Technical Library | 2020-01-13 09:48:06.0
Is it possible to coat electronic assemblies with a thin, uniform in thickness, pinhole-free, moisture impervious, truly hermetic (by the MIL-STD-883 definition) film of ceramic material that is far more affordable than placing the same electronic assemblies in the currently used glass-to-metal sealed, thick, heavy, metal-and-ceramic-based hermetic enclosures? Since the coating (called a “conformal coating”) would be both hermetic (moisture proof) and hundreds or thousands of times thinner than the currently used enclosures, it would be both less expensive, lighter, and still just as effective in excluding moisture (hermetic) as the current heavy, bulky, expensive electronic enclosures are.
Technical Library | 2023-11-09 08:53:45.0
Crafting an Efficient SMT Conformal Coating Line for Double-Sided PCBA In the intricate realm of electronics manufacturing, selecting the ideal SMT conformal coating line can seem like a challenging quest. The pursuit of a solution that seamlessly integrates efficiency, reliability, and performance is the ultimate goal. In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of a standard SMT conformal coating line, using a captivating visual guide as our compass. The Symphony Of Components In An SMT Conformal Coating Line Picture a finely orchestrated symphony, with each instrument playing a unique role in this PCB coating process. The star performers in this lineup include: Transfer Conveyor: These act as the stage where the PCB's journey begins. Think of them as the entry and exit points for your precious boards, allowing a smooth, choreographed dance through the line. 1st Coating Machine: As the first movement in this musical journey, this machine, partnered with the initial curing station, lays down the foundation – applying adhesive to one side of the PCB. Inspection Conveyor: After the initial curing, our inspectors take center stage, using these transfer stations to carefully evaluate the coating's quality. 1st Curing Oven: This is where the magic happens. The first curing oven solidifies the adhesive applied in the previous act, setting the tone for a flawless performance. Flipper Machine: The flipper machine takes the spotlight, gracefully turning the PCB to reveal its other side, ensuring both faces receive their share of adhesion. 2nd Coating Machine: With a newfound perspective, the second coating machine takes the stage, applying adhesive to the reverse side of the PCB. 2nd Curing Oven: The grand finale! The second curing oven brings our symphony to a breathtaking close, solidifying the adhesive applied in the second act, creating a harmonious, dual-sided masterpiece. Efficiency Meets Dual-Side Coating This SMT conformal coating line is like a well-choreographed ballet that requires at least two dancers. One stands at the front, carefully loading PCBs onto the stage, guiding them through the first act. After the flip, the second dancer carries them through the second act, with both sides perfectly coated, ensuring a flawless performance for applications requiring dual-sided adhesion. UV Curing Oven For Illuminating Results For applications that embrace UV-curable adhesives, our line includes UV curing ovens, adding a layer of brilliance to the process and ensuring an efficient solidification of adhesives. Transfer Stations With A Touch Of Magic Within this symphony, the transfer stations wear a touch of magic – the second and fourth stations feature enchanting blue glass covers illuminated by embedded LED lights. These stations offer operators a clear view of the adhesive quality, allowing for meticulous inspections. The blue glass covers also act as protective shields, guarding freshly coated PCBs from the ever-present dust fairies. Certified Excellence: European Standards And CE Certification Ensuring that our performance meets the highest standards, our entire ensemble adheres to stringent European safety standards and proudly boasts CE certification, a testament to compliance with safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. A Variety Of Coating Machines For Your Unique Needs Our lineup doesn't just feature one star, but an ensemble of coating machines, including models like I.C.T-T550, I.C.T-T550U, I.C.T-T600, and I.C.T-T650. For an encore performance with detailed specifications of each model, please refer to our dedicated article. Additionally, for a captivating exploration of the right coating valve for your adhesive, please visit our comprehensive guide. Single-Sided PCB Coating For those who prefer a single board, our dedicated article on single-sided PCB coating is a spotlight on this specialized process. In the dynamic world of electronics manufacturing, our SMT conformal coating line stands as a versatile and reliable performance. With dual-sided coating capabilities, adherence to European safety standards, and CE certification, we offer a comprehensive platform for your coating needs. Join us in this symphony and explore our range of coating machines and accessories to enhance your conformal coating process. It's a performance that promises to leave you in awe!
