Shipping Delicate Electronic Equipment

The modern world just couldn’t function without computers, digital communication, and other technologies that depend on electronics. However, even though we’ve mastered the art of instantaneous global communication, our electronic devices still need to get from one place to another physically. Until we develop Star Trek-style transporter technology, we will have to ship our electronic equipment.

Electronics are essential to many industries, from entertainment to manufacturing to modern medicine. Even though microchips are tiny and computers are getting smaller all the time, some electronic devices are bulky, heavy, and awkwardly shaped. Keeping our delicate electronic equipment protected while we transport it from one location to the next requires special considerations.

The Enemies of Electronics

Electronics have certain mortal enemies. If we want to keep our electronics safe during shipping, we need packaging to protect them from these four hazards:

1.      Water

Water conducts electricity. Even a small electric shock can ruin a microchip permanently. It gets worse: Water can carry dissolved minerals and other impurities that may continue to damage electronics even after the water evaporates. We use specialized shipping cases with waterproof gaskets to protect electronic equipment from this hazard.

2.      Vibration

Manufacturers must place microchips and other electronic components with extreme precision. If something slips just a few micrometers out of position, a once-useful piece of high technology can instantly become an expensive doorstop. Custom electronics cases are typically lined with foam to cushion the vibration that is an inevitable part of shipping. Particularly delicate items are packed in multilayer cases that isolate the equipment with springs.

3.      Static Electricity

Anyone who has ever shocked their finger on a doorknob has experienced static electricity. This phenomenon is little more than an inconvenience to a person, but it can be a death sentence to a microchip. Many electronic devices are built with metal and plastic—the former conducts electricity, and the latter may naturally develop a negative electrical charge over time. This could be a recipe for disaster. Manufacturers and shippers alike must take special precautions to ensure that any stray electricity is directed away from delicate electronic components.

4.      Dust

Electronic components are tiny. A single microchip the size of your fingertip can hold millions of transistors and other electronic components. Even a single grain of dust can dwarf these components and cause irreversible damage. During shipping, we can seal electronics with layers of plastic and tape. However, many electronics require air for cooling during operation–in this case, we use filters to clean the air before it enters a computer.

5.      Temperature

Electronics are sensitive to temperature changes while operating. Temperature is less of a concern during shipping, but extreme temperatures and temperature changes may damage electronics in transit. Any number of things can harm delicate electronic equipment without protection, but Wilson Case is here to keep them all at bay. Our customized computer and electronics shipping cases will make sure all of your chips and chassis arrive intact.