability, etc)? c) What a nuisance to pull every reel off the machine for rebaking... Plus the cycle time... 2) KEEP EVERYTHING DRY: a) Everything should be coming in sealed in bags. I can keep them that way until they hit the floor. But once on the machine, it will be a nuisance to track each part for how much exposure they have had. b) Since I will never use a whole reel in my low volume process run, I could pull the reel after the run and place back into a desiccator box. Again, tracking and labor... What is the rest of the industry doing here? Thanks, Michael Lang *************************************************************************** * TechNet mail list is provided as a service by IPC using SmartList v3.05 * *************************************************************************** * To subscribe/unsubscribe send a message <to: [log in to unmask]> * * with <subject: subscribe/unsubscribe> and no text in the body. * *************************************************************************** * If you are having a problem with the IPC TechNet forum please contact * * Dmitriy Sklyar at 847-509-9700 ext. 311 or email at [log in to unmask] * ***************************************************************************