Technical Library | 2023-11-22 09:17:49.0
In the dynamic realm of Industry 4.0, I.C.T introduces the I.C.T-T550 SMT PCB coating machine, a pioneering addition designed to meet the evolving needs of modern manufacturing. This advanced equipment is equipped with features that not only boost productivity but also prioritize precise and consistent coating quality. Let's delve into the crucial attributes that establish the I.C.T-T550 as a vital component in your production process. 1. Automated Precision for Coating Consistency The I.C.T-T550 PCB Coating Machine integrates an automated pressure regulation system for both dispensing valve and pressure tank, equipped with precision regulators and digital gauges. This ensures a consistent coating process, optimizing precision. 2. Front-End Accessibility for Operational Efficiency Located at the front end, power supply and air pressure adjustments are easily accessible, streamlining control. This user-friendly design enhances operator workflow efficiency. 3. Durable Material Transport The open-material transport rail undergoes hardening treatment and utilizes a specialized stainless steel chain drive, ensuring both longevity and reliable material transport. 4. Track Width Adjustment for Trouble-Free Operation Track width adjustment is achieved through a synchronous belt drive mechanism, ensuring prolonged and trouble-free operation. 5. CNC Machined Frame for Unparalleled Precision The machine's frame, subjected to CNC machining, features an independent, all-steel gantry frame, ensuring the parallel alignment of tracks and axes. 6. Workshop Environment Enhancement To ensure a cleaner and safer workspace, the equipment features air curtains at the track entrance and exit, preventing fumes from escaping. It also includes a dedicated exhaust outlet, improving overall workshop air quality. 7. Intuitive Programming and Visualization The I.C.T-T550 PCB Coating Machine allows flexible coating path editing through intuitive programming. The equipment employs a teach mode for programming, offering a visual interface for coating path design. 8. User-Friendly Interface with Practical Design Featuring a user-friendly interface with fault alerts and menu displays, the I.C.T-T550 delivers a sleek and practical design. 9. Streamlined Repetition and Data Management Efficiency is paramount, and the I.C.T-T550 offers the ability to mirror, array, and replicate coating paths, simplifying the process, especially with multiple boards. 10. Real-Time Data Monitoring The equipment automatically collects and displays data, including production volume and individual product work times, enabling effective production performance tracking. 11. Smart Adhesive Management The I.C.T-T550 intelligently monitors adhesive levels, providing automatic alerts for replenishment, ensuring uninterrupted coating. In summary, the I.C.T SMT PCB coating machine seamlessly combines precision, automation, and smart features to meet the demands of Industry 4.0. With integration into MES systems, it provides a reliable and efficient solution for elevating PCB coating processes. The I.C.T-T550's adherence to European safety standards and CE certification underscores our commitment to safety and compliance. For further inquiries or information about additional safety standards, please contact us. Whether optimizing coating quality or enhancing factory productivity, the I.C.T-T550 marks a step into the future of intelligent manufacturing. Explore a variety of coating valves or seek guidance by reaching out to us.
Technical Library | 2023-12-06 03:28:49.0
Mastering Precision: I.C.T's SMT Conformal Coating Valves Introduction Of SMT Conformal Coating Valves: In various industries, including electronics, lighting, energy, and life sciences, the SMT conformal coating process plays a critical role. Precision is key, and the choice of a SMT coating valve significantly influences application quality. This article explores I.C.T's SMT conformal coating valves, focusing on the C-0101, C-L101, PJ-01, PJ-01 (with plastic bucket), C-0100, D-0100, D-0300, and the W Series. C-0101 Water Curtain Spray SMT Conformal Coating Valves: The C-0101, a non-atomizing water curtain spray valve, excels with low-viscosity solvent materials. It ensures clean and precise edges in applications like conformal coatings, UV adhesives, backfilling, and volatile substances. C-L101 Rotary Water Curtain Spray Valve: Similar to the C-0101, the C-L101 suits low-viscosity solvent materials, offering a precise edge without splashing for various coatings. PJ-01 Injection Valve (Without Plastic Bucket): Designed for high-precision applications in electronics, lighting, energy, and life sciences, the PJ-01 excels in accurate dispensing and coating. It accommodates various materials, including red glue, liquids, and pastes. PJ-01 Injection Valve (With Plastic Bucket 30CC): The PJ-01, with a 30cc plastic bucket, maintains high precision for complex circuit board applications, offering precise dispensing for materials like red glue, liquids, and pastes. C-0100 Non-Rotating Film Valve: Different from pneumatic atomizing valves, the C-0100 provides precise edge definition without air pressure involvement. It addresses issues related to atomizing drift and fast-drying adhesives, allowing control over the film width. D-0100 Precision Valve: The D-0100, with a unique fluid-sealing structure driven by compressed air, minimizes seal replacement frequency. Suitable for various fluid dispensing, it handles UV adhesives, encapsulating materials, silicones, epoxies, and surface coatings. D-0300 Dispensing Valve: Tailored for precision fluid dispensing at low driving pressure, the D-0300 accommodates a range of materials, including acrylics, silicones, epoxies, and UV adhesives. It's ideal for applications where accuracy and consistency are crucial. W Series: Needle Design Atomization Valves: The W Series offers needle design valves leaving zero residue. Easy to clean without disassembly, they provide adjustable fluid and air pressure for various coating materials, ensuring excellent atomization effects. Analyzing The Options: When selecting a conformal coating valve, consider specific application requirements. C-0101 and C-L101 suit low-viscosity solvent materials, providing clean and precise edges. PJ-01, with or without a plastic bucket, offers high-precision dispensing for complex applications. C-0100 and D-0100 are versatile for various materials, and D-0300 excels in precision dispensing. The W Series offers residue-free needle design atomization valves. Choose based on material, precision, and coating needs. Integration with I.C.T's Conformal Coating Machines: Integral to I.C.T's Conformal Coating machines, these valves enable precise application tailored to specific requirements. Machines like I.C.T-T550, I.C.T-T550U, I.C.T-T600, and I.C.T-T650 come equipped with a range of valve options catering to diverse production line needs. I.C.T SMT Coating Machine.png Conclusion: Selecting the right conformal coating valve is crucial for consistent, high-quality results. Evaluate options based on material, precision, and coating requirements. I.C.T provides tailored solutions for electronic assembly needs. For detailed insights into coating and dispensing machines, follow the provided link. Professional engineers are ready to assist in designing a production line that perfectly matches your requirements, ensuring optimal performance. Contact us for more information and tailored solutions to elevate your conformal coating processes.
