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Conformal coating machine

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#90125

Conformal coating machine | 24 October, 2023

Can anyone recommend machine for conformal coating? I know that it depends on the coating material, but I am interested in practical advices - like experience with existing equipment, maintenance issues etc. Thanks in advance.

- Deni

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#90158

Conformal coating machine | 30 October, 2023

We've used PVA (Precision Valve Automation) for years. Programming is straight forward. Can do simple areas to more complex, depending on valve choices and complexity of what you need to spray. We use a standard pray valve as well as a syringe. We dabbled with their SJ100 valve. When working it's very precise, however it can be very maintenance intensive and expensive. We abandoned it. Overall, the machines are reliable and have very few maintenance issues from my experience.

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Tom

#90165

Conformal coating machine | 31 October, 2023

We built our own coating system by mounting a Universal Robots UR5 to an edge conveyor between a magazine unloader and magazine loader. The robot has a needle dispenser on the head. We chose a needle dispense process to avoid aerosols and complex ventilation. The cell can also be used for other purposes such as mounting a part, performing a test, etc.

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#90167

Conformal coating machine | 31 October, 2023

I have considered this solution, but syringe application is very slow and it's hard to control thickness. It's good for partial covering or applying peelable solder mask. We need to coat circular board ca. 10cm in diameter. Takes a while even with spray nozzle.

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Tom

#90168

Conformal coating machine | 31 October, 2023

That is true; it is not a fast process but it is selective and uses minimal material. Also true that the application consistency has to be checked and sometimes minor adjustments made at the beginning of a run. We have a program that checks for a consistent single drop per valve pulse to calibrate the needle.

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#90245

Conformal coating machine | 20 November, 2023

I would love to see photos or a video of what you built?

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SMTA-64387074

#90333

Conformal coating machine | 11 December, 2023

PVA and Specialty Coating Systems both have equipment that are easy to program and maintain. It is a spray booth so maintenance needs to be regular or you will have quite the headache. We have a conformal coating line with 2 coaters a board flipper and a double sided UV oven. I have gotten the maintenance dialed in to about 1/2 hour per day Tuesday thru Thursday and 1 hour Monday's and Fridays (we only run 1 shift). The biggest thing I have learned is that masking is still needed, we were hopeful we could drastically reduce the masking but with an atomized spray it is impossible unless the board is designed with that in mind. Positive displacement machines are now available instead of an atomized spray so I would definitely check those out.

This message was posted via the Electronics Forum @ SMTASMTA

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#90368

Conformal coating machine | 21 December, 2023

Any update?

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#90487

Conformal coating machine | 24 January, 2024

The equipment of Specialty Coating Systems and PVA is both simple to operate and maintain. Since it's a spray booth, constant maintenance is required or you risk having a serious headache. Our conformal coating line includes a double-sided UV oven, a board flipper, and two coaters. We only operate one shift, so I've reduced the maintenance down to around half an hour on Tuesday through Thursday and one hour on Mondays and Fridays.

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Reflow Oven

convection smt reflow ovens