Electronic equipment is sensitive and prone to damage due to numerous factors, such as mechanical movement, exposure to different frequencies, extreme temperatures, electrostatic discharge, and even g-force. Sensitive electronic equipment is especially vulnerable to external forces.
From tiny microchips to large electronic machines, all electronic items need to be carefully handled and packaged to avoid any damage, which could otherwise be very costly in the form of damages and returns. Electro-mechanical packaging ensures that all electronic products are well protected by taking several precautions, keeping in mind the fragility of the items.
Typically, in-house quality control teams pay special attention to the packaging of electronic products. However, many manufacturing companies hire the services of renowned packaging companies that are known for their reliable electronic packaging services.
Thought Process Behind Electro-Mechanical Packaging
Compared to ordinary products, coming up with an appropriate electronic packaging requires a significant amount of effort and skill-set due to its complexities. Due to a wide range of choices, choosing the right packaging can be overwhelming since the potential for discrepancies between your product and the package is always there.
When selecting a package design, make sure it’s in line with traditional design practices. Expect multiple revisions as the design is created and put to the test. There will be several prototypes and returns until the right electronic packaging design is finalized.
How Does an Electro-Mechanical Packaging Design Function
In the packaging design, different electronic packages are combined to produce a suitable package that best suits the requirements of the electronic item. It’s designed to protect the electronic components from the external forces and the functions of the package itself.
As technology advances, the need to upgrade electronic packaging designs also increases. Modern electronic products are becoming increasingly more complex, and so is the need to develop a suitable packaging design. As a result, it puts pressure on the packaging companies to evolve their designs with the technology.
Technological advancements in silicon IC and photonics have fast-tracked the evolution of electronic packaging designs. These factors help packaging designs adapt to the modern needs of different electronic equipment.
What are the Levels of Packaging Designs
The electronics package designs are divided into different levels that specify the type of components used and protection.
Level 0: protects semiconductors and chips.
Level 1: protects electronic components.
Level 2: protects circuit boards.
Level 3: protects wiring boards and assembly.
Level 4: protects modules.
Level 5: protects general electronic systems.
These levels help manufacturing companies select the appropriate packaging design that best suits their products. The operations become more efficient, and by identifying the right protection level, they don’t have to go through different packaging designs for their product.
Electro-Mechanical Packaging Engineering
To design a customized packaging design for a product, a few things should be kept in mind. Make sure they’re in line with the following:
1. Analyzing the Specifications
To achieve a successful package design, both electronic and non-electronic concerns and specifications should be thoroughly analyzed. The non-electrical issues could stem from functionality, durability, reliability, aesthetics, and costs incurred for its production.
It’s an essential part of designing any package because the design could still be considered a failure if any of these concerns are not addressed properly, even if the electrical components are well placed.
2. Proper Designing
Due to the complexities involved, the engineers tasked to come up with a suitable design need to have the right product design approach to meet the requirements of the product. Only the engineers with relevant skill-set and knowledge should be tasked with the job.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
Everyone associated with manufacturing understands the relation between cost and the value it’s creating. Expensively designed and manufactured package designs, even if they fulfill all design requirements, can slash their value.
Before finalizing a packaging design, engineers and manufacturers involved in the design should go to lengths in search of alternate options for packaging foams and packaging material if the design doesn’t create value. Once the design meets a certain cost to value ratio, only then can the manufacturers proceed with commercial production of the packaging design. Taking cost-effective measures while designing goes a long way in ensuring the packaging design creates enough value.
4. Mechanical Expertise
It’s imperative to ensure all aspects of an electronic packaging design are covered, so there are no loopholes in the final design. Only relying on electrical experts will cause design issues in non-electrical areas. The expertise of a mechanical engineer will help cover all mechanical issues that are needed to create a successful electro-mechanical package.
Packaging Materials
There are several types of packaging materials used to protect the internal circuitry. Some of them are listed below.
Sheet Metal: Punched sheet metal has traditionally been used for electronic packaging. It’s strong, provides electromagnetic shielding, and is an ideal packaging material for small runs and prototypes.
Cast Metal: Aluminum die castings are used to protect electronic systems from extreme environments like underwater, aboard a ship, and in heavy industry.
Machined Metal: Blocks of aluminum can be given different shapes using by machining them.
Printed Circuit Assemblies: For connecting components, you can use printed structures that also act as mechanical structures.
Electro-mechanical packaging is a vast field that isn’t only concerned with the enclosure and protection of the product, not just for shipment but for the product itself. It’s typically applied to both components and end products.
If you’re looking to find a suitable electro-mechanical packaging design for your product or prototype, Connekt. LLC has the required expertise and personnel to fulfill your needs. They provide engineering design services and mechanical design services in Auburn. Their wide variety of services also include custom plastic parts in Auburn.
Contact them today for more information.
Guest article written by: Ryan Decker is an engineering consultant who provides consultancy services for Connekt, LLC. He loves reading scientific journals and magazines in his spare time.