Technical Library | 2017-12-07 10:35:50.0
Electronics manufacturers protect their circuit boards with conformal coatings. Conformal coatings serve as a barrier from environmental hazards and internal shorts, tin whiskers, and corrosion at the board level. Within conformal coatings different material chemistries specialize in shielding from an array of hazards and can be applied by multiple methods. The most common method is atomized spray which disperses the material into a fine mist. Alternatively, non-atomized coating controls the materials' dispense shape while maintaining the original liquid form. While some applications demand atomized spray and other scenarios overlap between atomized and non-atomized coating, this paper focuses on the circumstances where materials are ideally suited for non-atomized, selective coating.
Technical Library | 1999-08-27 09:27:10.0
Conformal coating is a material that is applied to electronic products or assemblies to protect them from solvents, moisture, dust or other contaminants that may cause harm. Coating also prevents dendrite growth, which may result in product failure. This paper will discuss the variables that affect the application of conformal coatings, and review in detail those variables that impact the process of selective coating of printed circuit boards.
Technical Library | 2012-12-17 22:05:22.0
Package on Package (PoP) has become a relatively common component being used in mobile electronics as it allows for saving space in the board layout due to the 3D package layout. To insure device reliability through drop tests and thermal cycling as well as for protecting proprietary programming of the device either one or both interconnect layers are typically underfilled. When underfill is applied to a PoP, or any component for that matter, there is a requirement that the board layout is such that there is room for an underfill reservoir so that the underfill material does not come in contact with surrounding components. The preferred method to dispensing the underfill material is through a jetting process that minimizes the wet out area of the fluid reservoir compared to traditional needle dispensing. To further minimize the wet out area multiple passes are used so that the material required to underfill the component is not dispensed at once requiring a greater wet out area. Dispensing the underfill material in multiple passes is an effective way to reduce the wet out area and decrease the distance that surrounding components can be placed, however, this comes with a process compromise of additional processing time in the underfill dispenser. The purpose of this paper is to provide insight to the inverse relationship that exists between the wet out area of the underfill reservoir and the production time for the underfill process.
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 | 2020-02-18 09:56:24.0
Glob Top, Dam and Fill & Flit Chip Underfill To protect PCBs from damaging outside influences, they are coated with a thin layer of casting resin or protective finish during the conformal coating process. In addition to sealing the entire circuit board, it is possible to pot only sections or individual components on the substrate. Different methods ranging from "glob top" to "dam and fill" and "flip chip underfill" have been developed for this purpose.
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 | 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 | 2013-04-18 16:46:42.0
Conformal coatings are considered a method of providing corrosion protection to electrical assemblies used in high-humidity or harsh environments. They are applied to PCBs for various reasons: to protect from moisture and contamination, to minimize dendritic growth, to provide stress relief, and for insulation resistance. These contribute to more durable handling, enhanced device reliability, and reduced warranty costs. Increased miniaturization of new circuit board designs requires flexible, low stress coating material to protect delicate components and fine-pitch leads. Silicone conformal coatings offer many advantages that address the general trend of ongoing PCBs designs, such as: high flexibility and low modulus to reduce stress on delicate or small components... First published in the 2012 IPC APEX EXPO technical conference proceedings.
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 | 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.