If you frequently work with microelectronics, having a dry storage cabinet in your workplace can prevent possible defects due to contact with moisture. You might be wondering, however, whether purchasing one of these cabinets is the best and most cost-efficient solution to eliminating moisture and ensuring that your electronics remain in perfect condition. Today we’ll dive into the uses and applications of owning your own dry storage cabinet and why it could benefit you.
A dry storage cabinet uses a powerful dehumidifier that condenses the air and eliminates any moisture that could accumulate. The boxes contain a desiccant, or any substance that maintains a state of dryness, such as Silica Gel, Anhydrous Calcium Chloride or Calcium Sulphate. There are many other names synonymous with “dry storage cabinet” including dry box, dehumidifying cabinets, desiccators and low humidity storage. All refer to the same device which helps combat humidity issues with your equipment. Many dry storage cabinets also come with storage bins, glass windows, adjustable shelves and LED controls with temperature and humidity indicators, depending on the model.
Dry storage cabinets are made specifically for moisture sensitive components including, but not limited to PCBs, cameras, lenses, batteries, sensors, photographs, paintings and musical instruments. They maintain an internal environment of 1-50% RH depending on which type of products you choose to store and insure that they remain safe and dry. Without the assistance of a dry cabinet, your sensitive components could become damaged or destroyed if too much humidity permeates their surface.
The main alternative to purchasing a dry storage cabinet is using a moisture barrier bag to protect against damage. While bags are cheaper up front, continuing the supply over time would eventually cost more than a dry storage cabinet. With cabinets, your items can be placed directly onto the shelves without having to be placed in a bag first. This will end up saving you a considerable amount of labor and time. Additionally, there are risks associated with using moisture barrier bags. Improper sealing, punctures and the possibility of using an incorrect amount of desiccant could result in issues and damages to your equipment. Lastly, the cabinets require little to no maintenance and the desiccant typically lasts for 10 years or more without having to be replaced, whereas with moisture barrier bags, you will need to purchase new desiccants much more often.
GoKimco is a proud seller of several different dry cabinets made by Dr. Storage. Dr. Storage is one of the best manufacturers of dry cabinets on the market. Many major technology companies including Apple, Sony, IBM, Philips and Panasonic use Dr. Storage as their supplier of dry storage cabinets. On the GoKimco website, you can find Dr. Storage cabinets that range in capacity from 126L to 1250L depending on the size and amount of storage you need.
Today we’re highlighting the Dr. Storage F1-1200-6 Ultra Low Humidity Dry Cabinet with 1250L Capacity. This large unit consists of 5 shelves, airtight magnetic sealers, antistatic glass and compression handles. Four antistatic wheels create an ease of mobility while a calibration expiration reminder will prompt you when the cabinet needs recalibrating. Most importantly, this dry storage cabinet as well as all cabinets that Dr. Storage offers meets the regulation of STD-033B. Click here to see a list of all the Dr. Storage models currently available for purchase.
]]>
Every electronics manufacturing or repair facility has a unique layout, with its own production line and storage space. Because each facility has unique needs, Kimco Distribuing Corp. carries several dozen storage bins. From these bins, every business should be able to find a storage solution that meets its needs.
Standard Storage
Kimco Distributing Corporation stocks several standard storage bins. These are basic storage solutions, with shelves and compartments in them for easy organizing. Standard storage bins, such as the Lyon 1080 Storage Cabinet, are not fancy, but they are an affordable solution for basic storage. Quantum QUS Series of smaller storage units are a good solution for keeping little items organized.
ESD-Safe Storage
Many of the companies Kimco Distributors serves require ESD-safe storage. ESD-safe storage cabinets protect the contents within them from static discharges. They are designed to prevent microelectronics from being damaged by an electric charge. Both Lewis Bins, Akro-Mils and Dr. Storage make ESD-safe storage bins in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Dry Storage
Microelectronics also often need to be protected from moisture. Businesses that are looking for ESD-safe and humidity-controlled storage usually end up with one of Dr. Storage’s storage bins. Kimco Distributor’s largest ESD-safe dry cabinet is the Dr. Storage XDL-1200, which has a total capacity of 1,250L. There are also several smaller units available.
Space-Saving Storage
In many manufacturing plants and repair facilities, space is a premium. When space is tight, creative solutions like Production Basics’ 8553 Overhead Storage Cabinet or Lewis Bins’ LP1236-CON ESD-Safe Wall Mounted Storage are usually the best solution. Production Basics’ storage unit is ideal for large items that are infrequently used, while Akro-Mils ESD-Safe Shelf Bins, like the 30-210ESD model, are designed for small electronics.
There are many storage solutions available at Kimco Distributing Corp. Whether businesses just need a basic storage cabinet, or an ESD-safe unit that uses space efficiently, they will find it here.
]]>In the electronics manufacturing and repair industries, moisture is a constant threat. Any amount of water can damage delicate components and delay assembly schedules. Protecting against moisture, however, requires much more than a roof overhead and not allowing drinks near electrical parts. Kimco Distributing Corp. provides businesses with dry cabinets to provide comprehensive moisture protection.
When seeking a system of moisture control, electronics companies have three main options. A simple solution for small components is to keep parts in moisture barrier bags, but these have several drawbacks. Moisture barrier bags are limited in size, and they often are left open for extended periods of time. When first purchased, nitrogen cabinets effectively reduce moisture. Over time, however, their seals break down and render them useless. For these reasons, many of Kimco Distributing Corporation’s clients prefer the third solution: dry cabinets.
Kimco Distributor’s dry cabinets use a desiccant to reduce the humidity level in them. When the desiccant has too much moisture and can no longer eliminate water vapors, it is sealed off from the cabinet. A heater then dries the desiccant, releasing the excess moisture into the surrounding environment. With many 3M desiccants and Dr. Storage desiccator cabinets, this process takes about 45 minutes and must be completed every six hours. The specific time and frequency, though, varies from model to model.
When the desiccant is dried, trace amounts of moisture seep back into the cabinet. On some models, the relative humidity rises by as much as four percent. Even with this minor issue, dry cabinets are the best solution Kimco Distributing has for keeping electrical components dry over long periods of time. They are effective, reliable, economical to operate and environmentally friendly solutions.
]]>