Intro to Board to Board Connector Series Part 8
Packaging Options
Packaging is critical for its ability to protect goods during transportation and allow the receiver to open at ease
There are various packaging options for Board-to-Board connectors
- Bulk (PE bag or small box)
- Tray
- Tube
- Tape and reel (T&R)
- Tube with pick and place (P&P) Cap or Kapton tape
- Tape and reel (T&R) with pick and place (P&P) Cap or Kapton tape
- Custom packaging
Starting with bulk, this is the cost-effective and convenient as it is usually packaged in either a PE bag or a small box. However, this is only recommended for prototype purpose as parts are loose in bulk packaging. Tray offers better protection than bulk and is usually for larger Board-to-Board connectors that cannot fit well in a tube or tape and reel. Both tube and tape and reel are preferred for automatic assembly line which utilize a pick and place machine to efficiently populate PCBs with the components. In addition, connectors with an uneven surface will need a cap or Kapton tape to allow the pick and place machine grab the parts.