Do printed circuit board assemblies need to be sprayed with conformal coating?
03 January 2024
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Printed circuit boards are the foundation of electronic devices, and as consumers increasingly emphasize the quality and durability of their products, PCBs are indispensable for everyday use in smartphones, automobiles, and more. As a result, the manufacturing of printed circuit boards needs to take into account higher production requirements in order to meet various types of field applications, and conformal coatings, which used to be used only for medical and military products, are gradually appearing in everyday household appliances.
1. What is Conformal Coating?
Conformal coating is a polymer film applied to a PCB to protect the entire board and components from moisture, corrosion, mold, etc. Conformal coating is a polymer film applied to a PCB to protect the entire board and components from moisture, corrosion, mold, etc. The conformal layer conforms perfectly to the shape of the PCB to protect all solder joints, electronic component leads, and alignments.
2. Can PCBs be made more durable with conformal coating?
Conformal coating can increase the durability of a PCB. Compared to a bare board without conformal coating, the life of a PCB with conformal coating can be extended by approximately 30%.
3. Does a conformal coating on a circuit board only protect against moisture, corrosion and mold?
No. In addition to the above properties, a conformal coating isolates the board from all external materials, such as dust and dirt. It is also resistant to thermal shock, aging, radiation, ozone corrosion and vibration.
4. What is the process of spraying conformal coating?
(1) Thoroughly clean and bake at 60℃ for 10-20 minutes to remove dust, moisture and oil from the PCB.
(2). Prepare to pass the brush and brush as flat as possible;
(3) Stir and leave the diluted product for 2 hours before brushing or spraying. and apply gently at room temperature using a good quality natural fiber brush. If you use a machine, you need to measure the viscosity of the coating and adjust the viscosity with a thinner.
(4) The board assembly is immersed vertically in the coating oven, not too quickly to avoid excessive air bubbles. Then remove slowly to form a uniform film layer on the surface of the board, most of the paint residue should flow from the cardboard back to the bucket.
(5) After painting, place it on a stand and use heat to accelerate the curing of the coating. If the coating surface is uneven or contains air bubbles, it will need to be left at room temperature for a longer period of time.
5. Do printed circuit board assemblies need to be sprayed with conformal coating?
Not all printed circuit boards need conformal coating, but it depends on the actual requirements.
If your product is often used in harsh environments where it may be exposed to moisture, dust, and corrosion, then it will need to be sprayed with a conformal coating to further increase its durability. If your product is simple and well applied and the product iteration is fast, then you can consider saving some cost.
