Drypack - definition
Drypack - definition
Drypack is a method of hermetically packaging electronic components to protect them from moisture during storage and transport. It is primarily used for components susceptible to moisture absorption, such as integrated circuits in plastic packages, which can be damaged during soldering processes, especially in surface-mount technology (SMT).
The basis of the drypack technique is placing components in barrier packaging made from materials with high impermeability to gases and water vapor, usually metallized laminates. Inside such packaging is a moisture absorber (desiccant), whose task is to maintain a low level of relative humidity. Additionally, a humidity indicator is included to assess storage conditions without opening the package.
Drypack prevents the so-called "popcorning" process, which is the rapid evaporation of water inside the component structure during soldering in a reflow oven. The sudden transition of moisture to vapor can lead to microcracks, delamination, or permanent damage to the casing and internal connections. Therefore, industry standards, such as IPC/JEDEC standards (e.g., J-STD-033), define the rules for packaging, storing, and drying moisture-sensitive components.
The use of drypack is particularly important in production environments with high quality and repeatability of assembly processes. Maintaining appropriate storage conditions, monitoring humidity, and proper handling after opening the package are crucial for the reliability of the final electronic product.
SMT-mounted integrated circuits
Transfer Multisort Elektronik (TME) is one of the world’s largest global distributors of electronic components, electrotechnical parts, workshop equipment, and industrial automation. The catalog includes over 1,500,000 products from 1,300 leading manufacturers. TME’s modern logistics centers in Łódź and Rzgów (Poland), with a combined area of over 40,000 m², ship nearly 6,000 packages daily to customers in more than 150 countries.
TME also invests in the development of knowledge and skills of young engineers and electronics enthusiasts through the TME Education project, and supports the tech community by organizing the TechMasterEvent series, promoting innovation and experience exchange.
