Hermetic packaging
Welcome to this guide on hermetic packaging, a crucial technology for protecting sensitive electronics and materials. In industries where reliability and performance are key, understanding the principles and advantages of hermetic sealing is vital. Whether you are seeking reliable solutions to leak-tightness challenges or exploring how hermetic packaging can elevate your next innovation, this guide will walk you through its definition, significance, various types, and real-world applications.
What is hermetic packaging? What is hermetic sealing?
Hermetic packaging, or sealing, is primarily used in electronic packaging to protect sensitive components like electrical parts, optoelectronic chips, and semiconductors in vacuum-tight housings. It can also safeguard entire electrical assemblies and systems or encapsulate electrochemical and pyrotechnic materials. The key function is to block moisture, dust, and contaminants while allowing electrical power or optical signals to pass through.Hermetic packaging refers to both the process and the component formats used. Hermetic sealing, on the other hand, can also refer to the materials such as sealing glasses or metal solders used to create a gas-tight bond.
1/5
2/5
3/5
4/5
5/5
Purpose & Benefits
What are the benefits of hermetic packaging?
Hermetic packages, feedthroughs, headers, and connectors are commonly used to safeguard sensitive electronics and materials in demanding environments, ensuring reliability and safety. They also foster innovation by providing enhanced performance and efficiency for many applications.
Reliable moisture barrier
Hermetic seals provide the highest level of protection against the ingress of moisture, as well as gases, and contaminants. By creating an airtight enclosure, they can prevent dew formation inside the cavity, which could otherwise lead to short circuits, corrosion, and damage. Only a truly vacuum-tight barrier, combined with a stable internal atmosphere, can effectively prevent dew from forming.
Robustness in harsh operating conditions
Hermeticity is often essential in applications with high temperatures, high pressures, or harsh chemical environments, where non-hermetic seals using organic materials would fail.
Long-term reliability and safety
Gas-tight packages enable longevity and safety of components, particularly in critical environments where accessibility for repair or replacement is limited, such as medical implants or aerospace application.
Improved design and cost-efficiency
Innovative hermetically sealed designs can be smaller, lighter, easier to process, and offer better cost-of-ownership than non-hermetic alternatives.
Enhanced performance
Hermeticity can be the key factor in enhancing the performance of enclosed components, assemblies, or systems, particularly for applications related to high-speed or high-frequency signal transmission.
Dive into a video series with neurotechnology expert Claude Clément as he explains hermetic packaging
Examples & Applications
Application examples of hermetic packaging
Explore typical application examples across diverse markets and industries, from automotive and aerospace to batteries, consumer electronics, energy, industrial automation, medical devices, optoelectronics, and security and defense
1/9
2/9
3/9
4/9
5/9
6/9
7/9
8/9
9/9
Hermetic vs. Non-Hermetic
What is the difference between hermetic and non-hermetic packaging?
Although the term hermetic is often confused with airtight, it refers to a durable, gas-tight seal that lasts even in tough conditions. Only enclosures and seals made using inorganic materials like glass, metal, and ceramics can provide true hermeticity because they have near-zero permeation.On the other hand, organic polymers and epoxies are inherently non-hermetic. Although commonly used for certain types of electronic packaging, they will allow moisture to penetrate over time. This can lead to reliability issues or even system failure.
Selecting a hermetic or non-hermetic solution depends on the sensitivity of the enclosed components, safety, performance and durability requirements, and the operating conditions.
Technologies & Types
What types of hermetic packaging are available?
While some terms are used interchangeably, here is a brief overview of common hermetic packaging formats and typical terminology.Hermetic packages, or housings, are larger enclosures designed to protect sensitive components like electronics, sensors, or circuits. The package acts as an outer shell, keeping the inside cavity airtight to ensure long-lasting reliability. Headers, connectors, feedthroughs, or optical windows can be part of a package, allowing signals or power to pass through without breaking the seal. Lids are often used to seal the package securely. Together, these elements create a complete hermetic solution for a broad range of applications.
Hermetic connectors serve as connection points, allowing electrical or optical signals to transfer between devices. Typically, these connectors consist of a male and female part that can be easily connected and disconnected. Hermetic connectors provide a leak-tight sealed connection for systems with components that must be plugged and unplugged regularly.
Also known as passthroughs or leadthroughs, feedthroughs let electrical or optical signals pass through a hermetic barrier without compromising the seal. They are typically part of larger enclosures, allowing signals or power to move from the outside into a sealed space such as a vacuum chamber or high-pressure system. Once installed, they are not usually meant to be disconnected.
Headers are similar to feedthroughs in that they provide electrical connections from the interior to the exterior of a hermetic package. However, headers have an additional mounting surface (often referred to as 'real estate') for component assembly, making them an essential part of the complete package design. Commonly used in semiconductor packaging, sensor, and optoelectronic applications, headers ensure a reliable, sealed connection for internal circuits while providing a base for the integration of components.
Sealing the lid or cover is usually the final step in completing a hermetic package. Some lids feature optical windows or lenses, allowing light transmission while maintaining a sealed environment that is essential for optical sensors, medical devices, and imaging systems. In battery applications, lids can also include electrical feedthroughs that ensure both a sealed enclosure and necessary electrical connections.
SCHOTT Know-How
SCHOTT know-how
With a 140-year heritage in specialty glass and 80 years in hermetic sealing, SCHOTT is a unique partner for reliable packaging solutions.As a global technology group, customers trust our dependable, problem-solving expertise and innovative manufacturing technologies. Whether you need standard or custom solutions, we consistently deliver exceptional quality and value across industries. Explore SCHOTT’s technology and product portfolio via the links below or contact us for more information.
Robert Hettler
Head of R&D Opto-electronics