Hello,
I need some polystyrene film capacitors shipped to me. The problem is the temperature outside currently hovers around -35° with peaks down to -40°C. I can't find definitive information on this type of caps's tolerance to such low temps but there are tempco graphs going down to -40°C. But can the caps actually sustain, without damage, that temperature during a long-ish shipping route (the seller is overseas), or I'd better wait until spring time.
Thanks in advance
I need some polystyrene film capacitors shipped to me. The problem is the temperature outside currently hovers around -35° with peaks down to -40°C. I can't find definitive information on this type of caps's tolerance to such low temps but there are tempco graphs going down to -40°C. But can the caps actually sustain, without damage, that temperature during a long-ish shipping route (the seller is overseas), or I'd better wait until spring time.
Thanks in advance
Unless they were stored in a Finnish sauna, low temps shouldn't be an issue. High temps, however are a real issue! They will melt in a reflow oven!
Operating temperature and storage temperature are different.
Many film capacitors have operating temperature of -40C to +85C, but you should check the datasheet.
If you're using caps with applied voltage in -40C continuously, that could be a problem, but in this case that would more likely not be a problem.
Avoid sunlight and humidity environment, it'll be OK.
Also make sure that your shipment company would pay attention to your sensitive devices not to crack it in cold weather.
Many film capacitors have operating temperature of -40C to +85C, but you should check the datasheet.
If you're using caps with applied voltage in -40C continuously, that could be a problem, but in this case that would more likely not be a problem.
Avoid sunlight and humidity environment, it'll be OK.
Also make sure that your shipment company would pay attention to your sensitive devices not to crack it in cold weather.
That’s cryo treatment on those parts. That’s normally an extra audiophile charge!
Yes that's a shame, I wonder why the makers quit this, not enough sales? Or probably the fact that they are not well suited for reflow soldering/automation?
When I can't find NOS polystyrenes I fall back to teflon, paper in oil and polyprops, in that order. But teflon and PIOs are mostly for HV.
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Indeed and I learned it the hard way soldering one which took a bit too much time at a "regular" temp of 350°C... It litterally melted at the lead/case interface. Now I solder them at 300/320°C maximum.
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Would it be difficult for a boutique manufacturer to roll their own polystyrene caps? Especially thinking of the copper foil type mentioned earlier in the thread. I don't know if the conductive surface matters, but it sounded like it might. Are there different types/formulations of polystyrene with specific audible characteristics that work particularly well?
Temperature range for polystyrene capacitors is -40C to 85C. I've only once experienced -40C, on business in Finland around 30 years ago. It is unspeakably cold, and a bit of a record low in Finland. However, I'm perfectly aware that some parts of Canada get just as cold as that during the Winter on a regular basis.
So yes - I'd leave it until the temperature gets warmer - who knows if the delivery guy just dumps the package on the doorstep if you buy them now.
So yes - I'd leave it until the temperature gets warmer - who knows if the delivery guy just dumps the package on the doorstep if you buy them now.
Wait a minute, that's a business opportunity right there! I just have to throw a bunch of parts in the shed for the winter and come spring, sell them as cryo treated at a 10X premium ! 😎
Polystyrene caps were used in Russian military gear -- they probably can withstand the cold.
Agreed but they are mil-spec while those I plan to buy aren't - although russian mil-spec might not be on par with other countries'
It would be difficult for a boutique manufacture to make any good capacitors. It takes big expensive machines and a skilled quality control department to make good capacitors.