MATERIALS

Storing RO4350B cores and finished boards

Storage controls should preserve surface condition, traceability and the handling requirements of the complete board. Bare laminate and an assembled PCB are different products with different moisture, oxidation and packaging concerns.

ENGINEERING ANSWER

Storage controls should preserve surface condition, traceability and the handling requirements of the complete board. Bare laminate and an assembled PCB are different products with different moisture, oxidation and packaging concerns.

What to decide before release

Maintain first-in, first-out records and protect material from damage and contamination. For finished boards, follow finish-specific packaging and shelf-life guidance from the fabricator. An arbitrary bake can affect finishes or components, so use a qualified procedure.

Checks to put in your design brief

  • Retain supplier labels and dates
  • Control exposure and handling
  • Record any bake or repackaging operation

Important distinction

Avoid publishing one universal storage lifetime for all RO4350B boards; the finished construction and finish determine important limits.

Turn this into a design decision

Record your selected construction, the assumptions that affect this topic, and the evidence needed before release. Use the engineering workbench to prepare a preliminary calculation, then discuss the exact stackup and acceptance requirements with the fabricator.

Prepare a fabrication RFQ →

Sources & basis

Material facts follow the cited source. Design checks are preliminary guidance, not supplier process instructions.

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