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.
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.
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 mould
By combining a professional ventilation system with the Condair DA adsorption dryer, it is possible to achieve optimal results in preventing condensation and mould.
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
Luftbefeuchtung in der Elektronikfertigung Die Zollner Elektronik AG ist europaweit der führende EMS-Dienstleister (Electronic Manufacturing Services) mit einem breiten Leistungsspektrum von elektronischen Baugruppen über Module bis hin zu Komplettsystemen. seit 2009 ist eine DRAABE Luftbefeuchtungsanlage in der Produktion im Standort Zandt im Einsatz. Besonders wichtig war Zollner bei der Auswahl der Lluftbefeuchtung die individuelle Ausstattung und Regelbarkeit des Systems. Je nach Bedarf können in den jeweiligen Fertigungsbereichen die optimalen Feuchtigkeitslevel inklusive deren Überwachung und Dokumentation eingestellt werden, um beherrschte Prozessbedingungen zu gewährleisten.
Bischof&Klein GmbH&Co. KG, Konzell (Germany)
Less electrostatics, a targeted cooling effect and additional protection against virus transmission are the most important advantages of controlled humidity for Bischof + Klein. Since 2016, the plastics processing company in Konzell, Lower Bavaria, has been using direct room air humidification with high-pressure nozzles.
Asteelflash Hersfeld GmbH, Bad Hersfeld
Air Humidification in the electronic industry Asteelflash is the second largest electronic manufacturing services provider in Europe. More than 5,000 employees at 18 production sites worldwide work for the group of companies headquartered in France. The facility in Bad Hersfeld produces integrated electronic systems and modules for the automotive industry, among other things. Asteelflash is using direct room air humidification to protect the health of employees and for quality assurance in the assembly of PCBs.
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
Luftbefeuchtung in der Elektronikindustrie Das international tätige Hightech-Unternehmen Frequentis ist Weltmarktführer im Bereich der Sprachvermittlungssysteme für die Flugsicherung. Als Frequentis 2006 seine drei Standorte in einem neuen Firmengebäude in Wien zusammenführte, bekam das Thema Luftfeuchte eine hohe Dringlichkeit: Im ersten Winter haben wir eine relative Luftfeuchte von zeitweise unter 20% gemessen, erinnert sich Kurt Feuchtinger, Leiter Facility Management. Eine zu geringe Luftfeuchte erhöht die Gefahr von elektrostatischen Entladungen und Folgeschäden an Bauteilen und Geräten. Bei Frequentis in Wien gehört eine Direktraum-Befeuchtung seit 2008 zum ESD-Schutzprogramm. Über 50 Hochdruckdüsen-Luftbefeuchter vom Typ TurboFog sind direkt in den Montage-, Produktions- und Lagerhallen im Einsatz.
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
The HELLA Group develops and manufactures lighting, electronic components and systems for the automotive industry.
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.
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 &ndash 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 &bull Saves more than 150,000 kWh annually&bull Reduces electrostatic discharges (ESD)&bull Utilises free evaporative cooling&bull Ensures compliance with product tolerances&bull Increases employee well-being System specifications &bull Pumps: MLP 300 with RO&bull Modules: 7 x Princess 2&bull Capacity: 250 l/h&bull 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 Jørgensen
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?
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