Electronics & Clean Room Packaging

How to Choose Electronics and Clean Room Packaging Equipment

Electronic components are sensitive to moisture, oxygen and static charge. Packaging them means sealing the right bag, removing air and moisture, and doing it the same way every time. These are the points to check.

Dry packaging with vacuum and nitrogen

Moisture-sensitive components such as trays, tape and reel, tubes and SMD shipping containers are packed in moisture-barrier bags. A nozzle vacuum sealer such as the AmeriVacS AVN evacuates the bag, flushes it with nitrogen or another inert gas and seals it in one pedal stroke. The AmeriVacS AVS-20 is the vacuum-only version.

Bag types

AmeriVacS nozzle sealers seal clear, foil (Mylar), mil-spec and ESD bags of any thickness the element can seal. Seal lengths run from 20″ to 50″, so large reels and trays fit.

Oil-free chamber sealing

The AmeriVacS AVC-20 is a chamber sealer with a 22″ × 22″ × 4″ stainless steel chamber and a compressed-air driven pump. There is no electric pump motor and no oil, so there is no oil mist, motor heat or vibration. AmeriVacS describes it as clean room compatible and lists electronics, medical, pharmaceutical and aerospace companies as users.

Repeatable seals

Seal quality must not depend on the operator. AmeriVacS sealers do not heat seal until the jaws have fully closed. The AIE A1 Series closes its arm with a timer-controlled electromagnet. The AIE-602CH keeps both jaws at a set temperature for foil laminates.

Compressed air

AmeriVacS AVS and AVN-20 to 35 need 6 CFM at 110 PSI, the AVN-50 12 CFM, and the AVC 18 CFM at 110 PSI. If no compressed air is available, the self-contained CAVS and CAVN have a built-in compressor and run on a 120 V outlet.

Shrink wrapping cartons and kits

For finished products and kits, Maripak's TMC Pro 5844-M combines an L-bar sealer and a tunnel, and the IMPACK PRO 20 side sealer wraps continuously.

Labeling and traceability

Lot numbers and dates can be printed with AIE hot stamp imprinters while sealing, or on a separate label. Plan the labeling step together with the sealer.

Ergonomics

Foot pedals keep both hands on the bag, which is important when you hold a reel or tray in place. AmeriVacS offers a multi-position stand for its sealers up to 35″, adjustable in height and angle.

Delivery

AmeriVacS machines ship via FedEx directly from the AmeriVacS factory in San Diego, California. AIE machines ship from City of Industry, California, and Maripak machines by freight from Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Common mistakes to avoid

A frequent mistake is choosing a seal length that only just fits the bag; leave room at both ends. Another is underestimating compressed air: several sealers on one line need a compressor sized for all of them. Finally, check that the bag material is approved for your components and that your process defines the vacuum level, gas flush time and seal settings, so every operator packs the same way.

Planning checklist

List your bag types and sizes, whether you need vacuum, nitrogen flush or both, the number of bags per shift, the available compressed air and power, and the clean room class of the packing area. With these details we can suggest the right AmeriVacS, AIE or Maripak setup.

Choosing by volume

For occasional dry packaging, a nozzle sealer at one workstation is enough. For several stations or a clean room, compare the AVC chamber sealer and multiple nozzle sealers. For high volumes of finished goods, add an automatic shrink line.

Compare the equipment

Read Chamber vs. Nozzle Vacuum Sealers. See also Nozzle Vacuum Sealers, Medical & Pharmaceutical Packaging and the AmeriVacS brand page.