If you’ve ever worked with high-performance adhesives, you know they’re a game-changer for electronics manufacturing. These products, such as LOCTITE ABLESTIK ABP 6392TEA and LOCTITE ABLESTIK ABP 6395T, are engineered for precision, reliability, and durability in applications like bare copper leadframes or Power MOSFETS. But to get the best performance out of them, proper storage and handling are key. Mishandle these thermosetting adhesives, and you might end up with issues like Freeze-Thaw Voids (FTVs) or compromised material properties.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essentials of storing, shipping, and handling die attach epoxies, with practical tips to ensure they perform at their peak.
Why Storage and Handling Matter
Die attach epoxies are thermosetting adhesives, meaning they’re reactive materials that require careful attention during storage, shipping, and use. Each product, like LOCTITE ABLESTIK 2025D, known for its robust adhesion in automotive lid attach applications —has unique chemical and physical properties. These properties can be significantly affected by incorrect handling or storage conditions, both before and after curing. That’s the reason Henkel and all other die attach suppliers provide detailed instructions in their Technical Data Sheets (TDS) to help you get it right.
Let’s break down the key steps to ensure your adhesives stay in prime condition, from the moment they arrive to the final application.
Shipping and Receiving: What to Expect
We ship one part die attach epoxies and encapsulants, such as LOCTITE ECCOBOND FP4450, in dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) to keep them frozen at temperatures below -40°C. The syringes are packed in insulated boxes, typically with cardboard packaging inside aluminum foil bags. This setup ensures the material stays frozen for over 72 hours during transit. However, any damage to the outer box can shorten this time, so handle the packages with care to avoid cracking. Did you know that you can purchase insulated boxes for any other blue ice or dry ice shipping and storage needs? LINQPAK dry ice shipping insulated boxes are readily available.
Some shipments may include an Ablecube, a small temperature-monitoring packet that melts if exposed to temperatures above -40°C. Check the Ablecube upon arrival to confirm the shipment’s integrity. If it’s melted, or if no dry ice is visible when you open the box, contact your local CAPLINQ representative immediately. Damaged packages should also be noted on the delivery note.
Inspecting Your Shipment
When your one part epoxies arrive, inspect the package right away. Look for visible dry ice to confirm the material has stayed frozen. If the dry ice has completely melted or if the package is damaged, the adhesive’s properties might be compromised. Typically, you will also get a dry ice compatible temperature data logger so this should tell you everything you need to know about the temperature throughout the product’s journey. If uncertain, reach out to CAPLINQ with any questions you might have.
Proper storage of die attach adhesives
Once you’ve confirmed the shipment is in good shape, transfer the syringes to a -40°C freezer immediately. Keep them in their cardboard boxes and sealed aluminum foil bags to protect against temperature fluctuations. Henkel recommends this temperature to maintain the material’s stability, as outlined in the TDS. Higher or lower temperatures can degrade the adhesive’s properties over time.
Safety Tip: Dry ice is extremely cold (-80°C) and can cause freeze burns. Wear insulated gloves when unpacking, and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling carbon dioxide gas.
Monitor your freezer to ensure it consistently holds at -40°C. The shelf life at this temperature—during which the epoxy’s behavior and properties remain stable—is specified in the TDS for each product.
Thawing: Do It Right to Avoid FTVs
Before using Henkel’s die attach epoxies, you’ll need to thaw the syringes to room temperature. This step is critical to prevent Freeze-Thaw Voids (FTVs), which can form if the material is mishandled during thawing. FTVs occur when air gets trapped in the adhesive due to improper handling, potentially affecting its performance in applications like chip encapsulation.
How to thaw safely:
Use Insulated Gloves: When removing syringes from the freezer, wear insulated gloves to avoid shocking the frozen material. Handle the syringe only by the shoulder or tip area — never the barrel. Holding the barrel can cause the syringe to snap away from the adhesive, leading to FTVs. Do not handle the syringe by the barrel area as this will shock the fronze material and result in FTVs.
Thaw Tip-Down: Place the syringe with the tip facing down during thawing. This helps prevent air entrapment as the material warms up.
Follow Thawing Times: Thawing times depend on the syringe size:
- 5cc, 10cc, 30cc: 1 hour
- 6oz, 12oz: 2 hours
Don’t rush the process by rubbing the syringe between your hands or using a heating device—this can cause FTVs and ruin the adhesive.
Minimize Moisture: Condensation can form on the syringe due to the temperature change. Wipe away any moisture with a clean, dry cloth before opening to prevent water absorption by the adhesive.
Open Carefully: Remove the end cap at the back of the syringe first, then the tip cap, to avoid pressure buildup.
After thawing, re-seal the aluminum foil bag to ensure the remaining syringes stay protected in storage.
Health and Safety Tips
Working with die attach epoxies requires some basic safety precautions. These adhesives, while safe when handled properly, can cause skin, eye, or respiratory sensitization if mishandled. Here’s how to stay safe:
Consult the MSDS: Always review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for specific health and safety advice before using the product.
Wear Protective Gear: Use electronics-grade, silicone-free gloves to minimize skin contact. The syringe packaging helps reduce exposure, but proper handling of spillages is key.
Work in a Ventilated Area: Ensure adequate ventilation to avoid inhaling vapors or mist.
Avoid Contact: Prevent contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling.
By following these precautions, you can safely handle products and maintain a safe working environment.
Taking the time to store and handle die attach epoxies correctly ensures they deliver the performance you expect. Products like LOCTITE ABLESTIK 8700E are designed for excellent dispensing and precision applications, and improper storage or thawing can lead to issues like FTVs or degraded adhesive properties. By following our guidelines, you’ll avoid these pitfalls and keep your production line running smoothly.
To summarize:
Proper storage and handling are crucial aspects of working with one part frozen epoxies. From the moment your shipment of LOCTITE ABLESTIK or LOCTITE ECCOBOND arrives, to the careful thawing process before use, each step ensures these high-performance adhesives live up to their reputation. Whether you’re bonding dies, encapsulating packages or assembling automotive components, following these guidelines will help you achieve flawless dispensing and curing performance and achieve the stated specifications.
Need more advice on handling frozen shipments? Reach out to our technical support team for personalized guidance.
Disclaimer: This blog is a general guide. Always refer to the supplier’s Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for detailed instructions specific to your application.
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