Sep 03, 2013 
SMART Group, Europe’s largest technical trade association focusing on surface mount and related technologies, announces that it will host “Improving Reliability with Conformal Coating” on Thursday, 24th October at the NPL facility in Teddington, London. The event will comprise a seminar and table top exhibition.
The use of conformal coating has provided benefits to the electronics industry for many years. High-reliability applications, or where commercial products have to deal with extreme environmental conditions, have been the main reasons for its use. NPL’s Electronics Interconnection Team has been leading research into coating materials and their performance with tin whiskers, no-clean flux, moisture absorption and coating adhesions. During the seminar, the team will present its work on various subjects.
The seminar will provide updates on new materials, application processes and inspection techniques. Topics include:
• Coating selection for your environment
• Contamination testing, SIR, IC & ionic cleanliness
• Coatings & dendrite failure in service
• Tin whisker mitigation with lead-free
• Coating adhesion requirements
• Coating inspection criteria & reliability
• Common process defects & cures
The seminar and exhibition will begin at 9:30 a.m. with tea/coffee. The first presentation will start at 10 a.m. with a midmorning break, lunch and afternoon tea. The seminar and exhibition will conclude at 4 p.m. The table top exhibition will feature numerous leading suppliers and will provide adequate time to discuss attendees’ future requirements.
Seminar attendees will receive a copy of the presentations plus access to many of the technical reports and application guides produced by the EI Team on coating and lead-free materials. Additionally, there will be the opportunity to win a special SMART Group training package on conformal coating. Finally, experts will be available to answer attendees’ specific coating problems and/or to discuss boards or failure photos.
“The use of coatings has become much more popular in other industries like telecommunications, automotive and consumer products, each benefiting from increased long-term reliability with lead-free,” said Chris Hunt, Head of Electronics Interconnect. “Why not join us at yet another exciting SMART Group seminar and table top exhibition?”
Cost is £350 for SMART Group members/£600 for nonmembers + VAT for the event. For more information or to register for the event, visit http://www.smartgroup.org/events-diary/.
