Technical Library | 2023-07-04 17:31:22.0
Conformal Coatings are polymeric materials used to protect circuitry, parts, and related components. They are most commonly used to protect printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic devices. However, conformal coatings can be applied to a wide variety of materials, including metal, plastic, silicone, ceramics, glass, and even paper. We use the term "substrate" to refer to an object or material that's been coated with a conformal coating.
Technical Library | 2015-08-18 17:48:53.0
Why Selectively Conformal Coat the Electronic Assembly? Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are employed in a variety of products and devices, and this means that it might be necessary for your PCBs to be moisture resistant. It is important to choose the right type of conformal coating so you need not worry about the durability of your product. Fortunately, there are several options available that can help, and you can even use selective conformal coating robots to provide proper application of the coating.
Technical Library | 2007-08-28 20:18:06.0
A conformal coating is defined as a thin polymeric material which covers the surface of an electronic assembly. These coatings are used to provide an electrically insulative and environmentally protective seal or cover to a completed printed circuit board (PCB).
Technical Library | 2012-01-05 18:40:07.0
Conformal coating is applied to circuit cards to provide a dielectric layer on an electronic board. This layer functions as a membrane between the board and the environment. With this coating in place, the circuit card can withstand more moisture by incre
Technical Library | 2015-10-22 17:37:28.0
The objective of this study is to evaluate conformal coatings for mitigation of tin whisker growth. The conformal coatings chosen for the experiment are acrylic, polyurethane and parylene. Also included in this paper are tin whisker inspection results of tin-plated braiding and wire that was exposed to an environment of 50°C with 50% relative humidity for over five years.
Technical Library | 2013-10-13 10:22:48.0
There are numerous factors which directly affect the conformal coating process to greater or lesser degrees. Those which have major impacts irrespective of the substrate / PCB and assemblies include choice of coating material and method of application. Whether conformal coating boards by dip, robot, batch spray or brush methods the viscosity of the coating is a critical factor in the overall process control.
Technical Library | 2015-07-21 13:50:37.0
Achieving an even coat at the right desired thickness is a major challenge when it comes to applying conformal coating to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Applying a coating too thin will ultimately render the electronic assembly vulnerable to potential environmental risks therefore defeating the purpose of the coating. Apply the coat too thick, and it could leave the electronic specific components non-functional therefore destroying the electronic assembly entirely. Coating thickness must meet quality specifications. Measurements for coating thickness may be taken while film is dry or wet. Once measurements are recorded, thickness is compared to quality specifications and fluid dispensing automation machinery is calibrated as necessary. There are a handful of methods for measuring conformal coating thickness that are commonly used in the Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) and Original Electronic Manufacturer (OEM) industries. A few commonly used methods for checking conformal coating thickness include:
Technical Library | 2017-06-01 17:12:08.0
The corrosion of Nickel-Palladium-Gold (Ni-Pd-Au) finish terminals in humid environments is known to be reduced with the application of a conformal coating such as acrylic. Corrosion has a higher rate of occurrence around the terminal ‘knee’ of a surface mount component, which may be reduced with the application of conformal coatings. Although radio frequency (RF) plasma processing is generally known to enhance conformity of conformal coating to surfaces through ionic bombardment, the effect on the functionality of assembled printed circuit boards (PCB) is not as well known. The purpose of this study is to assess whether RF plasma processing can enhance the adhesive and coverage qualities of an acrylic conformal coating on PCBs, specifically on Ni-Pd-Au terminals with a knee, and if plasma processing has an effect on the electrical functionality of components and fully assembled PCB.
Technical Library | 2013-10-13 10:29:59.0
When investigating the option of a selective conformal coating process it is crucial to consider the right robotic system and valve combination for the material and circuit board that you wish to coat. To fail to do this can lead to difficult process problems in the production line. This article reviews the various valves available and how they can be used with the typical conformal coating materials in the market and highlights some of the key considerations.
Technical Library | 2013-11-06 06:39:05.0
The set up of a turnkey conformal coating production line or facility, whether it is a batch or inline process, has many similar characteristics. Whether the coating application is based around a high volume selective coating robot, a batch dip coating system or a spray booth, the process requirements tend to be the same. This bulletin reviews the potential needs of the facility, including the process controls, environmental needs and health and safety issues and provides some starting points for a new facility.
