Conformal coating protects circuit boards from environmental hazards, applied through dipping, spraying, or brushing. Different materials offer varying advantages, and companies can handle coating in-house or outsource to specialized companies for higher quality and R&D options.
Conformal coating is a layer of material applied to a circuit board to protect it from environmental hazards, particularly if it will be used in harsh environments. The coating covers the entire board except for key components to protect it from dust, fingerprints, mold, mildew and other problems. While it doesn’t completely seal the card, it can offer substantial protection and reduce the risk of malfunctions caused by leaks and other problems. Conformal coatings are often used in marine and automotive electronics, as well as devices that may be used outdoors or in extremely cold or hot conditions.
Companies can dip, spray or brush on a conformal coating, depending on needs and equipment. They start by etching the parts of the board to be covered and masking or removing the components that need to be exposed. Subsequently, the conformal coating can be applied and then cured in a warm environment before a quality check to confirm that it is applied evenly and correctly. You can remove the masking and reinstall the components to complete the product.
Silicones, epoxies, and parxylene, among others, can be used to make a conformal coating. Each substance has different advantages and disadvantages that a company can consider when recommending a coating material. Some are more flexible than others, resist temperature extremes and corrosion better, or have other properties that might be of interest to a particular project. The coating should last the life of the circuit board unless applied incorrectly.
Some manufacturers handle their own conformal coating needs during production on their own assembly lines. This can be a convenient decision when companies have large quantities of materials to process or have special considerations, such as the need for extreme confidentiality. Printed circuit boards are proprietary in some cases, and a company may not want to outsource the work if they can avoid it, because that could create a security leak.
You can also work with a company that specializes in conformal coatings to order coatings or to contract out the coating process itself. Such companies focus on this service and can provide very high standards of quality and accuracy. Their engineers are often actively involved in developing new coatings and improving existing products. This R&D can provide customers with more options than they could access on their own.
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