CONFORMAL COATINGS
WHAT IS A CONFORMAL COATING?
A conformal coating is a thin polymeric film that conforms to a printed circuit board's contours to protect its components. Conformal coatings protect electronic components from exposure to environmental factors. Examples of these factors include moisture, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes.
HOW IS IT APPLIED?
Coatings can be applied in many ways, including brushing, spraying, dispensing, and dip coating.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF CONFORMAL COATINGS?
Several materials can use conformal coatings, such as acrylics, silicones, urethanes, UV curable, synthetic rubber, and water-based. Each has its characteristics, making them preferred for specific environments and manufacturing scenarios. It is important to choose a coating chemistry meeting the application needs.
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES | |
|---|---|---|
| BRUSH ON | Low capital cost |
Labor intensive
Inconsistent/poor quality
Slow/low volume |
DIP COAT |
Moderate/high volume
Fairly consistent coating |
Limited coating choices due to pot life issues
Large masking requirement |
| HAND SPRAY | Low capital cost
Moderate volume
Light masking required |
Operator dependent |
| SELECTIVE AUTOMATED SPRAY | Highest productivity/volume
Most consistent results
Minimizes masking
Efficient, only coat where needed |
Capital cost |