What should be avoided to preserve the integrity of laminate materials in assemblies?

Preserving the integrity of laminate materials in electrical and electronic assemblies is primarily concerned with preventing any structural damage that could compromise performance. Surface damage that cuts into fibers is particularly problematic, as it directly affects the laminate's mechanical properties. When the fibers are damaged, the laminate loses its strength and resilience, making it more susceptible to cracking and other failures during operation or thermal cycling. Such damage can lead to significant performance issues and potential failures in the circuit.

Minor cosmetic flaws do not generally affect the structural integrity of the laminate and are often acceptable in production. Moisture exposure can be a concern, but typically it is more about potential long-term degradation rather than immediate structural compromise. Similarly, while temperature variations can affect laminate materials, they don’t inherently damage the fibers themselves unless extreme conditions cause delamination or other issues. Therefore, the most critical factor to avoid for maintaining the integrity of laminate materials is indeed surface damage that cuts into the fibers.