Technical Library | 2020-03-09 10:50:17.0
A customer called the Helpline seeking advice for cleaning no-clean fluxes prior to applying a conformal coating. The customer's assemblies were manufactured with a no-clean rosin based solder paste (ROL0) and were cleaned with an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wash. After cleaning, a white residue was sometimes found in areas with high paste concentrations and was interfering with the adhesion of the conformal coating (Figure 1). For conformal coatings to adhere properly, the printed circuit board (PCB) surface must be clean of fluxes and other residues. In addition, ionic contamination left by flux residues can lead to corrosion and dendrite growth, two common causes of electronic opens and shorts. Other residues can lead to unwanted impedance and physical interference with moving parts.
Technical Library | 2019-06-19 11:06:46.0
Tin (Sn) metal displays the characteristic of growing “tin whiskers” from pure tin coatings (most actively on relatively thin, electrodeposited or immersion tin coatings), usually months or years from the initial deposition of the tin. Tin whiskers are electrically conductive, filamentary, single crystals of white (beta phase) tin. These filaments of single crystal tin are usually one to five microns in diameter, and a few microns up to several tens of millimeters long, that grow spontaneously from the tin coatings. Alloying additions of several percent (by weight) of lead (Pb) prevents these electrically conductive tin whiskers from growing. Pb alloyed into the Sn was discovered to prevent the occurrence of tin whiskers in electronic assemblies in the 1950s as the Bell Laboratories solution to the problem of tin whiskers. The alloying of the tin with lead has thus quietly averted incalculable losses from short circuits in electronic equipment for the last 60 years.
Technical Library | 1999-08-27 09:18:58.0
A need to move beyond aerosol sprays and dipping leads to a development that answers tough requirements for controlled coverage, low waste, and environmental restrictions.
Technical Library | 2019-05-21 17:31:39.0
In the field of electronics manufacturing, the end use of the product will always dictate the processes, procedures, and methods, not only for building the product, but also for testing, cleaning, and protecting the assembly in order to assure the level of quality required for proper operation. The need to protect an electronic assembly from its end use environment may stem from anyone of a number of hazardous (or potentially hazardous) conditions. Choosing the type of protective material is dependent upon matching that material’s characteristics with the conditions to be overcome. Naturally, the use of a protective (conformal) coating will require some method of verification to ensure the desired level and type of protection is achieved.
Technical Library | 2020-09-02 14:34:23.0
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a process of creating coatings on a molecular layer by layer basis. Using an iterated sequence of self-saturating deposition cycles that are self-terminating, a single layer can be deposited at a time, allowing for highly uniform films with complete conformality. The composition of the film typically used for coating printed wiring boards (PWBs) is a high alumina (Al2O3) sequential deposition of alumina and titania capped with a corrosion protective titanium aluminate layer, most notably ALD-Cap from Sundew Technologies, LLC. Rework is a process of restoring an electronics assembly to full functionality to prolong equipment life and reduce the amount of scrap. The process typically involves:
Technical Library | 2019-09-27 09:14:41.0
One of the most critical factors in preventing corrosion from occurring in electronics is maintaining the state of cleanliness. This is not an easy feat to achieve. Corrosion is defined as the deterioration of a material or its properties due to a reaction of that material with its chemical environment. [1] So, to prevent corrosion from occurring, either the material or the chemical environment must be adjusted. Adjusting the material usually means application of a protective coating or replacing a more reactive material with a less reactive material. Adjusting the chemical environment usually means removing ionic species through cleaning, and removing moisture, usually with a conformal coating or hermetic package. Ionic species and moisture are problematic because they form an electrolyte which is able to conduct ions and electricity. Any metal that comes into contact with the electrolyte can begin to corrode.
