Spraying conformal coating on a circuit board is an essential step in protecting electronic components from harsh environments. However, even experienced professionals can make mistakes during the process, resulting in significant damage to the circuit board.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 mistakes to avoid when spraying conformal coating on a circuit board. By identifying and understanding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your conformal coating process is successful and your electronic components are protected.
1. Inadequate surface preparation
The surface of the circuit board must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before applying the conformal coating. Failure to do so can result in poor adhesion and a weak protective layer.2. Incorrect material selection
Choosing the wrong type of conformal coating material can lead to compatibility issues, such as cracking, peeling, or delamination, and inadequate protection.3. Improper application technique
Applying the coating too thick or too thin, spraying from the wrong distance, or applying at the wrong angle can result in inconsistent coverage, voids, or drips.4. Inadequate ventilation
The fumes from the conformal coating can be harmful to human health and can also impact the curing process. Proper ventilation is essential to ensure a safe and effective coating process.5. Incomplete coverage
Insufficient coverage of the circuit board can leave exposed areas that are susceptible to damage or contamination.6. Contamination
Dust, dirt, oil, and other particles can settle on the circuit board during the coating process, causing defects in the coating and impacting its effectiveness. To blow off loose duster and dirt, Techspray offers a broad line of aerosol dusters. To remove flux residues and more challenging contamination, our line of flux removers can be used to ensure a clean surface before coating.7. Inadequate drying time
Failing to allow adequate drying time between coats or before handling the board can result in smudging, cracking, or delamination.8. Improper curing
If the coating is not cured properly, it may not provide adequate protection against moisture, humidity, and other environmental factors.9. Ignoring the manufacturer's instructions
Each conformal coating material has unique characteristics and application requirements. Ignoring the manufacturer's instructions can result in a poor-quality coating and inadequate protection.10. Inadequate quality control
Failing to perform proper quality control checks, such as visual inspection, electrical testing, or environmental testing, can result in defective boards and poor overall product quality.
For an in-depth article on identifying and fixing common conformal coating defects, check out “How To Identify and Cure The Top 7 Conformal Coating Defects”.
Applying conformal coating to a circuit board can be a complex process, and it is easy to make mistakes that can lead to serious problems. However, by understanding and avoiding the common mistakes we have discussed, you can ensure that your conformal coating process is successful and your circuit board is protected. Remember to carefully prepare your board, use the right equipment and materials, and follow the manufacturer's guidelines. By taking these steps, you can avoid many of the common mistakes and achieve a reliable, effective coating that will keep your circuit board safe from damage and environmental factors.
Techspray Cleaners & Coatings
Techspray specializes in both printed circuit board cleaners and conformal coatings, giving us a 360° view of the process.
Flux removers (defluxers) remove flux residues and other contaminants left by manufacture, rework, or repair of printed circuit boards. Residues from higher, lead-free temperatures are harder to clean. PWR-4, G3, E-LINE and Precision-V flux removers have been proven very effective at removing fluxes baked on at lead-free temperatures. Techspray offers traditional solvent-based cleaners and cutting-edge water-based technologies marketed under the Techspray Renew brand.
Techspray offers SR, AR and UR conformal coating formulas for a wide variety engineering requirements including thermal, moisture & static resistance. All coatings are IPC-CC-830B and UL94 V-0 qualified. Techspray offers a variety of conformal coating formulas for differing field or engineering requirements and is IPC CC 830B and UL94-0 Qualified or rated. Specifications generally depend on the type of protection needed: e.g., thermal, moisture, or static resistance.
Techspray’s TechLab offers state-of-the-art cleaning, coating and analytical services to help customers qualify new products and optimize their processes. Cleaning equipment includes inline, batch, ultrasonic, and vapor degreasing systems. This equipment allows us to better duplicate your production environment for process optimization and troubleshooting.
Contact Techspray at 678-819-1408 or info@itwcce.com for free TechLab qualification testing. We are available to help qualify new cleaning processes, evaluate current processes, or troubleshoot contamination issues.
