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 | 2016-11-09 19:22:54.0
Nordson MARCH found a solution for a manufacturer of PCBAs used in ruggedized environments. Read how plasma prior to conformal coating reduced defects and virtually eliminated coating-related failures.
Technical Library | 2016-05-19 16:03:37.0
As consumers become more reliant on their handheld electronic devices and take them into new environments, devices are increasingly exposed to situations that can cause failure. In response, the electronics industry is making these devices more resistant to environmental exposures. Printed circuit board assemblies, handheld devices and wearables can benefit from a protective conformal coating to minimize device failures by providing a barrier to environmental exposure and contamination. Traditional conformal coatings can be applied very thick and often require thermal or UV curing steps that add extra cost and processing time compared to alternative technologies. These coatings, due to their thickness, commonly require time and effort to mask connectors in order to permit electrical conductivity. Ultra-thin fluorochemical coatings, however, can provide excellent protection, are thin enough to not necessarily require component masking and do not necessarily require curing. In this work, ultra-thin fluoropolymer coatings were tested by internal and industry approved test methods, such as IEC (ingress protection), IPC (conformal coating qualification), and ASTM (flowers-of-sulfur exposure), to determine whether this level of protection and process ease was possible.
Technical Library | 2023-02-13 19:14:03.0
Technology Focus: Develop and evaluate nanoparticle filled conformal coatings designed to provide long term whisker penetration resistance and coverage on tin rich metal surfaces prone to whisker growth in commercial lead-free electronics used in modern DoD systems. Research Objectives: Identify the fundamental mechanisms by which conformal coatings provide long-term tin whisker penetration resistance and inhibit nucleation/growth. Correlate mechanical properties and coverage thickness to whisker penetration resistance. Project Progress and Results: Functionalized nanosilica and non-functional nanoalumina enhanced polyurethane conformal coatings have shown improved spray coating coverage characteristics and crack resistance during thermal cycling fatigue testing. Lead-free assembly whisker mitigation validation testing is in process. Technology Transition: Current project partners provide coating materials to industry. SERDP test data will be considered during updates to the DoD adopted IPC standards for coating materials and coverage.
Technical Library | 2013-10-22 07:38:42.0
In conformal coating many components and printed circuit board locations must remain uncoated due to the insulating nature of the coating. The purpose of the conformal coating masking materials is to prevent migration of the conformal coatings into components that need to clear and designated keep out areas. This applies to both liquid conformal coating and Parylene processing. Get this basic process wrong and it can be a big problem, leading to the next stage of either repairing the conformal coating leak, stripping the conformal coating off the circuit board, removing a component to replace it or scrapping the board. This paper reviews typical masking application methods in conformal coating and provides advice on minimising problems.
Technical Library | 2016-10-07 07:28:12.0
In the previous post, we discussed the importance of conformal coatings, materials used for coatings, and methods of application. In this post, we shall look at various conformal coating curing methods, and analyze their immediate benefits.
Technical Library | 2016-06-06 05:25:53.0
One of the most important steps in PCB assembly is the need for conformal coating for PCB. The process of choosing a conformal coating spray is a complex one as it involves a number of confusing decisions revolving around selections and compromises.
Technical Library | 2020-05-21 06:58:35.0
1CLICKSMT has recently installed a conformal coating line for a photoelectric devices manufacturer in Thailand.
Technical Library | 2015-08-20 15:51:08.0
Temperature and Humidity on Selective Conformal Coating It is well known that selective conformal coating on printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies provides unparallel protection for PCB’s. Nevertheless, concentrated conditions of humidity, water, and high temperatures can have negative effects on the conformal coating itself causing it to fail and become inapt for its intended purpose. Taking this into consideration, it is prudent to choose the right type of conformal coating that best suits the application and environmental conditions under which an assembly is likely to undergo in use. The proper conformal coating will significantly reduce the likelihood of failure/rejection, saving both valuable time and money for any manufacturing process.
Technical Library | 2015-06-22 18:31:52.0
Applying conformal coatings to electronics has come a long way since the days of manually coating circuit boards. The extreme accuracy and highly repetitive process of automated conformal coatings is moving the electronics industry towards a more defect-free era for conformal coating. It enables new forms of electronics to become better protected, making it possible for electronics to withstand harsher environments than ever before. The following article is meant to aid in clarifying the advantages of specialty coating systems over manual applications for selective conformal coating.
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