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Conformal coating

5 ways to simplify the ‘application of conformal coating electrolube early in the design phase

Mascherpa works alongside its customers and technicians Electrolube to provide solutions as early as the design phase, we believe strongly in co-engineering and believe that this approach allows for shortening development time by reducing costs, bringing greater integration between all stages of the process, and ensuring better product quality.

In this article, Phil Kinner, technical director of Electrolube for Conformal Coatings, takes a closer look at manufacturing issues, particularly those faced by circuit designers in the early stages of a project, and will provide you with some indicators that will help you avoid some common mistakes when applying the
conformal coating
.

1

First fact

Adhesion results with coatings can vary widely even when using what appears to be the "same" species of solder resist from different suppliers, and this can create unforeseen problems. A quick and very effective solution may be to specify a surface energy of > 40 dynes/cm on incoming cards and ensure that each batch is tested and rejected if it does not meet this minimum value.
2

Second fact

Always leave a buffer zone. Coatings are usually liquid and when applied, flow with a combination of gravity and capillary forces present. Whether masking or relying specifically on selective conformal coating, they will be significantly raised in production if at least 3 mm clearance is left between the area to be coated and the uncoated areas. This small buffer will make the production process easier.
3

Third fact

Try to simplify the coating process at the design stage. With the simple placement along an edge of connectors and components that do not need to be coated, the coating application process will be simplified. This will also allow immersion coating to also be thought of as a potential methodology, and this expedient may lead to faster application times and reduced costs.
4

Fourth fact

Understanding the disadvantage in component separation. A large number of elements presents a great challenge to the coating operation because of the capillary forces present, resulting in areas without coverage and protection and, conversely, areas of excessive thickness often subject to, for example, stress-cracking or delamination effects. This could lead to premature failures in the board.
Avoid it if possible!
5

Fifth fact

Is bigger really better? Thicker components present real challenges by creating shaded and hard-to-reach areas. Try to avoid placing thick components next to "must-coat" components to minimize this.