Humidity Control for Electronics Manufacturing

Get advice on humidity control for electronics

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.

Standardised 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.

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.

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.

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.
thumbnail

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.

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.

Discover Condair in action

Projects and references

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.

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.

Benchmark

Benchmark Electronics Inc is an EMS, ODM, and OEM companybased in Angleton, TX in Greater Houston. It provides contract manufacturing services. Benchmark Electronics's customers have included Sun Microsystems, Medtronic, EMC Corporation, iRobot, and Silicon Graphics.

Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA, Recklinghausen (Germany)

ESD protection, additional cooling and greater employee satisfaction are the key benefits of in-room humidification at the HELLA electronics plant.

Crystalaid Manufacture

Crystalaid Manufacture is a complex electronics manufacturer based in Brisbane, providing high quality complete solutions across all industries with specialisation in defence, medical and aerospace. Condair humidifiers and dehumidifiers control and maintain the humidity in production areas to maintain 50-60% RH at all times. Consistent temperature and humidity levels allow for quality production of wave soldered PCB's.

Environmental Protection Dept

TERMA

Terma saves 150,000 kWh annually Terma is an international manufacturer of high-tech equipment for customers within the aviation, defence, space and monitoring system industries. Condair's humidification solution provides free evaporative cooling while offering Terma considerable energy savings. Broad product range meets strict requirements Terma requires excellent air quality and accurate humidity control in its production areas, which e.g.involves protection against electrostatic discharge that may potentially interfere with processes and damage electronic components. Energy savings through evaporative coolingAnother focus area for Terma is the company's energy consumption. Terma has opted for a humidification solution with evaporative cooling for direct room humidification - the absolutely least expensive alternative compared with other humidification systems. Wherever possible in the production areas, Terma is gradually switching to Condair's evaporative cooling and humidification solutions, which has contributed to considerable energy savings. In less urgent areas, or where previously chosen ventilation solutions exist, Terma continues to use Condair's steam humidifiers, which represent the appropriate solution for these particular purposes. Advantages Saves more than 150,000 kWh annually Reduces electrostatic discharges (ESD) Utilises free evaporative cooling Ensures compliance with product tolerances Increases employee well-being System specifications Pumps: MLP 300 with RO Modules: 7 x Princess 2 Capacity: 250 l/h Installed: 2013 "An energy seminar at Condair opened our eyes to new opportunities of reducing our energy consumption through evaporative cooling. At the same time, our indoor climate is now considerably better, which of course is popular with the employees." Terma Facilities, Gert Jorgensen

Quotes from our customers

Asteelflash Hersfeld GmbH, Bad Hersfeld (Germany)Felix TimmermannGeneral 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.’
FREQUENTIS AG, Wien (Austria)Kurt FeuchtingerHead of Facility Management

"We don't have to worry about anything and are always sure that everything runs hygienically and trouble-free."
Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA, Recklinghausen (Germany)Martin EnnemannFacility 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."
Zollner Elektronik AG, Zandt (Germany)Jürgen JandaFacility 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."
Preston Sp. z o.o., Poznan (Poland)Filip KarońskiCEO

"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.

Get in touch with us

Contact us

Contact the UK office by phone, email or webform.

Find your international Condair representative

If you're outside the UK, find your local representative.